So, the Pad Thai recipe I tried tonight was… not Pad Thai.
Not even close, really.
But it was good. It tasted like stir-fry. I’m guessing it probably took me about 45 minutes to do all this… because chopping all the veggies is time consuming (for me).
Therefore, I’m calling this a win and I’m sharing the recipe with all my alterations.
(Obviously I’ve named it “Pad Frai.”)
[con't to A Girl & Happenstance for recipe.]
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
26 in 52: Problems already.
Ok, so as you know (or maybe you don't), I'm reading 26 books in 52 weeks.
My first book, which I technically started in 2009, is Say You're One of Them.
I'm trying to decide whether it's going to be worth the struggle to get through it. The stories are good and touching. Childhood in third world area is hard. The first story was about childhood prostitution and, basically, drug use to numb the pain of starving. The second story is touching on poverty and AIDS.
[continued on A Girl & Happenstance]
My first book, which I technically started in 2009, is Say You're One of Them.
I'm trying to decide whether it's going to be worth the struggle to get through it. The stories are good and touching. Childhood in third world area is hard. The first story was about childhood prostitution and, basically, drug use to numb the pain of starving. The second story is touching on poverty and AIDS.
[continued on A Girl & Happenstance]
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Garden Eggs and Baconbuttercheese Potatoes.
We shall start with the Garden Eggs because [1] it’s a breakfast food and [2] it feeds 8 normally hungry people (or 5 very hungry ones).
You will need:
* at least 8 eggs (I used 9)
* a small container of ricotta cheese ( I believe it’s 10 or 12 oz.)
* 1/2 cup of milk
* 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of pepper (I used more… because I love pepper.)
* 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed (If you put it in the fridge overnight it will ALMOST be thawed by morning. Easier — defrost in the microwave.)
* 1 cup of chopped tomatoes (I used three Roma tomatoes)
* 8 oz. of shredded mozzarella
* a small bunch of green onions, sliced
* 1/2 cup of salami, diced (pepperoni would be good too)
Chop veggies and crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients. Mix all together until evenly distributed. Spread the mixture into a greased 13×9 inch pan.
The recipe I followed said to bake it for 35 minutes at 325, but it was not cooked all the way through. I say set the oven at 350 and check it after 35 minutes. If the eggs look set, you’re probably baked through. To double check, insert a toothpick into the middle, if it comes out clean, remove the eggs from the oven. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
And there you have it, eggs for 8 (or 5 very hungry people).
Now for the Baconbuttercheese Potatoes.
You will need:
* 3 lbs. of potatoes (It says peeled and diced, but if you have potatoes with a thin skin, save yourself and leave the skin on.)
* 16 oz. sour cream (Use low fat to save yourself as much guilt as possible.)
* 1/2 cup of butter, melted (This is why you should use the low fat sour cream… a stick of butter.)
* 8 oz. of shredded sharp cheddar
* 5 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (I used 8. We like bacon and I used low fat sour cream.)
* Optionally, you can have extra cheddar cheese for serving.
Dice potatoes and boil until mashable. Drain the water and add potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Also add sour cream, melted butter, cheese and bacon. Pour evenly into a greased 13×9 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Feeds 8 people (or 5 very hungry people).
You will need:
* at least 8 eggs (I used 9)
* a small container of ricotta cheese ( I believe it’s 10 or 12 oz.)
* 1/2 cup of milk
* 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of pepper (I used more… because I love pepper.)
* 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed (If you put it in the fridge overnight it will ALMOST be thawed by morning. Easier — defrost in the microwave.)
* 1 cup of chopped tomatoes (I used three Roma tomatoes)
* 8 oz. of shredded mozzarella
* a small bunch of green onions, sliced
* 1/2 cup of salami, diced (pepperoni would be good too)
Chop veggies and crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients. Mix all together until evenly distributed. Spread the mixture into a greased 13×9 inch pan.
The recipe I followed said to bake it for 35 minutes at 325, but it was not cooked all the way through. I say set the oven at 350 and check it after 35 minutes. If the eggs look set, you’re probably baked through. To double check, insert a toothpick into the middle, if it comes out clean, remove the eggs from the oven. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
And there you have it, eggs for 8 (or 5 very hungry people).
Now for the Baconbuttercheese Potatoes.
You will need:
* 3 lbs. of potatoes (It says peeled and diced, but if you have potatoes with a thin skin, save yourself and leave the skin on.)
* 16 oz. sour cream (Use low fat to save yourself as much guilt as possible.)
* 1/2 cup of butter, melted (This is why you should use the low fat sour cream… a stick of butter.)
* 8 oz. of shredded sharp cheddar
* 5 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (I used 8. We like bacon and I used low fat sour cream.)
* Optionally, you can have extra cheddar cheese for serving.
Dice potatoes and boil until mashable. Drain the water and add potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Also add sour cream, melted butter, cheese and bacon. Pour evenly into a greased 13×9 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Feeds 8 people (or 5 very hungry people).
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Time is so hard to come by these days.
Hopefully I'll have time tomorrow to share two new recipes with you. One for a baked omelet, one for a mashed 'tater casserole.
Crossing my fingers.
Crossing my fingers.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
PS:
It was nice to be on blogger for a while, but I'm moving on to Wordpress. It's a bit more user friendly and has more options, should I ever want to have my own domain and fight with CSS code to create my own design.
It also has the nice option to password protect certain entries. I like that.
You can find me here. So I'm definitely not disappearing. Just add me to your bookmarks, follow me, RSS feed me, whatever. I'd love to have actual readers.
I'll be cross posting for a little while to make the "transition" smoother in case anyone actually DOES read this stuff.
It also has the nice option to password protect certain entries. I like that.
You can find me here. So I'm definitely not disappearing. Just add me to your bookmarks, follow me, RSS feed me, whatever. I'd love to have actual readers.
I'll be cross posting for a little while to make the "transition" smoother in case anyone actually DOES read this stuff.
Long and rambling, but possibly worth your time? Maybe not, but you won't know until you read it.
There are times when I think, "You know, it could be easier. Maybe even better. Who knows."
But I've always hesitated because it wasn't my style. To give up on something just because it's a little more difficult. There are bound to be snags along any way.
I've never been afraid of difficulty. Utter boredom, yes. Settling, yes. Meaninglessness, yesyesyes.
But never difficulty.
Sometimes though, difficulty reaches a point where you do get bored with it. It doesn't become a learning curve, it becomes something to deal with. Something that slowly loses meaning. Something that becomes your life.
There are a few things on my mind. Work is one. Love is another.
Work is work. I love my coworkers and there are days when I love my job. I have quite a few customers that make me smile. But there is also a visible side of humanity that is arrogant, rude and deceitful. I could do without that. (So, people, please stop lying. Don't be a douchebag.)
Of course, I also need a vacation. Maybe my mini day off will help a little.
Taking classes towards Art History would be fun. As soon as I get my taxes done, I'm going to go online and use that FAFSA4caster tool to see a round-about guess at how much financial aid I could get. Hopefully it'll work. I cannot afford to take on any large sums of debt, even if it is for education. Especially because I'm not sure I'll even end up using the degree in any big capacity.
Art Ed would be cool, but that kind of thing is being fazed out too. Because art's important, but it's not math or science... even though it can be linked TO math and science. Funny how all the subjects they teach in high school are inextricably linked together.
Besides, no one would ever pay for an art tutor at this point.
Sorry, tangent. (Cosine and sine.)
And love. Ah, love. That filthy son-of-a-bitch that keeps chipping away at my mental state. Word to the wise, don't try to make sense of anything. Love is ridiculous. There is no sense in it. It's that word we give to the undeniable urge to make babies and carry on the human race. A human race that we humans will probably destroy on our own because we can't stop fighting. Because, you see, we don't actually believe in love. We like to think the concept is nice.
Except that I do believe in it and I actually do live it. I hold no ill feelings towards anyone in my life (save one person, but she doesn't count because she is the scum of the earth and the opposite of all things lovely). I give up things and feelings I like for the people I love.
Love is wearing me down. Well, the lack of actual physical touch by love. All I've got are words. Words that can build or break an entire empire, I believe.
Physical touch, I've got none of that. Not since Eric left, at least. He was the last person I touched (outside of family) that I could honestly say I loved. And yes, the touching went from sexual to friendly to cop-a-feel to friendly again (haha)... but I know he cared a lot about me. Actually, he cares about a lot of people... his hugs made me feel protected.
Words. Words. Words. That's what I've got now. It was nice to have Eric around because he gave me more than words, even if it wasn't a lover-relationship, it was meaningful. All was good.
"Meaningful" is pretty necessary in my life. Everything I do has meaning. I require it. What is worth doing if it doesn't mean something to you deep in your soul? Life is so short. The earth has been around for approximately 4.5 billion years. We live on it for 100 years, if you're lucky enough to get old. That's a ratio of 1:45,000,000.
That's pretty pathetically short. And if I live to be 100, I've already used up almost a quarter of my time. I might be lucky to see 80 considering the cancer that runs on my dad's side. So really, I've used up 30% of my allotted time. What if I don't even live that long? What if I die tragically young? That kind of thing happens. (Though I can honestly say I'm going to do everything in my power to stop it from happening to me.)
So why should I purposely waste my time? Everything needs to have meaning. Eric was my partner in crime. (Something I ultimately want in a lover-relationship.) Even if we were just watching a movie, it was meaningful because he is awesome.
I also know I want someone who's willing to compromise with me. I'll give up a little if they give up a little and, in the end, it will work out even better than either of us expected. That sort of thing. I want to spend my remaining days on earth not settling for less. I want to be a partner in crime and I want to see places I only dreamed about. I want to be something better. I want to make someone else stronger. I want to shape minds. I want to be a foundation. A steady rock for someone.
But I need that in return too.
I'm ready for that. And I guess when it's ready for me, it will actually find me, hold me and keep me warm.
Until then, I have words. I'll use my flannel PJs and sweatshirts to keep me warm. And I'll hold myself.
I'll make due. Because I can. Because I'm complete on my own.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to look up art classes because they'd make me feel more enriched than anything else.
But I've always hesitated because it wasn't my style. To give up on something just because it's a little more difficult. There are bound to be snags along any way.
I've never been afraid of difficulty. Utter boredom, yes. Settling, yes. Meaninglessness, yesyesyes.
But never difficulty.
Sometimes though, difficulty reaches a point where you do get bored with it. It doesn't become a learning curve, it becomes something to deal with. Something that slowly loses meaning. Something that becomes your life.
There are a few things on my mind. Work is one. Love is another.
Work is work. I love my coworkers and there are days when I love my job. I have quite a few customers that make me smile. But there is also a visible side of humanity that is arrogant, rude and deceitful. I could do without that. (So, people, please stop lying. Don't be a douchebag.)
Of course, I also need a vacation. Maybe my mini day off will help a little.
Taking classes towards Art History would be fun. As soon as I get my taxes done, I'm going to go online and use that FAFSA4caster tool to see a round-about guess at how much financial aid I could get. Hopefully it'll work. I cannot afford to take on any large sums of debt, even if it is for education. Especially because I'm not sure I'll even end up using the degree in any big capacity.
Art Ed would be cool, but that kind of thing is being fazed out too. Because art's important, but it's not math or science... even though it can be linked TO math and science. Funny how all the subjects they teach in high school are inextricably linked together.
Besides, no one would ever pay for an art tutor at this point.
Sorry, tangent. (Cosine and sine.)
And love. Ah, love. That filthy son-of-a-bitch that keeps chipping away at my mental state. Word to the wise, don't try to make sense of anything. Love is ridiculous. There is no sense in it. It's that word we give to the undeniable urge to make babies and carry on the human race. A human race that we humans will probably destroy on our own because we can't stop fighting. Because, you see, we don't actually believe in love. We like to think the concept is nice.
Except that I do believe in it and I actually do live it. I hold no ill feelings towards anyone in my life (save one person, but she doesn't count because she is the scum of the earth and the opposite of all things lovely). I give up things and feelings I like for the people I love.
Love is wearing me down. Well, the lack of actual physical touch by love. All I've got are words. Words that can build or break an entire empire, I believe.
Physical touch, I've got none of that. Not since Eric left, at least. He was the last person I touched (outside of family) that I could honestly say I loved. And yes, the touching went from sexual to friendly to cop-a-feel to friendly again (haha)... but I know he cared a lot about me. Actually, he cares about a lot of people... his hugs made me feel protected.
Words. Words. Words. That's what I've got now. It was nice to have Eric around because he gave me more than words, even if it wasn't a lover-relationship, it was meaningful. All was good.
"Meaningful" is pretty necessary in my life. Everything I do has meaning. I require it. What is worth doing if it doesn't mean something to you deep in your soul? Life is so short. The earth has been around for approximately 4.5 billion years. We live on it for 100 years, if you're lucky enough to get old. That's a ratio of 1:45,000,000.
That's pretty pathetically short. And if I live to be 100, I've already used up almost a quarter of my time. I might be lucky to see 80 considering the cancer that runs on my dad's side. So really, I've used up 30% of my allotted time. What if I don't even live that long? What if I die tragically young? That kind of thing happens. (Though I can honestly say I'm going to do everything in my power to stop it from happening to me.)
So why should I purposely waste my time? Everything needs to have meaning. Eric was my partner in crime. (Something I ultimately want in a lover-relationship.) Even if we were just watching a movie, it was meaningful because he is awesome.
I also know I want someone who's willing to compromise with me. I'll give up a little if they give up a little and, in the end, it will work out even better than either of us expected. That sort of thing. I want to spend my remaining days on earth not settling for less. I want to be a partner in crime and I want to see places I only dreamed about. I want to be something better. I want to make someone else stronger. I want to shape minds. I want to be a foundation. A steady rock for someone.
But I need that in return too.
I'm ready for that. And I guess when it's ready for me, it will actually find me, hold me and keep me warm.
Until then, I have words. I'll use my flannel PJs and sweatshirts to keep me warm. And I'll hold myself.
I'll make due. Because I can. Because I'm complete on my own.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to look up art classes because they'd make me feel more enriched than anything else.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What I've been up to lately.
I realize it's been a while.
Friday night, Dane Cook::
Allison (my current partner in crime) and I went to see Dane. Yes. We're on a first name basis now, ok? It was a blasty-blast. Allison screamed obnoxiously as he came out and we laughed so hard -- even at the two opening acts, which I expected were not going to be as fun as the main act, but they were. They were great.
I can never remember their names though, damn it. One was an Al and the other a Robert.
Of course I bought a $35 t-shirt and a window cling (for each of us).
Tuesday night (aka: last night), Owl City::
The concert was good. Tweenage and teenage girls are such an annoying set though and unfortunately they made up 50% of the audience. Another 25% were their parents and the remaining were faculty and college students.
The music was good. (It was also too loud though. You know how things get real hard to understand, almost muffled, when it gets too loud. It was like that.) Adam Young (I learned his name last night, haha) is a pretty good performer, and I developed a girlcrush on the violinist. Damn, she was just adorable! The keyboardist/back-up singer too.
Actually, all the girls were cute. I wish I was any one of them.
I didn't buy anything at the show because (a) tweens and teens are annoying and (b) I'm so broke, it's sad.
Allison pointed out on girl who was applying blue chapstick to her lips for at least 5 minutes. She was hoping the girl's lips would turn blue. Sadly, they did not, but she did have a bunch of shine all up her upper lip. Shmexy.
A crappy side note::
My credit card bill is not what I'd like it to be. I ate out too much. And Christmas is a bummer. :(
Next month is a new month. It will all be ok. *sigh*
Back to the point of it::
So that's what I've been up to. I took the morning off to recuperate, though I probably wouldn't have needed to. It's nice to be laying in bed in a quiet house. Lovely. :)
I think I'll wait to do yoga until AFTER work. I'm just going to enjoy this quiet for now.
Yes.
Before I go, a photo::
Allison's cell phone takes better pictures than my BB. Fail.
We're still trying to figure out how we look like sisters, if at all.
HOW ARE WE SISTERS?!?
Friday night, Dane Cook::
Allison (my current partner in crime) and I went to see Dane. Yes. We're on a first name basis now, ok? It was a blasty-blast. Allison screamed obnoxiously as he came out and we laughed so hard -- even at the two opening acts, which I expected were not going to be as fun as the main act, but they were. They were great.
I can never remember their names though, damn it. One was an Al and the other a Robert.
Of course I bought a $35 t-shirt and a window cling (for each of us).
Tuesday night (aka: last night), Owl City::
The concert was good. Tweenage and teenage girls are such an annoying set though and unfortunately they made up 50% of the audience. Another 25% were their parents and the remaining were faculty and college students.
The music was good. (It was also too loud though. You know how things get real hard to understand, almost muffled, when it gets too loud. It was like that.) Adam Young (I learned his name last night, haha) is a pretty good performer, and I developed a girlcrush on the violinist. Damn, she was just adorable! The keyboardist/back-up singer too.
Actually, all the girls were cute. I wish I was any one of them.
I didn't buy anything at the show because (a) tweens and teens are annoying and (b) I'm so broke, it's sad.
Allison pointed out on girl who was applying blue chapstick to her lips for at least 5 minutes. She was hoping the girl's lips would turn blue. Sadly, they did not, but she did have a bunch of shine all up her upper lip. Shmexy.
A crappy side note::
My credit card bill is not what I'd like it to be. I ate out too much. And Christmas is a bummer. :(
Next month is a new month. It will all be ok. *sigh*
Back to the point of it::
So that's what I've been up to. I took the morning off to recuperate, though I probably wouldn't have needed to. It's nice to be laying in bed in a quiet house. Lovely. :)
I think I'll wait to do yoga until AFTER work. I'm just going to enjoy this quiet for now.
Yes.
Before I go, a photo::
Allison's cell phone takes better pictures than my BB. Fail.
We're still trying to figure out how we look like sisters, if at all.
HOW ARE WE SISTERS?!?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
It's times like this that I am happy to be single.
I'm in my PJs already. It's cold outside and I'm glad to be in. I have a busy weekend coming up because it's my birthday on Sunday. I can make plans as they come, since I'm not bogged down with trying to fit a significant other into my plans.
Not that it would be TERRIBLE, I'm just glad I don't have to balance that at the moment. I'm sure my mood will change once I feel like I have more time on my hands.
Anyway, being single isn't as bad as I once thought it was.
I need a new recipe to try out. I feel stagnant. I also need to start planning my Christmas cards and my gifties. I already bought a few today off of Etsy. (Down and out Chic) I still have my dad to buy for, which will probably be the most difficult, considering he's into zero things that most dads are into (minus baseball, but I hate baseball with a fiery passion).
I wanted this Christmas to be a handmade Christmas. So I plan on making everything myself or shopping Etsy. That's why I have to plan so far in advance.
I work long days the next two days. And I can feel myself getting sick in the chest again. Maybe I need to take more meds. I hate medicating.
Not that it would be TERRIBLE, I'm just glad I don't have to balance that at the moment. I'm sure my mood will change once I feel like I have more time on my hands.
Anyway, being single isn't as bad as I once thought it was.
I need a new recipe to try out. I feel stagnant. I also need to start planning my Christmas cards and my gifties. I already bought a few today off of Etsy. (Down and out Chic) I still have my dad to buy for, which will probably be the most difficult, considering he's into zero things that most dads are into (minus baseball, but I hate baseball with a fiery passion).
I wanted this Christmas to be a handmade Christmas. So I plan on making everything myself or shopping Etsy. That's why I have to plan so far in advance.
I work long days the next two days. And I can feel myself getting sick in the chest again. Maybe I need to take more meds. I hate medicating.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Simple sausage and potatoes.
Simple and tasty.
Simple sausage and potatoes
(My sister helped with this one, she suggested the addition of cumin and parsley.)
- 1 lb of hot or sweet italian sausage (turkey sausage works fine) cut into large bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs small red potatoes (also cut into bite sized pieces)
- 2 red peppers (cut into thin strips)
- 1 large onion (cut into small wedges)
- drizzle of olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- handful of fresh chopped parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
1. Cut everything up as directed. Place the veggies and potatoes in a bowl as you go.
2. Dump veggies and potatoes into a cake pan, toss with olive oil, cumin, pepper, salt and parsley. Place sausage pieces on top.
3. Bake at 450 for 45 minutes, stirring about halfway through. (It is important that your potatoes are bite sized so they cook all the way through.)
4. Stir, serve, enjoy.
Simple sausage and potatoes
(My sister helped with this one, she suggested the addition of cumin and parsley.)
- 1 lb of hot or sweet italian sausage (turkey sausage works fine) cut into large bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs small red potatoes (also cut into bite sized pieces)
- 2 red peppers (cut into thin strips)
- 1 large onion (cut into small wedges)
- drizzle of olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- handful of fresh chopped parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
1. Cut everything up as directed. Place the veggies and potatoes in a bowl as you go.
2. Dump veggies and potatoes into a cake pan, toss with olive oil, cumin, pepper, salt and parsley. Place sausage pieces on top.
3. Bake at 450 for 45 minutes, stirring about halfway through. (It is important that your potatoes are bite sized so they cook all the way through.)
4. Stir, serve, enjoy.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Chicken Noodle Soup
Yeah, I know... it seems really basic. But a good chicken noodle soup is a necessity.
Really Yummy Chicken Noodle Soup
(This is one of my more time consuming ones. It takes at least an hour and a half and that's if you're really skilled at tearing apart super hot chicken. I'd figure more like 2 hours.)
- 4 lbs of chicken drumsticks and thighs (skin on, bone in)
- two 32 oz boxes of chicken broth (I had this on hand, but I didn't use it all)
- 3-4 carrots
- 3-4 stalks of celery
- 1 onion
- 12 oz bag of egg noodles
- salt and pepper to taste
- love
Ok, so what you're going to do is this:
1 - Boil the chicken in water for 1 hour and 15 minutes (or until it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees -- meat thermometers rock). Just add enough water to cover the chicken... and part way through the boiling process, I'd recommend checking the water level. Add a cup or two halfway through the process if needed. This will create some broth. Really good broth that will be a base for the store bought stuff in boxes. Oh yeah, KEEP THE POT COVERED. Also, boiled chicken smells kind of weird when it first starts cooking.
1a - While the chicken is cooking... chop up the carrots, celery and onion. I hate chopping onion, but it must be done.
2 - When the chicken is done, remove it with a slotted spoon. Place it on a plate to cool and skim all the chicken skin/pieces out of the broth left in the pot (there will not be a LOT of liquid left and that's ok -- that's why you bought those extra boxes of broth anyway).
3 - Add about two cups of water and the store bought broth -- bring to a boil. I eyeballed it. I knew I was going to be adding the veggies and noodles, so I added enough liquid to cover all that. I don't like my soup brothy, so if you LOVE broth... add both boxes of broth.
4 - Start pulling the skin off the chicken and discard it. Your hands are about to get real greasy and disgusting. It's worth it, I promise. Pull all the chicken off the bones. This chicken will be going back in the soup in a few minutes. (Try not to cuss too much... the chicken will be hot.) Discard the bones as well, or give them to a happy puppy if you feel the need.
5 - When the broth is boiling, add the chopped up veggies. Simmer the veggies for 15 minutes. After those 15 minutes, add the noodles and cook according to package directions. Add chicken just before serving. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.
Really Yummy Chicken Noodle Soup
(This is one of my more time consuming ones. It takes at least an hour and a half and that's if you're really skilled at tearing apart super hot chicken. I'd figure more like 2 hours.)
- 4 lbs of chicken drumsticks and thighs (skin on, bone in)
- two 32 oz boxes of chicken broth (I had this on hand, but I didn't use it all)
- 3-4 carrots
- 3-4 stalks of celery
- 1 onion
- 12 oz bag of egg noodles
- salt and pepper to taste
- love
Ok, so what you're going to do is this:
1 - Boil the chicken in water for 1 hour and 15 minutes (or until it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees -- meat thermometers rock). Just add enough water to cover the chicken... and part way through the boiling process, I'd recommend checking the water level. Add a cup or two halfway through the process if needed. This will create some broth. Really good broth that will be a base for the store bought stuff in boxes. Oh yeah, KEEP THE POT COVERED. Also, boiled chicken smells kind of weird when it first starts cooking.
1a - While the chicken is cooking... chop up the carrots, celery and onion. I hate chopping onion, but it must be done.
2 - When the chicken is done, remove it with a slotted spoon. Place it on a plate to cool and skim all the chicken skin/pieces out of the broth left in the pot (there will not be a LOT of liquid left and that's ok -- that's why you bought those extra boxes of broth anyway).
3 - Add about two cups of water and the store bought broth -- bring to a boil. I eyeballed it. I knew I was going to be adding the veggies and noodles, so I added enough liquid to cover all that. I don't like my soup brothy, so if you LOVE broth... add both boxes of broth.
4 - Start pulling the skin off the chicken and discard it. Your hands are about to get real greasy and disgusting. It's worth it, I promise. Pull all the chicken off the bones. This chicken will be going back in the soup in a few minutes. (Try not to cuss too much... the chicken will be hot.) Discard the bones as well, or give them to a happy puppy if you feel the need.
5 - When the broth is boiling, add the chopped up veggies. Simmer the veggies for 15 minutes. After those 15 minutes, add the noodles and cook according to package directions. Add chicken just before serving. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Monday night's dinner.
Oh, yes. A food blog. Let me share this recipe with you because it's (1) easy and (2) quick.
Light and quick fettucine alfredo + marinated grilled chicken:
Light and quick fettucine alfredo
A slight variation of this recipe.
1 lb of linguine
1 1/2 cup of part skim ricotta
approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of fresh grated parmesan (I'm sure the store bought grated parmesan would work beautifully too.)
1 heaping tablespoon of dried basil
salt and pepper.
1) Cook the noodles according to package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water and drain the noodles.
2) Combine ricotta, parmesan and pasta water. Mix in pasta and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (I usually let the salt and pepper out, so every one can season to their personal preference.)
3) Have extra parmesan ready for serving. It tastes fabulous with extra cheese sprinkled on top.
Marinated grilled chicken
at least one chicken breast per person
Kraft light parmesan asiago balsamic vingarette
a grill
1) Marinate the chicken overnight in dressing.
2) Grill until cooked through.
3) Serve.
Adding this one to my arsenal forever. It was a breeze.
Light and quick fettucine alfredo + marinated grilled chicken:
Light and quick fettucine alfredo
A slight variation of this recipe.
1 lb of linguine
1 1/2 cup of part skim ricotta
approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of fresh grated parmesan (I'm sure the store bought grated parmesan would work beautifully too.)
1 heaping tablespoon of dried basil
salt and pepper.
1) Cook the noodles according to package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water and drain the noodles.
2) Combine ricotta, parmesan and pasta water. Mix in pasta and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (I usually let the salt and pepper out, so every one can season to their personal preference.)
3) Have extra parmesan ready for serving. It tastes fabulous with extra cheese sprinkled on top.
Marinated grilled chicken
at least one chicken breast per person
Kraft light parmesan asiago balsamic vingarette
a grill
1) Marinate the chicken overnight in dressing.
2) Grill until cooked through.
3) Serve.
Adding this one to my arsenal forever. It was a breeze.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Click tourism.
So, I was cliking through MSN's Natural Wonders picture story. In it, I saw the Bay of Fundy.
Now, I want to go.
It's near Nova Scotia and it's famous for it's dramatic high and low tides.
I mean, hello gorgeous!
Now, I want to go.
It's near Nova Scotia and it's famous for it's dramatic high and low tides.
I mean, hello gorgeous!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thrifty is hard sometimes.
It's recently come to my attention that I might have lived a little too large for my meager little paycheck. (Oh thank you, nearly forgotten car payment, for snapping me back to reality.)
Most of my money spent was on food and clothing. Food being the "dining out" variety.
Well, that sucks... a lot. So I'm being forced to, somehow, live on the next two weeks with a spendable budget of less than $100. No restaurants, I guess. Hello to mooching leftovers and eating mayo+tuna sandwiches.
That said, I've realized that, outside of food, clothing purchases have come to make up a large portion of my spending. Not really a good thing. Since I already have a ton of clothes, I might put myself on a clothing freeze. I might get a chance this weekend to re-evaluate my closet and it's residents. I need to do this. I'm allowing myself to enter Gap between the 1st and 4th of October for a sale... but that's it. I need to cut back dramatically. Here is my plan:
1 - Reworking current belongings to make them work in my current wardrobe. Hopefully I can get creative with a few pieces and make something "new." We'll see how that goes.
2 - I'm sure I'll find things that I've forgotten I own. Free shopping is always a good thing.
3 - Consignments. I need to start shopping at second hand stores more often. I use to do this semi-regularly... but lately I've been all about pretty new things rather than new-to-me things -- New-to-me is almost always as good.
4 - Dine out less. (Or less expensively.) This weekend, I'm seeing "The Informant!" with my momma. We were going to eat out somewhere (Olive Garden would have been awesome) but now we're eating popcorn because I found a handy little coupon. We'll kill two birds with one stone this way. Of course, she wants to swing by Starbucks and be a pricey date, but that's no big thing because I still have a giftcard. Haha!
5 - Mooch a little off others. Yes, I stole left overs from my Meemaw last night. I blame the fact that Stephanie Plum (if you are female, you need to read Janet Evanovich's novels, ok?) gets leftovers from her mother all the time. Since I still live with my mother (and she rarely cooks), my Meemaw is next in line.
So... now I just have to make it to next Friday. Payday, you cannot come fast enough. I already have you partially spent.
Most of my money spent was on food and clothing. Food being the "dining out" variety.
Well, that sucks... a lot. So I'm being forced to, somehow, live on the next two weeks with a spendable budget of less than $100. No restaurants, I guess. Hello to mooching leftovers and eating mayo+tuna sandwiches.
That said, I've realized that, outside of food, clothing purchases have come to make up a large portion of my spending. Not really a good thing. Since I already have a ton of clothes, I might put myself on a clothing freeze. I might get a chance this weekend to re-evaluate my closet and it's residents. I need to do this. I'm allowing myself to enter Gap between the 1st and 4th of October for a sale... but that's it. I need to cut back dramatically. Here is my plan:
1 - Reworking current belongings to make them work in my current wardrobe. Hopefully I can get creative with a few pieces and make something "new." We'll see how that goes.
2 - I'm sure I'll find things that I've forgotten I own. Free shopping is always a good thing.
3 - Consignments. I need to start shopping at second hand stores more often. I use to do this semi-regularly... but lately I've been all about pretty new things rather than new-to-me things -- New-to-me is almost always as good.
4 - Dine out less. (Or less expensively.) This weekend, I'm seeing "The Informant!" with my momma. We were going to eat out somewhere (Olive Garden would have been awesome) but now we're eating popcorn because I found a handy little coupon. We'll kill two birds with one stone this way. Of course, she wants to swing by Starbucks and be a pricey date, but that's no big thing because I still have a giftcard. Haha!
5 - Mooch a little off others. Yes, I stole left overs from my Meemaw last night. I blame the fact that Stephanie Plum (if you are female, you need to read Janet Evanovich's novels, ok?) gets leftovers from her mother all the time. Since I still live with my mother (and she rarely cooks), my Meemaw is next in line.
So... now I just have to make it to next Friday. Payday, you cannot come fast enough. I already have you partially spent.
Monday, September 7, 2009
My P365 has been updated a little bit.
My flickr's been updated (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtythghts4).
I decided to go all B&W since I haven't in a while.
This photo of myself is my favorite.
I decided to go all B&W since I haven't in a while.
This photo of myself is my favorite.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
2 recipes, 2 nights.
Tuesday was Chicken Curry night, tonight was Garlicky Lemony Pasta (this is my official name for it). Both were pretty delicious. I figured, since I haven't updated much lately, I'd take this opportunity to share some recipes with you.
First, the chicken curry.
It takes me about an hour and 30 minutes to make. This is because of all the chopping. I am not super fast and I find that cutting raw chicken breast into cube-like structures is difficult. If you buy the chicken tenders, it's a bit easier.
Ingredients:
2 pounds skinless chicken breast
2-3 onions, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cloves minced garlic
1/3 teaspoon ground ginger
1.5 teaspoon paprika
3.5-4.5 tablespoons curry powder (depending on how spicy you like it)
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you want more spice)
1.5 tablespoon tomato paste
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup olive oil
chicken broth (plus water, if needed) to cover
brown or white rice (instant is easiest)
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, ginger, paprika, curry powder, sugar and salt. Mince garlic and set aside.
2. Fry the onions in olive oil until browned. Add the spice mixture and garlic. Continue stirring for 2 minutes. Mixture will become much like a paste.
3. Add chicken pieces and tomato paste. Add enough water to just cover the chicken. Simmer until chicken is done, about 20 minutes. (Now is a good time to start the rice.)
4. Just before serving, add the lemon juice and the cayenne pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve over rice.
Once you have everything cut up (and the spices mixed together), it really only takes about half an hour to make.
The Garlicky Lemony Pasta is as follows (and is super easy to make and very fresh/light tasting).
Ingredients:
about 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (two lemons)
about 2 teaspoons grated orange zest (one orange)
4 cloves minced garlic
1/3 cup chopped parsley (I'm told spinach is good, I'm also sure basil would be fantastic)
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (I just squeezed both lemons over the bowl)
a sprinkle of salt (I like to keep this minimal and allow each person to salt to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 lb linguine
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, mix grated lemon and orange zests, garlic, parsley (or substitute), lemon juice, salt, pepper and oil.
2. Cook the linguine until done. Drain and toss with sauce.
Yes... it's that easy. It would be great as a side with chicken. I baked some tomatoes with some parmesan cheese, oregano and olive oil. Tonight was meatless.
In fact, I believe my entire day was... weird.
Back to the recipe. I might try making extra sauce one of these days and marinate some chicken in it... see what happens.
So tomorrow, I work late (until 6)... so this will probably be all the cooking I do for the week. And I have very little else to share.
I might be seeing Post Grad this weekend. There's also the company picnic. And reading. I plan on finishing "Fishbowl" at some point this weekend.
Ok, so... bye.
First, the chicken curry.
It takes me about an hour and 30 minutes to make. This is because of all the chopping. I am not super fast and I find that cutting raw chicken breast into cube-like structures is difficult. If you buy the chicken tenders, it's a bit easier.
Ingredients:
2 pounds skinless chicken breast
2-3 onions, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cloves minced garlic
1/3 teaspoon ground ginger
1.5 teaspoon paprika
3.5-4.5 tablespoons curry powder (depending on how spicy you like it)
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you want more spice)
1.5 tablespoon tomato paste
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup olive oil
chicken broth (plus water, if needed) to cover
brown or white rice (instant is easiest)
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, ginger, paprika, curry powder, sugar and salt. Mince garlic and set aside.
2. Fry the onions in olive oil until browned. Add the spice mixture and garlic. Continue stirring for 2 minutes. Mixture will become much like a paste.
3. Add chicken pieces and tomato paste. Add enough water to just cover the chicken. Simmer until chicken is done, about 20 minutes. (Now is a good time to start the rice.)
4. Just before serving, add the lemon juice and the cayenne pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve over rice.
Once you have everything cut up (and the spices mixed together), it really only takes about half an hour to make.
The Garlicky Lemony Pasta is as follows (and is super easy to make and very fresh/light tasting).
Ingredients:
about 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (two lemons)
about 2 teaspoons grated orange zest (one orange)
4 cloves minced garlic
1/3 cup chopped parsley (I'm told spinach is good, I'm also sure basil would be fantastic)
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (I just squeezed both lemons over the bowl)
a sprinkle of salt (I like to keep this minimal and allow each person to salt to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 lb linguine
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, mix grated lemon and orange zests, garlic, parsley (or substitute), lemon juice, salt, pepper and oil.
2. Cook the linguine until done. Drain and toss with sauce.
Yes... it's that easy. It would be great as a side with chicken. I baked some tomatoes with some parmesan cheese, oregano and olive oil. Tonight was meatless.
In fact, I believe my entire day was... weird.
Back to the recipe. I might try making extra sauce one of these days and marinate some chicken in it... see what happens.
So tomorrow, I work late (until 6)... so this will probably be all the cooking I do for the week. And I have very little else to share.
I might be seeing Post Grad this weekend. There's also the company picnic. And reading. I plan on finishing "Fishbowl" at some point this weekend.
Ok, so... bye.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Dear Limited Readers...
Ok, so I'm pretty sure I've mentioned Lush before. If I haven't, let me introduce you.
LUSH.
Soaps, shampoos, lotions and massage bars (etc.) made with natural (or safe synthetics) ingredients.
Anyway, I bought some awesome shampoo and soap when I was in DC (in Georgetown, if you're there and planning on shopping -- I also recommend Paper-Source).
When I got home, I got the itch for more Lush stuff, so in a moment of fiscal irresponsibility, I bought Mask of Magnaminty, Karma shampoo and got a free sample of Vanilla Delite lotion. (The shipping is a little outrageous, but face masques and lotions weigh a lot.)
When I opened the box, my Mask of Magnaminty was wet. I figured it was just a loose cap, so I dried the container off and sat it by the sink. I used it a few days later and I see a ring of wetness around the bottom. Again, I assume water got splashed up, so I dry it up.
A week later (approximately) I go to use it again and I see the same ring. When I open the product, it is noticeably drier (not TOO dry, I can still use it). Now I know it's leaking... so I contact Lush and tell them all this.
And what do they do?
...
They offer to send me another Mask of Magnamity!
Considering I have a big jar though (it's definitely usable once I transfer it to a better container) and the expiration date is approximately 3 months from now, I express interest in one of the samples they sent me.
So, they gave me the option. I can:
A) get another jar of Mask of Magnaminty, no charge.
B) get a refund of the purchase price put back on my credit card or
C) get a jar of Dark Angel (the sample I loved) + a refund of the difference in price to my credit card.
Well, hell. I chose C. That's awesome!
I loved Lush before... now I wish it was a man so I could marry it.
:)
LUSH.
Soaps, shampoos, lotions and massage bars (etc.) made with natural (or safe synthetics) ingredients.
Anyway, I bought some awesome shampoo and soap when I was in DC (in Georgetown, if you're there and planning on shopping -- I also recommend Paper-Source).
When I got home, I got the itch for more Lush stuff, so in a moment of fiscal irresponsibility, I bought Mask of Magnaminty, Karma shampoo and got a free sample of Vanilla Delite lotion. (The shipping is a little outrageous, but face masques and lotions weigh a lot.)
When I opened the box, my Mask of Magnaminty was wet. I figured it was just a loose cap, so I dried the container off and sat it by the sink. I used it a few days later and I see a ring of wetness around the bottom. Again, I assume water got splashed up, so I dry it up.
A week later (approximately) I go to use it again and I see the same ring. When I open the product, it is noticeably drier (not TOO dry, I can still use it). Now I know it's leaking... so I contact Lush and tell them all this.
And what do they do?
...
They offer to send me another Mask of Magnamity!
Considering I have a big jar though (it's definitely usable once I transfer it to a better container) and the expiration date is approximately 3 months from now, I express interest in one of the samples they sent me.
So, they gave me the option. I can:
A) get another jar of Mask of Magnaminty, no charge.
B) get a refund of the purchase price put back on my credit card or
C) get a jar of Dark Angel (the sample I loved) + a refund of the difference in price to my credit card.
Well, hell. I chose C. That's awesome!
I loved Lush before... now I wish it was a man so I could marry it.
:)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Everytime I come here, I get writers block.
So, not much has been going on. I'm still reading and trying to get back into the gym swing of things. It's hard, but I've got to try and keep myself healthy.
I've been working 6 days a week, so my creativity block has fallen by the wayside. It's cool though... I'll be heading back to my "home branch" next week. I'm actually a little sad about this, but what can I do, really?
It could be so much worse, so I won't complain too much.
My sister is away at the beach this week and it's really strange not having her around. It's giving my time to read though. Hah. It's hard to do that when someone else is demanding your attention.
Imissher.
I'm finishing up "Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single." It's a pretty typical chick lit book... but some of it is hysterical. Overall, it's been a good read and I'm pretty sure I'd recommend it to a girl who's looking for a nice read. Boys -- well -- I don't think they'd enjoy it.
Next up? "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan." Then some romance novel Janet Evanovich wrote with someone else. The name of the game is silly reading. Nothing serious. I'll try and squeeze in a serious book after "High Five."
Um, yeah. Ok. That's my update. Sad, I know.
I've been working 6 days a week, so my creativity block has fallen by the wayside. It's cool though... I'll be heading back to my "home branch" next week. I'm actually a little sad about this, but what can I do, really?
It could be so much worse, so I won't complain too much.
My sister is away at the beach this week and it's really strange not having her around. It's giving my time to read though. Hah. It's hard to do that when someone else is demanding your attention.
Imissher.
I'm finishing up "Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single." It's a pretty typical chick lit book... but some of it is hysterical. Overall, it's been a good read and I'm pretty sure I'd recommend it to a girl who's looking for a nice read. Boys -- well -- I don't think they'd enjoy it.
Next up? "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan." Then some romance novel Janet Evanovich wrote with someone else. The name of the game is silly reading. Nothing serious. I'll try and squeeze in a serious book after "High Five."
Um, yeah. Ok. That's my update. Sad, I know.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Some political/race-type rambles.
So, there's this case from Massachusetts regarding a black professor who was arrested for breaking into his own home. A lot of people who've read the news coverage regarding this have strong opinions about it. (And there are A LOT of people talking about it.)
Even the president has thrown his two cents in, which is unfortunate, because he doesn't actually know what exactly went down either.
People who think racism is rampant are up in arms. People who think all is well between whites and minorities are up in arms. I've read and heard some people point out that there are two sides to every story (and then go on to, for all tentative purposes, choose a side) -- I'm going to put my neck out here and point something out.
When two people/entities present their "side of the story" it is rarely what actually occured. There is often much more to it than that single event and there is often much left out (or added) to make their case stronger.
From all media accounts (which is all I can trust, as I'm not in Massachusetts to judge), there is a mistrust between the minority community and the Cambridge police force. I'm not saying that this particular occurrence actually had anything to do with race, but the mistrust is there... and it has been there for some time and that is a problem. It's not something that is easily combated, but steps should be taken to do just that.
Saying that someone is simply "pulling the race card" simplifies it far too much. Perhaps his man has heard of some of the injustices done to others (or maybe he has experienced it in another form or fashion). Perhaps the arrested man did overreact. However, if someone was accusing you of breaking into your own house, wouldn't you be a bit incredulous too? Wouldn't you feel it's a bit extreme that someone is arresting you for walking into your own home?
And as a police officer, if you were called to a reported burglary, wouldn't you want to do everything in your power to prevent it?
The situation might have gotten out of control simply because of a misunderstanding, but those previous suspicions or beliefs amplified a problem and made it larger than necessary.
So, yes. There are two sides to every story... but both sides rarely tell the whole truth. Just keep that in mind before you call someone else stupid, racist or insensitive for their veiws.
Even the president has thrown his two cents in, which is unfortunate, because he doesn't actually know what exactly went down either.
People who think racism is rampant are up in arms. People who think all is well between whites and minorities are up in arms. I've read and heard some people point out that there are two sides to every story (and then go on to, for all tentative purposes, choose a side) -- I'm going to put my neck out here and point something out.
When two people/entities present their "side of the story" it is rarely what actually occured. There is often much more to it than that single event and there is often much left out (or added) to make their case stronger.
From all media accounts (which is all I can trust, as I'm not in Massachusetts to judge), there is a mistrust between the minority community and the Cambridge police force. I'm not saying that this particular occurrence actually had anything to do with race, but the mistrust is there... and it has been there for some time and that is a problem. It's not something that is easily combated, but steps should be taken to do just that.
Saying that someone is simply "pulling the race card" simplifies it far too much. Perhaps his man has heard of some of the injustices done to others (or maybe he has experienced it in another form or fashion). Perhaps the arrested man did overreact. However, if someone was accusing you of breaking into your own house, wouldn't you be a bit incredulous too? Wouldn't you feel it's a bit extreme that someone is arresting you for walking into your own home?
And as a police officer, if you were called to a reported burglary, wouldn't you want to do everything in your power to prevent it?
The situation might have gotten out of control simply because of a misunderstanding, but those previous suspicions or beliefs amplified a problem and made it larger than necessary.
So, yes. There are two sides to every story... but both sides rarely tell the whole truth. Just keep that in mind before you call someone else stupid, racist or insensitive for their veiws.
Confessions of a Shopaholic.
I have to say, this is one of the few times I thought the movie was better than the book and here's why:
While the movie is entirely unrealistic, (i.e. Everything's ok in the end and she snags the man) at least she has to sacrifice something to get there. In the movie, she gives up her wardrobe, even her green scarf. In the book, she gives up... nothing.
Though, I do like that Derek Smeath is not a slimy mean man who embarrasses her on TV. In that respect, the book is better.
Anyway... she doesn't give up ANYTHING in the book. She simply writes an actual piece of investigative journalism... and she IS a journalist... so she could have done that from the start. It just seems like she stumbled across a career lottery. The story ends with her ordering herself a treat. There was no moral of the story.
Yeah, so I'm slightly disappointed, but I still enjoyed Kinsella's writing style, so I'll read one of her books again. Maybe I won't be so disappointed if I'm not comparing it to a movie (which is completely different) the entire time.
I'm going back to Stephanie Plum now. Book 4 arrived in the mail Tuesday! I think I'll give "Jennifer Johnson Is Sick Of Being Single" a try after that. (Library-borrowing this one, because I've come to the conclusion that chick-lit is fun to read, but not worth an investment -- generally speaking.)
Do you guys have any suggestions? What book should I read? It doesn't have to be chick lit, in fact, I'd welcome a change in scenery. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
