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this guy is goooood.
a reader (thank you fran!) shared josh garrels with me.and i cannot get enoughhis lyrics, his message...
(click his name to read his bio.
it's pretty interesting.)
he self-produces his own albums, and
released the below one as a free download.
who ever does that kind of thing anymore?
so, while it might not be a christmas song,
it's a christmas message.
enjoy your weekend!
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
the story of a train table.
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this year i went round and round with what to get parker. i didn't want to just spend a bunch of money and throw toys at him that i hoped would keep him occupied long enough for me to check my email and get dinner ready (though, the thought was tempting). i wanted to get him toys that would really stand the test of time. now, i know that sounds dramatic, but i'm serious. i knew that things like a tugboat or some puzzles would provide some entertainment, but i wanted something that he'd really use. use and love and continue loving for a long time. i've seen those train tables before but wasn't sure he was old enough to really enjoy one and get the whole trains-on-tracks thing. but then we visited a toy store to get some presents for william and lindsey and they had a train table there all set up. he couldn't get enough of it. surrounded by walls of colorful toys, the train table kept his interest the entire time we were in the store. i mentioned it to steve and he thought it'd be a better present for the following year. i wasn't convinced. we visited the store again for some more christmas shopping and once again, the train table was where it was at for parker. so, on christmas eve when we had a family breakfast out and stopped by the store once more, i looked at steve like, "look! he loves it!" then i saw steve eyeing it and measuring it with his own feet. yessssss. we went home, steve and nathaniel drove to lowes, and they bought the supplies to make parker his own. steve spent a good chunk of christmas eve in the garage, building it with william alongside, his trusty sidekick, and even had to hurry back to the store for an unforeseen supply just before they closed for the holiday. i checked in a few times over the few hours they were down there, brought them hot chocolate (the garage was cold!), and watched it become the train table i'd envisioned. once parker went to sleep, they carried it up and all four of the older kids set up a scene with the tracks and trains we already had. i couldn't have been more excited. i knew parker would love it, and, more than that, it was such a special gift to him made by his dad. well, christmas morning came and parker and nathaniel were the last ones down. parker spotted it immediately and could not get out of nathaniel's arms fast enough to get to it. right there, my christmas morning was made. and honestly, he was even more excited than i'd hoped. i thanked steve a million times, but here's one more: thank you so much. it was so special. and now, every time i hear parker playing at it, my heart grows a size. i spy on him around corners as he tinkers at it, moving trains around and accidentally knocking down tracks (he's getting the idea slowly!). i just love it.
i still may stain it, or paint it some other color. i'm not really sure. part of me doesn't want to do anything to it! i don't think i'll permanently paint grass or water, but maybe buy felt to make shapes that can be moved around it. any ideas?
this year i went round and round with what to get parker. i didn't want to just spend a bunch of money and throw toys at him that i hoped would keep him occupied long enough for me to check my email and get dinner ready (though, the thought was tempting). i wanted to get him toys that would really stand the test of time. now, i know that sounds dramatic, but i'm serious. i knew that things like a tugboat or some puzzles would provide some entertainment, but i wanted something that he'd really use. use and love and continue loving for a long time. i've seen those train tables before but wasn't sure he was old enough to really enjoy one and get the whole trains-on-tracks thing. but then we visited a toy store to get some presents for william and lindsey and they had a train table there all set up. he couldn't get enough of it. surrounded by walls of colorful toys, the train table kept his interest the entire time we were in the store. i mentioned it to steve and he thought it'd be a better present for the following year. i wasn't convinced. we visited the store again for some more christmas shopping and once again, the train table was where it was at for parker. so, on christmas eve when we had a family breakfast out and stopped by the store once more, i looked at steve like, "look! he loves it!" then i saw steve eyeing it and measuring it with his own feet. yessssss. we went home, steve and nathaniel drove to lowes, and they bought the supplies to make parker his own. steve spent a good chunk of christmas eve in the garage, building it with william alongside, his trusty sidekick, and even had to hurry back to the store for an unforeseen supply just before they closed for the holiday. i checked in a few times over the few hours they were down there, brought them hot chocolate (the garage was cold!), and watched it become the train table i'd envisioned. once parker went to sleep, they carried it up and all four of the older kids set up a scene with the tracks and trains we already had. i couldn't have been more excited. i knew parker would love it, and, more than that, it was such a special gift to him made by his dad. well, christmas morning came and parker and nathaniel were the last ones down. parker spotted it immediately and could not get out of nathaniel's arms fast enough to get to it. right there, my christmas morning was made. and honestly, he was even more excited than i'd hoped. i thanked steve a million times, but here's one more: thank you so much. it was so special. and now, every time i hear parker playing at it, my heart grows a size. i spy on him around corners as he tinkers at it, moving trains around and accidentally knocking down tracks (he's getting the idea slowly!). i just love it. i still may stain it, or paint it some other color. i'm not really sure. part of me doesn't want to do anything to it! i don't think i'll permanently paint grass or water, but maybe buy felt to make shapes that can be moved around it. any ideas?
snow!
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saturday night after dark it began to snow. the snowing-after-dark is always so exciting because you get to wake up to it. how much will it be?! how much will fall while we sleep??! you can tell, before even getting out of bed... it's here! the light coming in the windows gives it away immediately. it's brighter. we got a good couple inches. so, after a breakfast of fried eggs and toast, out we went. it took a good fifteen minutes to get parker ready as i prayed that he wouldn't poop in his diaper as soon as i got the last lace tied and last zipper zipped (would i even have been able to tell through those thirty-two layers?). he didn't! the little lad waited until the sledding was over--thanks parker! lindsey made snow angels, we sledded down our little hill, steve snow-blowed the driveway, and we took a walk in our neighborhood. you've got to get out right away. that's when it's prettiest. before the wind blows the inch of snow off the pines and before there are tracks of other snow-discoverers everywhere. as you can imagine, our yard doesn't last long undisturbed. footprints and sled prints happen fast, so you've got to catch it while you can.
saturday night after dark it began to snow. the snowing-after-dark is always so exciting because you get to wake up to it. how much will it be?! how much will fall while we sleep??! you can tell, before even getting out of bed... it's here! the light coming in the windows gives it away immediately. it's brighter. we got a good couple inches. so, after a breakfast of fried eggs and toast, out we went. it took a good fifteen minutes to get parker ready as i prayed that he wouldn't poop in his diaper as soon as i got the last lace tied and last zipper zipped (would i even have been able to tell through those thirty-two layers?). he didn't! the little lad waited until the sledding was over--thanks parker! lindsey made snow angels, we sledded down our little hill, steve snow-blowed the driveway, and we took a walk in our neighborhood. you've got to get out right away. that's when it's prettiest. before the wind blows the inch of snow off the pines and before there are tracks of other snow-discoverers everywhere. as you can imagine, our yard doesn't last long undisturbed. footprints and sled prints happen fast, so you've got to catch it while you can.
New Year's Resolutions. Or my attempt at them, anyway.
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So, I think I make New Year's resolutions like every year and keep them never. I can't say I take it that seriously so I'm mostly failing before I'm beginning. I think it's in keeping with how I feel about New Year's Eve in general. The whole night feels like such pressure to have fun that I mostly say screw it and go to bed before midnight. Now, I didn't always do that, but I did it this year (and last) and I don't regret it one bit. While the rest of you were nursing your hangovers, I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a happy baby at 7 am. No headache, no nausea... just 2013 looking me dead-in-the-eyes saying, "What now?!"
So, what now, 2013?
I am tempted to make actual resolutions this year. And this isn't a nod to you, New Year's Eve. No, you still mostly suck. But mostly to see if I can. To challenge myself. Let it be known that I'm not good at these things. Call it a free spirit or call it lazy (probably the latter) but I don't do well with restrictions and rules. So, I'm going to put these out there, just utter them into my blog post, and then we'll see what happens. But I'm not making any promises.
I'd like to begin writing a book. I'm all over the place with this one. And honestly I don't see myself doing it (Geez Bridge! Not a good start!). But ever since I read Blue Like Jazz, I wanted to write something like that. Something memoir-like, a little bit of a faith, and mostly ramblings. Like this blog?
I want to learn more about photography. And damn, I want to be so good at it. I've wanted this for a long time and learned things along the way but not enough, not enough. So, that.
I want to see if I can give up internet for a month. But gosh darnit I don't see myself being able to give it up for a day. How could I go a month? SERIOUSLY HOW? Kate did it, and Elizabeth's going to attempt it (no internet plus a whole slew of other things that make me hivey). Bridget, however, is a slug who can barely comprehend 24 hours without the darn thing. It makes me mad at myself, the thought that I can't, and maybe mad enough to try?
Play more board games with William and Lindsey. I'm not going crazy, but like, once a week board games. Clue, Sorry, things like that. Cards too. And since we don't have TV and I might give up internet for a month, I should have plenty of time on my hands.
Buy more underwear. I'm a 28-year old lady. There's no need for me to still be running out of underwear. Though maybe this is more telling of how slowly I can get laundry done? And in this same vein, throw away the underwear that is uncomfortable. You know--the pairs you keep around for the days when all the good ones are gone. I'm over them. This shouldn't be too hard since my favorite underwear is at Target. Target!
Oh, and to finish Les Miserables this year. Really, even this month or next--come on, it's long. Steve's sung its praises for years, and I have never read it. It's about time I get on that train. Cause, man, that is one heck of a story.
There they are. I'm not going all out, obviously, but even these make my palms sweaty if I think too hard about them. So let it be written, so let it be done? Um, no. But wish me luck anyway?
Are you a resolutions-maker? A resolutions-keeper?
{picture}
So, I think I make New Year's resolutions like every year and keep them never. I can't say I take it that seriously so I'm mostly failing before I'm beginning. I think it's in keeping with how I feel about New Year's Eve in general. The whole night feels like such pressure to have fun that I mostly say screw it and go to bed before midnight. Now, I didn't always do that, but I did it this year (and last) and I don't regret it one bit. While the rest of you were nursing your hangovers, I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a happy baby at 7 am. No headache, no nausea... just 2013 looking me dead-in-the-eyes saying, "What now?!" So, what now, 2013?
I am tempted to make actual resolutions this year. And this isn't a nod to you, New Year's Eve. No, you still mostly suck. But mostly to see if I can. To challenge myself. Let it be known that I'm not good at these things. Call it a free spirit or call it lazy (probably the latter) but I don't do well with restrictions and rules. So, I'm going to put these out there, just utter them into my blog post, and then we'll see what happens. But I'm not making any promises.
I'd like to begin writing a book. I'm all over the place with this one. And honestly I don't see myself doing it (Geez Bridge! Not a good start!). But ever since I read Blue Like Jazz, I wanted to write something like that. Something memoir-like, a little bit of a faith, and mostly ramblings. Like this blog?
I want to learn more about photography. And damn, I want to be so good at it. I've wanted this for a long time and learned things along the way but not enough, not enough. So, that.
I want to see if I can give up internet for a month. But gosh darnit I don't see myself being able to give it up for a day. How could I go a month? SERIOUSLY HOW? Kate did it, and Elizabeth's going to attempt it (no internet plus a whole slew of other things that make me hivey). Bridget, however, is a slug who can barely comprehend 24 hours without the darn thing. It makes me mad at myself, the thought that I can't, and maybe mad enough to try?
Play more board games with William and Lindsey. I'm not going crazy, but like, once a week board games. Clue, Sorry, things like that. Cards too. And since we don't have TV and I might give up internet for a month, I should have plenty of time on my hands.
Buy more underwear. I'm a 28-year old lady. There's no need for me to still be running out of underwear. Though maybe this is more telling of how slowly I can get laundry done? And in this same vein, throw away the underwear that is uncomfortable. You know--the pairs you keep around for the days when all the good ones are gone. I'm over them. This shouldn't be too hard since my favorite underwear is at Target. Target!
Oh, and to finish Les Miserables this year. Really, even this month or next--come on, it's long. Steve's sung its praises for years, and I have never read it. It's about time I get on that train. Cause, man, that is one heck of a story.
There they are. I'm not going all out, obviously, but even these make my palms sweaty if I think too hard about them. So let it be written, so let it be done? Um, no. But wish me luck anyway?
Are you a resolutions-maker? A resolutions-keeper?
{picture}
All things Les Mis cause, let's be serious, everyone's talking about it so I might as well too.
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Les Mis, Les Mis, Les Mis.
Let me be oneeeee moorrreeee person to say, "HELLS YES. IT WAS SO GOOD."
Cause it was.
ALL THE OSCARS!
Anne Hathaway's scene--if you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about--was out-of-this-world. I actually leaned over to Steve and said, "If I were her parents I'd be sooooo proud. Like, THAT IS OUR DAUGHTER." Seriously, can you even imagine? And did you really appreciate that there was one take for her hair-cutting scene to get the music right? I mean, her hair was really being cut off and she was singing at the same time so girlfriend had to bring it. Woah.
All of it--the set, the music, the camera work. It was just really well done. So, since everyone's Facebook status this week is OMG Les Mis was SO GOOD, I thought I'd throw a blog post into the pot cause why not?
Here's a little round-up of sorts? Dedicated to Les Mis? Mmmkay?
+ A little parenting dos-and-don'ts as illustrated by Les Mis. Take Fantine for example. Kids require sacrifice. Would you sell your hair and teeth for your kid? No? What kind of parent are you? Obviously a bad one. Try again.
+ This reaction to seeing the movie. It is so funny and heart wrenching all at the same time. That man and woman. Gosh they are cute. A little intense but I wanna hug 'em and chat about the movie all at the same time. And their son laughing at them? It's just good.
+ Back to Anne Hathaway's parents. Did you know that her Mom played Fantine too??? Now, that's just some good full-circle stuff right there.
+ When Steve talks about the book, he's talked about how on every page there is some quote by Victor Hugo that is just breathtaking. So! Let's dive in! "Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." "Not being heard is no reason for silence.""To love another person is to see the face of God.""Those who do not weep, do not see."Yeah, Victor Hugo knew how to write.
+ And finally, Steve is not just a pretty face. No! The man can sing! Here's a remake to "Bring Him Home" done for a friend at a goodbye party. Rewritten by a friend for the friend. Bad videography by me (bouncing a 9-ish month Parker on my hip at the time) but nevertheless, I think Steve's singing makes up for it. What is a blog for if not to boast about your loved ones from time to time?!
I hereby close my round-up of all things Les Mis. Anything to add?! Did you see it? Love it? Hate it? DON'T EVEN.
P.S. I came back to say that I thought Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter were sooooo good too. Master of the House scene was awesome. So quirky, so fun, so strange. But, really, I could have a million P.S.'s because everyone was good, so I should just stop.
Les Mis, Les Mis, Les Mis. Let me be oneeeee moorrreeee person to say, "HELLS YES. IT WAS SO GOOD."
Cause it was.
ALL THE OSCARS!
Anne Hathaway's scene--if you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about--was out-of-this-world. I actually leaned over to Steve and said, "If I were her parents I'd be sooooo proud. Like, THAT IS OUR DAUGHTER." Seriously, can you even imagine? And did you really appreciate that there was one take for her hair-cutting scene to get the music right? I mean, her hair was really being cut off and she was singing at the same time so girlfriend had to bring it. Woah.
All of it--the set, the music, the camera work. It was just really well done. So, since everyone's Facebook status this week is OMG Les Mis was SO GOOD, I thought I'd throw a blog post into the pot cause why not?
Here's a little round-up of sorts? Dedicated to Les Mis? Mmmkay?
+ A little parenting dos-and-don'ts as illustrated by Les Mis. Take Fantine for example. Kids require sacrifice. Would you sell your hair and teeth for your kid? No? What kind of parent are you? Obviously a bad one. Try again.
+ This reaction to seeing the movie. It is so funny and heart wrenching all at the same time. That man and woman. Gosh they are cute. A little intense but I wanna hug 'em and chat about the movie all at the same time. And their son laughing at them? It's just good.+ Back to Anne Hathaway's parents. Did you know that her Mom played Fantine too??? Now, that's just some good full-circle stuff right there.
+ When Steve talks about the book, he's talked about how on every page there is some quote by Victor Hugo that is just breathtaking. So! Let's dive in! "Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." "Not being heard is no reason for silence.""To love another person is to see the face of God.""Those who do not weep, do not see."Yeah, Victor Hugo knew how to write.
+ And finally, Steve is not just a pretty face. No! The man can sing! Here's a remake to "Bring Him Home" done for a friend at a goodbye party. Rewritten by a friend for the friend. Bad videography by me (bouncing a 9-ish month Parker on my hip at the time) but nevertheless, I think Steve's singing makes up for it. What is a blog for if not to boast about your loved ones from time to time?!
I hereby close my round-up of all things Les Mis. Anything to add?! Did you see it? Love it? Hate it? DON'T EVEN.
P.S. I came back to say that I thought Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter were sooooo good too. Master of the House scene was awesome. So quirky, so fun, so strange. But, really, I could have a million P.S.'s because everyone was good, so I should just stop.
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
Beef Stroganoff Risotto
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Risotto is one of those dishes I really like because it's naturally gluten free and can serve as a blank canvas for flavors. This Beef Stroganoff Risotto takes the rich flavors of a traditional beef stroganoff that takes risotto to the next level. Creamy risotto is full of beefy flavor with caramelized onions and mushrooms, a touch of sour cream and Parmesan cheese to really make it more indulgent. The only caveat is having the patience to make it, but it really is worth the time and effort!
I used leftover beef roast that I shredded to really enhance the flavors but ground beef works well too. After making this, I realized I should make risotto and variations of it more often. Joel loves rice so this is a win win for everyone!
Beef Stroganoff Risotto
recipe adapted from Food
1 pound ground beef (or leftover pot/beef roast, shredded)
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup dry sherry wine
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
4 cups beef broth
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
Preheat a large Dutch oven. If using ground beef, season beef with salt and pepper. Brown ground beef over medium high heat in the Dutch oven but don't over cook. Remove ground beef from pot and transfer to a plate, keeping warm.
In the same Dutch oven now empty, add olive oil and saute onions, garlic and mushrooms until softened and caramelized.
Add sherry and garlic powder, cooking for another additional 2-3 minutes and scape up any bits on the bottom of the pot. Reduce heat to medium low.
Add the arborio rice and stir well. Allow rice to toast for 2 minutes. Add ground beef (or leftover shredded pot/beef roast) and broth about 1/2-3/4 cups at a time. Allow the rice to absorb most of the broth and then add another 1/2-3/4 cup of broth. Repeat until all broth is used. {And stay patient - it's worth the time and effort!}
Stir in the mushrooms, butter, parmesan cheese and sour cream after all the broth has been used and absorbed. Stir well and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately and top with parsley.
Risotto is one of those dishes I really like because it's naturally gluten free and can serve as a blank canvas for flavors. This Beef Stroganoff Risotto takes the rich flavors of a traditional beef stroganoff that takes risotto to the next level. Creamy risotto is full of beefy flavor with caramelized onions and mushrooms, a touch of sour cream and Parmesan cheese to really make it more indulgent. The only caveat is having the patience to make it, but it really is worth the time and effort!I used leftover beef roast that I shredded to really enhance the flavors but ground beef works well too. After making this, I realized I should make risotto and variations of it more often. Joel loves rice so this is a win win for everyone!
Beef Stroganoff Risotto
recipe adapted from Food
1 pound ground beef (or leftover pot/beef roast, shredded)
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup dry sherry wine
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
4 cups beef broth
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
Preheat a large Dutch oven. If using ground beef, season beef with salt and pepper. Brown ground beef over medium high heat in the Dutch oven but don't over cook. Remove ground beef from pot and transfer to a plate, keeping warm.
In the same Dutch oven now empty, add olive oil and saute onions, garlic and mushrooms until softened and caramelized.
Add sherry and garlic powder, cooking for another additional 2-3 minutes and scape up any bits on the bottom of the pot. Reduce heat to medium low.
Add the arborio rice and stir well. Allow rice to toast for 2 minutes. Add ground beef (or leftover shredded pot/beef roast) and broth about 1/2-3/4 cups at a time. Allow the rice to absorb most of the broth and then add another 1/2-3/4 cup of broth. Repeat until all broth is used. {And stay patient - it's worth the time and effort!}
Stir in the mushrooms, butter, parmesan cheese and sour cream after all the broth has been used and absorbed. Stir well and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately and top with parsley.
Chocolate Chip 'Chicago' Crunch Cookies
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There's Chicago hot dogs and Chicago deep dish pizza; but did you know there are Chicago cookies? I sure didn't until The Baron's mom, Marnee, shared with me this recipe for Chocolate Chip 'Chicago' Crunch Cookies. These cookies were delicious and chockful of goodies with texture. Oats, crisp rice cereal, walnuts and chocolate chips are thrown into a buttery cookie dough with a touch of cinnamon before baking up to soft, sweet perfection...
These cookies are definitely going on my holiday list to make every year. What's great about them is that they are versatile so you can substitute other ingredients to mix in. It makes for a good base recipe for drop cookies and the batter also freezes well too. For the holidays, make the dough and portion out into balls then freeze. You can bake the cookies as you need them so fresh baked cookies are easier to make anytime you want them!
Chocolate Chip 'Chicago' Crunch Cookies
recipe from The Baron's Mom, Marnee
There's Chicago hot dogs and Chicago deep dish pizza; but did you know there are Chicago cookies? I sure didn't until The Baron's mom, Marnee, shared with me this recipe for Chocolate Chip 'Chicago' Crunch Cookies. These cookies were delicious and chockful of goodies with texture. Oats, crisp rice cereal, walnuts and chocolate chips are thrown into a buttery cookie dough with a touch of cinnamon before baking up to soft, sweet perfection...These cookies are definitely going on my holiday list to make every year. What's great about them is that they are versatile so you can substitute other ingredients to mix in. It makes for a good base recipe for drop cookies and the batter also freezes well too. For the holidays, make the dough and portion out into balls then freeze. You can bake the cookies as you need them so fresh baked cookies are easier to make anytime you want them!
Chocolate Chip 'Chicago' Crunch Cookies
recipe from The Baron's Mom, Marnee
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) margarine
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) PLUGRA butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup crushed crisp rice cereal
- 1 cup instant oats
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 12-16 ounces of chocolate chips OR chocolate chunks
Preheat oven to 350.
Beat together butter, margarine, both sugars, egg, milk and vanilla.
Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in another bowl.- Add dry ingredients alternately with oil to the creamed mixture, ending with dry. Stir in crushed cornflakes, oats, chocolate and nuts.
Drop with small or medium scoop onto parchment lined sheets. Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes depending on size.
What's Cookin, Chicago's Top 12 of 2012
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Can you believe the end of 2012 is just days away?! Every year I am in shock with how quickly the days and months fly by. This was quite a year full of delicious entertaining with themed dinner parties such as a Brazilian Carnival, Filipino Lumpia Rolling Party, Southern Eats, and Caribbean Rum Flair. I also hosted a couple special virtual baby showers for some fellow food bloggers/real life friends like Krystal's Baby Shower Fiesta and Jessica's All Star Shower.
This year was also full of culinary travel to places like Seattle, WA for the BlogHer Food Conference in June; a weekend jaunt in Portland, OR for the International Food Bloggers Conference in August; and a week of international travel in Israel (day 1, day 2, & day 3) in September with a few more days I have yet to write about with more pictures to share.
Some other foodie related things I did this year that were fun to be a part of include working with The Center of Food Integrity on a video about the labeling of genetically modified organisms {GMO} products for consumers. I also participated in a local cooking/baking competition with a Chicago online grocery company called Artizone... and ended up being the Grand Prize Winner for my Caramel Apple Spice Cupcakes with some TV time on a local morning news show.
Joel has been more involved in the kitchen with me, especially during the holidays. He's mastered some dishwasher tasks so he's moving up in the kitchen! He's also taken an interest in grocery shopping with me as we go through the aisles and talk about different ingredients, flavors, textures, cuisines and cultures. Joel's going to get a taste of the world without leaving home before he even starts school at this rate! :)
On the personal front, I've lived through a divorce, transitioned into single parenthood smoothly and I'm juggling work, home life, and furthering my education in the pharmaceutical industry all with a routine in place. Joel continues to be such amazing son and together we've made a new home and lives for ourselves as a family. I feel stronger, empowered and so blessed with the things that I have in my life. We even welcomed a new face into our kitchen and at our table - The Baron. He's such a wonderful, loving person to both of us who continues to make us smile and laugh everyday.
Overall, it was a fun year despite some ups and downs but overall it was delicious as ever. I'm not sure what the 2013 year will bring but I can only hope it's full of more food, fun and family! Here's wishing you a happy and prosperous new year for 2013 and a look back at the top 12 recipes viewed on What's Cookin, Chicago this past year...
Purple Yam {Ube} Ice Cream
Caramel Pecan Bun Muffins
Beef Stroganoff Risotto
Make Ahead Meatloaf
Southern Fried Chicken
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Pork Chop Parmigiana
Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce
Big Mac Burgers
Creole Fried Chicken
Maple Sausage Strata
Can you believe the end of 2012 is just days away?! Every year I am in shock with how quickly the days and months fly by. This was quite a year full of delicious entertaining with themed dinner parties such as a Brazilian Carnival, Filipino Lumpia Rolling Party, Southern Eats, and Caribbean Rum Flair. I also hosted a couple special virtual baby showers for some fellow food bloggers/real life friends like Krystal's Baby Shower Fiesta and Jessica's All Star Shower.This year was also full of culinary travel to places like Seattle, WA for the BlogHer Food Conference in June; a weekend jaunt in Portland, OR for the International Food Bloggers Conference in August; and a week of international travel in Israel (day 1, day 2, & day 3) in September with a few more days I have yet to write about with more pictures to share.
Some other foodie related things I did this year that were fun to be a part of include working with The Center of Food Integrity on a video about the labeling of genetically modified organisms {GMO} products for consumers. I also participated in a local cooking/baking competition with a Chicago online grocery company called Artizone... and ended up being the Grand Prize Winner for my Caramel Apple Spice Cupcakes with some TV time on a local morning news show.
Joel has been more involved in the kitchen with me, especially during the holidays. He's mastered some dishwasher tasks so he's moving up in the kitchen! He's also taken an interest in grocery shopping with me as we go through the aisles and talk about different ingredients, flavors, textures, cuisines and cultures. Joel's going to get a taste of the world without leaving home before he even starts school at this rate! :)
On the personal front, I've lived through a divorce, transitioned into single parenthood smoothly and I'm juggling work, home life, and furthering my education in the pharmaceutical industry all with a routine in place. Joel continues to be such amazing son and together we've made a new home and lives for ourselves as a family. I feel stronger, empowered and so blessed with the things that I have in my life. We even welcomed a new face into our kitchen and at our table - The Baron. He's such a wonderful, loving person to both of us who continues to make us smile and laugh everyday.
Overall, it was a fun year despite some ups and downs but overall it was delicious as ever. I'm not sure what the 2013 year will bring but I can only hope it's full of more food, fun and family! Here's wishing you a happy and prosperous new year for 2013 and a look back at the top 12 recipes viewed on What's Cookin, Chicago this past year...
Purple Yam {Ube} Ice Cream
Caramel Pecan Bun Muffins
Beef Stroganoff Risotto
Make Ahead Meatloaf
Southern Fried Chicken
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Pork Chop Parmigiana
Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce
Big Mac Burgers
Creole Fried Chicken
Maple Sausage Strata
Pork Carnitas Sopes
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Since living gluten free, Mexican cuisine is one of my all time favorite cuisines I enjoy. The use of masa harina in many Mexican dishes, which is gluten free, allows me to indulge in so many things without worrying about my gluten allergy. Aside from the usual corn tortilla tacos, corn tostadas and tamales, sopes is another gluten free favorite. I finally found a great recipe to make them from scratch at home recently. These Pork Carnitas Sopes are filled with succulent pork carnitas, crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, cream sour cream and a touch of cheese for good measure. Whether you're gluten free or not, this is one dish that is a nice change from the usual tacos and burritos of {non-authentic}Mexican fare...
My favorite thing about sopes is that its just another delicious vehicle for all your favorite toppings. These little corn 'boats' are somewhat like an open faced taco in a small pizza form. Think of them as small individual pizzas that you can load up on all sorts of things. Maybe it's cooked chorizo, some beans and cheese. Or perhaps you might like grilled chicken, charred bell peppers and onions and some salsa. Whatever you're in the mood for, these sopes allow you to fill them up and enjoy.
Pork Carnitas Sopes
Sopes recipe from Serious Eats
Ingredients
Since living gluten free, Mexican cuisine is one of my all time favorite cuisines I enjoy. The use of masa harina in many Mexican dishes, which is gluten free, allows me to indulge in so many things without worrying about my gluten allergy. Aside from the usual corn tortilla tacos, corn tostadas and tamales, sopes is another gluten free favorite. I finally found a great recipe to make them from scratch at home recently. These Pork Carnitas Sopes are filled with succulent pork carnitas, crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, cream sour cream and a touch of cheese for good measure. Whether you're gluten free or not, this is one dish that is a nice change from the usual tacos and burritos of {non-authentic}Mexican fare...My favorite thing about sopes is that its just another delicious vehicle for all your favorite toppings. These little corn 'boats' are somewhat like an open faced taco in a small pizza form. Think of them as small individual pizzas that you can load up on all sorts of things. Maybe it's cooked chorizo, some beans and cheese. Or perhaps you might like grilled chicken, charred bell peppers and onions and some salsa. Whatever you're in the mood for, these sopes allow you to fill them up and enjoy.
Pork Carnitas Sopes
Sopes recipe from Serious Eats
Ingredients
- 1 cup masa harina
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cups water
- Assorted toppings pork carnitas, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, etc
- Mix together the masa, salt, and water with your hands until it forms a smooth ball. Add more water if it's too dry and not coming together. Divide into 8 balls.
- Place a ball in between two 6 inch square pieces of plastic wrap. Flatten with a tortilla press or with a large pot, until about 1/4 inch thick and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Fold up the sides to create a 1/2 inch or so edge all the way around. Repeat with the other balls.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. When it's hot, place one sope in the skillet at a time, flat side down, for about a minute until the bottom firms up. Repeat with the other balls.
- Pour about 1/2 inch of the canola oil into a small pot. Heat to 350°F. Prick the inside of the sopes a few times with fork. When ready, place one sope in the pot and cook until it browns, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and drain upside down. Repeat with the other sopes.
- Fill with your favorite taco toppings. I had some black beans, roast pork (carnitas), lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. Something as simple as guacamole would work wonderfully too.
Christmas at the Lake, Christmas in my kitchen and Merry Christmas!
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Okay, I thought I’d just cover a few things since it seems I’ve lost my blogging mojo lately. Every year we do our family Christmas at the lake house and this year was no different. All the “little” kids are getting so big and next year we’ll have another little once as my niece is due to have a baby in June.
Before I share a few pictures I’d just like to say thank you to every single one of you that commented on my last post and kept me in your prayers. You’ll never know how much that meant to me! The day after I posted my “debby downer” post, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who said she’d dreamed about me the night before and she’d had a very symbolic dream about my illness which she knew nothing about…the dream was very much related to my illness and within a day or two my problem had vanished! I know some people might not believe in that type of thing but I just know that with all the prayers offered up the Lord honored them and healed me! I tried to respond to each and every one of you but if I didn’t get to you, please know your words and prayers mean so much to me.
Then last Monday morning around 1:30 a.m. we got a call that my 92 year old mom had fallen at her assisted living home in the bathroom. I rushed out, we were in the ER until 5:30 a.m. Monday morning. They did a CAT scan and x-ray on her leg but no concussion or brain trauma although she had a big goose egg on her forehead. After getting her settled back in her room I came home to rest. That afternoon we went out to check on her….she not only got up to eat lunch in the dining room but her goose egg had almost completely vanished! Now she is just black & blue (and sporting a black eye) but that lady is a real trooper! God has been so good to her.
Alrighty now, moving on. I did very little decorating this year. Just a little hot chocolate station in the kitchen and I decorated the mantle in the den. That’s about it and truthfully, it’s been very liberating! After I got over feeling inadequate about not doing my usual “all out” Christmas decorations, I was good with what I’d done.
I sat out hot chocolate fixins’ on a round wicker charger. We’ve really enjoyed our hot chocolate station this year….right now there’s not much left of it! Hubby keeps eating the “smarshmallows” (our granddaughter’s name for marshmallows) and the white and chocolate chips!
I found the tin of Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix at Big Lots of all places…I think it was like $5.00!
I loved these cute little napkins!
I’ve started collecting these vintage Santa mugs….so far I’ve found 3. I think they are so cute!
This is a $$Tree frame and I printed out the wording and just inserted it where a picture ordinarily goes….funny story, when our handy man was here installing my new plate rack, I heard him ask my husband what was “that” referring to the Hot Chocolate Bar…so I made this little sign so he’d know next time he was over here!
In my 3 corner cabinet I added a Christmas plate, another of my Santa mugs and some sprigs of faux greenery
Here’s a couple of collages I put together showing the mantle in my den
Our day at the lake was beautiful…not a cloud in the sky and not too cold. Everyone brings a dish so there is plenty to eat. The kids can run around like crazy. It gets kind of loud at times but this is the one time of year we all get together and we really enjoy ourselves!
The water is really down and I found a huge piece of driftwood that I had my son pick up for me….I know just where I’m going to put it in the house (once I’m sure there are no little critters inside it!)
I just love this picture of my son and grandson!
My brother in law has a real green thumb….look at this plant!
Let’s go inside and see what’s goin’ on….
My granddaughter Taylor is in l-o-v-e with Stephanie who is engaged to my nephew….a wedding is planned for next summer
My sister fixed these sweets from one of her “Pinterest” pins….don’t you just love Pinterest?
Stephanie is enjoying the fire
My sweet grandson Jackson (Taylor’s twin) loves nutcrackers so when I found this one I just had to get it for him. When we’re at the lake the kids just get little gifts with the big ones coming Christmas Day from the grandparents. Since we’ll be gone Christmas Day, we’ll see daughter and her family on Monday and go see son and his family after we return.
On Thursday granddaughter Taylor had her class Christmas party….she invited me to come! I love that she always wants me to be involved with her school activities and I’m lucky that I’m able to be there for her!
We’re going to the beach with sister and her husband on Christmas Day. Since I doubt I’ll be posting anymore until after Christmas I want to wish everyone a very blessed Christmas. Enjoy your time with family and friends and don’t forget the “reason for the season”!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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