Last week I got an e-mail from David, a UF grad that job shadowed me while he was in school. He was very excited about the new business he and his girlfriend, Morgan, were starting called "Hatchet Design " and asked me to join them for lunch today to talk about it. We met at Siam Garden, a Thai restaurant in Winter Park. The two of them exuded happiness and promise as soon as they walked through the door. It was so refreshing to see two talented young people so willing to take a risk in such a challenging economy. I know they will be successful. They both have "it". Both David and Morgan graduated from UF in graphic design.
I realize my blog posting has taken another turn away from talk of food, so I guess I better get back on my foodie path. In addition to the soulful conversation over lunch, we actually ate some very delicious soulful Thai food. I had a chicken curry dish (medium spice) that actually made my tummy do a happy dance. David had the same, only spiced HOT and Morgan had chicken Pad Thai. The prices are reasonable...less than $7.00 for a large portion that included enough for me to take home for tomorrow's dinner. This is definitely a restaurant I would recommend.
This afternoon I received an e-mail from Restaurant.com reminding me today was the last day of the 80% off sale. This means you can buy a $25.00 gift certificate for $2.00. I went on the site and spent less than $8.00 for (4) $10.00 gift certificates for Dexter's in Winter Park, (1) $25.00 gift certificate to Urban Flats and (1) $25.00 gift certificate to Cafe 118 Degrees Raw Organics. The $10.00 certificates require a $20.00 minimum purchase and have some day restrictions. Both $25.00 certificates require a $35.00 minimum purchase. I have redeemed a couple of the previously purchased certificates without any challenges and would highly recommend this site to anyone looking to go out to eat on a limited budget.
Mike recently received a $40.00 Friday's gift card, so we decided to forgo the banana split night at Sweet Tomatoes for a free dinner at Friday's. It has been years since I have eaten at Friday's, so I really didn't know what to expect. The menu had lots of choices included a "Right Price, Right Portion" section where I found my choice. I ordered a Petite Sirloin served with Gourmet Mac 'n Cheese, a Food Network challenge award winner. The portion size was just right and the price was $9.99. Mike ordered the Sizzling Chicken and Shrimp served with lots of cheese and mashed potatoes. Both of our choices weren't the most heart or figure healthy, but we enjoyed our meal nonetheless. Perhaps the best part of dinner other than the conversation, was my Shaker Blackberry Margarita. The Shaker drinks come with a glass and a cocktail shaker. In effect, you get two drinks for the price of one, not to mention the fun of shaking the cocktail. It was yummy.
Tonight I am back to my baking frenzy, making Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies for my dad's reunion this weekend. As if I hadn't had enough calories today, I just sampled one of my cookies warm from the oven. I think they will make my dad proud and my butt a little bigger.
Many hugs and new venture successes,
Kathy
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Happy Dance Day Addendum - Day 54
Last night I was so tired when I wrote my post that I completely forgot to include one of my best sources of happiness yesterday. In the midst of my crazy busy work day, I received a text from Christine, my son Ryan's (and my) friend. She asked how I was doing and told me she missed me. I really miss her too. Christine lives in Boyertown, Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia, but has spent the last two summers in Florida with many visits to our house. We have a lot in common...we love to talk and we love to hang out with Ryan. Since I was driving, I asked Christine if I could call her later to get caught up. "Of course!" she said.
After work I gave Christine a call and we talked and talked and talked some more. Christine just graduated from college with a dream to train sea lions. Unfortunately there is not a big demand for this position, especially in a troubled economy. She, like many recent graduates, is considering grad school to get a masters in sports psychology. I know Christine will be successful along whatever path life takes her.
As we were talking I looked up in my rear view mirror. In my reflection, I saw a big smile on my face while I was talking. Christine just passed my "rear view mirror test". I invented it years ago after talking to my friend Rita. A big smile while talking is an indicator that the person on the other end of the phone is someone that you should keep in your life for a very long time. Christine...I think you are stuck with me. Happy dance!
Many hugs and job opportunities,
Kathy
After work I gave Christine a call and we talked and talked and talked some more. Christine just graduated from college with a dream to train sea lions. Unfortunately there is not a big demand for this position, especially in a troubled economy. She, like many recent graduates, is considering grad school to get a masters in sports psychology. I know Christine will be successful along whatever path life takes her.
As we were talking I looked up in my rear view mirror. In my reflection, I saw a big smile on my face while I was talking. Christine just passed my "rear view mirror test". I invented it years ago after talking to my friend Rita. A big smile while talking is an indicator that the person on the other end of the phone is someone that you should keep in your life for a very long time. Christine...I think you are stuck with me. Happy dance!
Many hugs and job opportunities,
Kathy
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Happy Dance Day - Day 54
Today I broke in my dance shoes.
Work was busy. Happy dance!
My life buddy, Victoria, left me a voice mail and an e-mail. Car happy dance! It has been far too long since we talked and the sound of her voice made me smile.
I heard from my friend Dennis and got caught up. Happy dance!
One of my printing customers asked me to make 8-9 fall-themed cookie baskets for his customers. Major happy dance!
My soon to be married friend, Bree, told me she and her fiance, Jason, want me to cater their rehearsal dinner with a Mardi Gras theme. Gargantuan happy dance!
Richard picked up the cookie basket I made last night for his mom's birthday and seemed genuinely pleased. Happy dance!
I have a night all to myself to do nothing but write my blog, research recipes and dance!
Many hugs and happy dances,
Kathy
Work was busy. Happy dance!
My life buddy, Victoria, left me a voice mail and an e-mail. Car happy dance! It has been far too long since we talked and the sound of her voice made me smile.
I heard from my friend Dennis and got caught up. Happy dance!
One of my printing customers asked me to make 8-9 fall-themed cookie baskets for his customers. Major happy dance!
My soon to be married friend, Bree, told me she and her fiance, Jason, want me to cater their rehearsal dinner with a Mardi Gras theme. Gargantuan happy dance!
Richard picked up the cookie basket I made last night for his mom's birthday and seemed genuinely pleased. Happy dance!
I have a night all to myself to do nothing but write my blog, research recipes and dance!
Many hugs and happy dances,
Kathy
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Late Afternoon to Breathe - Day 53
Aaaaahhhhh.
Late this afternoon I decided it was time to take a hour or two for me...an hour or two to catch my breath. I have been going at such a "manic" pace (as Victoria describes it) that I almost forgot to breathe. The frustration of no time for cleaning or personal errands was getting the best of me. The usual guilt was gone and was replaced with supreme happiness. I stopped at the grocery store, washed my car, took my clothes to the dry cleaners and planted rosemary, basil and sage in my planter by the front door. The tasks were mundane, but very soul satisfying. Then I made a very simple, but delicious meal for my husband. Yesterday at Costco, I picked up a package of artisan ravioli pasta stuffed with butternut squash. I found a simple brown butter sauce recipe at the Food Network site. It pairs brown butter with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts and fresh sage. I poured the sauce over the cooked ravioli, topped with fresh shredded Parmesan and served it with Chris' Delicious Corn Bread leftover from Saturday. Then I made Mike wait while I took a picture for my blog. He thinks I am crazy and I think he is correct.
The pasta and the sauce was very rich and delicious. I think this recipe would make a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving. The flavors are a celebration of fall.
Brown Butter Sauce
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
2 T. torn fresh sage leaves
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
Add the sage, walnuts and cranberries and let cook until the butter starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the sauce over the cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Many hugs and Aaaaahhhhh moments,
Kathy
Late this afternoon I decided it was time to take a hour or two for me...an hour or two to catch my breath. I have been going at such a "manic" pace (as Victoria describes it) that I almost forgot to breathe. The frustration of no time for cleaning or personal errands was getting the best of me. The usual guilt was gone and was replaced with supreme happiness. I stopped at the grocery store, washed my car, took my clothes to the dry cleaners and planted rosemary, basil and sage in my planter by the front door. The tasks were mundane, but very soul satisfying. Then I made a very simple, but delicious meal for my husband. Yesterday at Costco, I picked up a package of artisan ravioli pasta stuffed with butternut squash. I found a simple brown butter sauce recipe at the Food Network site. It pairs brown butter with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts and fresh sage. I poured the sauce over the cooked ravioli, topped with fresh shredded Parmesan and served it with Chris' Delicious Corn Bread leftover from Saturday. Then I made Mike wait while I took a picture for my blog. He thinks I am crazy and I think he is correct.
The pasta and the sauce was very rich and delicious. I think this recipe would make a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving. The flavors are a celebration of fall.
Brown Butter Sauce
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
2 T. torn fresh sage leaves
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
Add the sage, walnuts and cranberries and let cook until the butter starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the sauce over the cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Many hugs and Aaaaahhhhh moments,
Kathy
Sunday, September 27, 2009
California Dreaming - Day 52
The Power of Good reared its beautiful head again today as soon as I walked in the door of Costco. Nellie, the Manatee Coffee demonstrator and fellow avid baker, brought in a special gift for me. She unveiled (2) carefully wrapped sandwich cookies she made last night. I happily accepted the treat and took it back to my demo area for later...5 minutes later. I couldn't resist. They looked so good. And then I took a nibble...oh my, this was one of the best cookies I had ever had. Two very light butter cookies were sandwiched together with caramel filling and the edges were rolled in finely shredded coconut. The cookie melted in your mouth, it was so good. I headed back to Nellie's area to request the recipe. Nellie is of German decent, but was raised in Argentina. Her recipe is calibrated in metric measurements. I don't care. Somehow I will find a way to translate it to something I can work with.
Boyce, a fellow foodie and Costco employee, stopped by to tell me what he was making for dinner...Gypsy Stew. His description made my mouth water. A light homemade chicken broth is flavored with chopped chicken, cilantro, lime juice, onions, garlic, crushed tortilla chips added in the last five minutes and topped with shredded cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Yum, too bad I am not invited for dinner.
The customers that stopped by my demo area were another fun and interesting group. An 89 year old man stopped by to tell me wine was his secret to a long life. He has a glass every night with dinner and is in remarkable shape. In the moment he visited, I found out his age, his secret to longevity, his military history...fought in WWII, and got to see his 20 year gold ring for service at Disney. How cool is that?!
A former Gator scout team member from the Emmitt Smith era came by to talk Gator football. We had a blast dissecting our chances of going undefeated, whether Tebow had a concussion or just got his bell rung, and the likelihood of Urban Meyer being the coach next year. I love talking football, especially with a guy. The look on his face when I actually went toe-to-toe with him was priceless.
Two spunky, single 60 something year old women picked up a couple of bottles of my wine and invited me to a tasting in the parking lot. They were so funny lamenting about the lack of interesting single men their age, but explaining that the friendship of their women friends was a good substitute. They asked if I was married and seemed genuinely bummed I couldn't join their singles group.
While working I noticed an e-mail from my life buddy Victoria. I haven't talked to her in months and really miss her, especially when I am surrounded by Sonoma wines in the wine demo area. Victoria mentioned she follows my blog and is concerned about the manic pace of my life. I realize my life may seem out of control, but I honestly am happiest when I go full throttle. Still, the thought of a week in the relaxing slow paced world of my friend Victoria made me ache for California. Oh well.
When I finished work, I called Mike to plan dinner. His choice was a noshing smorgasbord of cheese, salami, crackers, and smoked salmon. This is actually one of my favorite ways to dine...a little of this, a lot of that and some of the other. We discovered Maddie, like Abby, loves smoked salmon. Dinner was relaxing and fun...almost made me feel like I was in California.
Many hugs and California dreams,
Kathy
Boyce, a fellow foodie and Costco employee, stopped by to tell me what he was making for dinner...Gypsy Stew. His description made my mouth water. A light homemade chicken broth is flavored with chopped chicken, cilantro, lime juice, onions, garlic, crushed tortilla chips added in the last five minutes and topped with shredded cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Yum, too bad I am not invited for dinner.
The customers that stopped by my demo area were another fun and interesting group. An 89 year old man stopped by to tell me wine was his secret to a long life. He has a glass every night with dinner and is in remarkable shape. In the moment he visited, I found out his age, his secret to longevity, his military history...fought in WWII, and got to see his 20 year gold ring for service at Disney. How cool is that?!
A former Gator scout team member from the Emmitt Smith era came by to talk Gator football. We had a blast dissecting our chances of going undefeated, whether Tebow had a concussion or just got his bell rung, and the likelihood of Urban Meyer being the coach next year. I love talking football, especially with a guy. The look on his face when I actually went toe-to-toe with him was priceless.
Two spunky, single 60 something year old women picked up a couple of bottles of my wine and invited me to a tasting in the parking lot. They were so funny lamenting about the lack of interesting single men their age, but explaining that the friendship of their women friends was a good substitute. They asked if I was married and seemed genuinely bummed I couldn't join their singles group.
While working I noticed an e-mail from my life buddy Victoria. I haven't talked to her in months and really miss her, especially when I am surrounded by Sonoma wines in the wine demo area. Victoria mentioned she follows my blog and is concerned about the manic pace of my life. I realize my life may seem out of control, but I honestly am happiest when I go full throttle. Still, the thought of a week in the relaxing slow paced world of my friend Victoria made me ache for California. Oh well.
When I finished work, I called Mike to plan dinner. His choice was a noshing smorgasbord of cheese, salami, crackers, and smoked salmon. This is actually one of my favorite ways to dine...a little of this, a lot of that and some of the other. We discovered Maddie, like Abby, loves smoked salmon. Dinner was relaxing and fun...almost made me feel like I was in California.
Many hugs and California dreams,
Kathy
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Broken Apple Spice Cake - Day 51
For my mom's birthday I promised her a homemade Apple Spice Cake that I intended to make last night, but Howl-O-Scream called. So I set the alarm and got up early to make it before work at Costco. I found the recipe in the October issue of Bon Appetit. It is similar to a carrot cake, but with apples instead of carrots. As I made the batter, my roommate Jim wanted to talk, but I was forced to ignore him to focus on the recipe details. I hope he understood. He thinks I am crazy to go at the pace I do all the time. I think he is crazy not to fit more into his days.
The cake looked and smelled great as I took it out of the oven, but unfortunately disaster struck when I tried to flip it over. The rack slipped and a big chunk of cake broke off. Unfortunately this cake is not forgiving. It is one that isn't iced all over...just between the layers, so imperfections are not easily hidden. This drove me crazy because I am such a perfectionist. And then I thought, it is life's imperfections that make it interesting. This Broken Apple Spice Cake is going to be full of imperfect goodness. The trip in the car to Tom, Susan and Christopher's Gator viewing party just reinforced the fact. The top layer slid off the bottom and lodged up against the cake cover, then broke it three pieces. What a site.
Susan and Chris outdid themselves on the spread for the viewing party. We feasted on pulled pork on Texas toast, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, hummus with pita chips, barbecued meatballs, a mini salad bar and Chris' homemade corn bread. Oh my, it was the perfect accompaniment to a Kentucky butt kicking. Many high fives were exchanged between bites. The Broken Apple Spice Cake was served for dessert and actually tasted quite good...blogworthy in fact. I also am including Chris' corn bread recipe...yummy!
Chris' Delicious Corn Bread
1 cup yellow corn meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 T. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 8 ounce can creamed corn
Preheat oven to 425 F. Combine corn meal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add milk, egg and oil. Beat until fairly smooth. Stir in corn. Pour into buttered 8" square baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve hot.
Fuji Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 T. rum, bourbon or apple brandy
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 medium Fuji apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter and flour (2) 9" cake pans. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper round. Whisk first 7 ingredients in medium bowl. Set aside. Using electric mixer, beat butter until fluffy. Add sugars and beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla, then rum (mixture may look curdled). Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with applesauce, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in apples and pecans. Divide batter between cake pans, smooth tops.
Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Transfer cakes to racks and cool in pans 15 minutes. Cut around pan sides to loosen cakes. Invert cakes onto racks; peel off parchment paper. Place another rack atop 1 cake and invert again so that cake is rounded side up. Repeat with second cake. Cool completely
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 T. vanilla
pinch of salt
3 cups powdered sugar, measured, then sifted
toasted pecans for garnish
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until smooth. Beat in vanilla and pinch of salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until frosting is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Using long serrated knife, trim off rounded tops of cakes to make level; brush off any loose crumbs. Transfer 1 cake to platter, trimmed side up. Spread half the frosting evenly to edges of cake. Top with second cake trimmed side down. Spread remaining frosting on top creating swirls and peaks. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Let cake stand at room temperature 1 hour prior to serving. Refrigerate remaining cake.
Many hugs,
Kathy
The cake looked and smelled great as I took it out of the oven, but unfortunately disaster struck when I tried to flip it over. The rack slipped and a big chunk of cake broke off. Unfortunately this cake is not forgiving. It is one that isn't iced all over...just between the layers, so imperfections are not easily hidden. This drove me crazy because I am such a perfectionist. And then I thought, it is life's imperfections that make it interesting. This Broken Apple Spice Cake is going to be full of imperfect goodness. The trip in the car to Tom, Susan and Christopher's Gator viewing party just reinforced the fact. The top layer slid off the bottom and lodged up against the cake cover, then broke it three pieces. What a site.
Susan and Chris outdid themselves on the spread for the viewing party. We feasted on pulled pork on Texas toast, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, hummus with pita chips, barbecued meatballs, a mini salad bar and Chris' homemade corn bread. Oh my, it was the perfect accompaniment to a Kentucky butt kicking. Many high fives were exchanged between bites. The Broken Apple Spice Cake was served for dessert and actually tasted quite good...blogworthy in fact. I also am including Chris' corn bread recipe...yummy!
Chris' Delicious Corn Bread
1 cup yellow corn meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 T. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 8 ounce can creamed corn
Preheat oven to 425 F. Combine corn meal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add milk, egg and oil. Beat until fairly smooth. Stir in corn. Pour into buttered 8" square baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve hot.
Fuji Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 T. rum, bourbon or apple brandy
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 medium Fuji apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter and flour (2) 9" cake pans. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper round. Whisk first 7 ingredients in medium bowl. Set aside. Using electric mixer, beat butter until fluffy. Add sugars and beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla, then rum (mixture may look curdled). Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with applesauce, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in apples and pecans. Divide batter between cake pans, smooth tops.
Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Transfer cakes to racks and cool in pans 15 minutes. Cut around pan sides to loosen cakes. Invert cakes onto racks; peel off parchment paper. Place another rack atop 1 cake and invert again so that cake is rounded side up. Repeat with second cake. Cool completely
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 T. vanilla
pinch of salt
3 cups powdered sugar, measured, then sifted
toasted pecans for garnish
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until smooth. Beat in vanilla and pinch of salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until frosting is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Using long serrated knife, trim off rounded tops of cakes to make level; brush off any loose crumbs. Transfer 1 cake to platter, trimmed side up. Spread half the frosting evenly to edges of cake. Top with second cake trimmed side down. Spread remaining frosting on top creating swirls and peaks. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Let cake stand at room temperature 1 hour prior to serving. Refrigerate remaining cake.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Howl-O-Scream - Day 50
What a great way to commemorate 50 days of blogging...a VIP party at this year's Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream with my husband Mike. Our VIP status entitled us to great parking, a food and drink reception and butt in line privileges at all the venues. The food and drink reception was well done. A pasta station was set up on one side of the room with pasta, Alfredo and marinara sauce, sauteed shrimp and other goodies. The other side of the room housed a slider station with mini buns to top with cheeseburgers, crab cakes and pulled pork. A catwalk located in the center of the room showcased sexy, spooky models showing off the latest styles from the House of Vayne. Three chocolate fountains with a myriad of dipper options were situated at the end of the catwalk. Of course Budweiser products were plentiful. A blood punch made with vodka, black raspberry and a mystery ingredient was my drink of choice.
Mike and I have never attended a Halloween event like this. I think we are a little past the demographic they are targeting, but it was actually quite fun. Since I was born on Halloween, I figure this was a great way to kick off my birthday month a little early.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Mike and I have never attended a Halloween event like this. I think we are a little past the demographic they are targeting, but it was actually quite fun. Since I was born on Halloween, I figure this was a great way to kick off my birthday month a little early.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Power of Good Gone Bad - Day 49
Today "the Power of Good" took a back seat to "the Power of Bad". The majority of the work day was filled with frustration. For that reason, I really looked forward to the evening. Right after work I got my haircut and then headed home (feeling kind of cute) to bake birthday cookies for Carolyn's husband Randy.
Dinner was "Dexter's Soup", a soup idea I concocted last night after the lights went out, but my brain would not. I sauteed fresh garlic, onions, celery and carrots. Then added 3 cans of low sodium chicken broth, about 6 cubed red potatoes, dried thyme, marjoram, poultry seasoning, red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, hot sauce and let it come to a rapid boil for about 10 minutes. I added about a cup of kale, the leftover scoop of Dexter's mashed potatoes, leftover Dexter's homemade chicken sausage, leftover peppers from Sunday's brats, a splash of white wine, half and half and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The end result reminded me of Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden...only better. I made a salad with the leftover Dexter's green beans, chopped celery, fresh basil and tomatoes with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. A glass of white wine was poured, a blog picture taken and I sat down to dinner in front of the Ole Miss/South Carolina game at about 9:30. Aaaah...15 minutes of total bliss.
Time to bake the cookies. Randy is one of those unfortunate people that does not like nuts. It is killing me, but I am making White Chocolate Blueberry No Pecan Cookies. A cookie without nuts just doesn't feel right, but hopefully they will make him happy.
Many hugs and more power of good,
Kathy
Dinner was "Dexter's Soup", a soup idea I concocted last night after the lights went out, but my brain would not. I sauteed fresh garlic, onions, celery and carrots. Then added 3 cans of low sodium chicken broth, about 6 cubed red potatoes, dried thyme, marjoram, poultry seasoning, red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, hot sauce and let it come to a rapid boil for about 10 minutes. I added about a cup of kale, the leftover scoop of Dexter's mashed potatoes, leftover Dexter's homemade chicken sausage, leftover peppers from Sunday's brats, a splash of white wine, half and half and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The end result reminded me of Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden...only better. I made a salad with the leftover Dexter's green beans, chopped celery, fresh basil and tomatoes with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. A glass of white wine was poured, a blog picture taken and I sat down to dinner in front of the Ole Miss/South Carolina game at about 9:30. Aaaah...15 minutes of total bliss.
Time to bake the cookies. Randy is one of those unfortunate people that does not like nuts. It is killing me, but I am making White Chocolate Blueberry No Pecan Cookies. A cookie without nuts just doesn't feel right, but hopefully they will make him happy.
Many hugs and more power of good,
Kathy
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Birthday Girls - Day 48
Two of my favorite women in the world were born on this day...my mom and my friend Kenda. Since birthday serenades are a tradition in my family, both were tortured with my rendition of "Happy Birthday" to start their day. I stopped by Kenda's house of my way to work to drop off her foodie birthday gift. She was feeling kind of grumpy, but I think the gift worked a little magic on her mood. I gave her the cookbook, Giada's Kitchen and several Giada speciality items tucked in a funky wooden planter.
Tonight it was my mom's turn for pampering. We met at Dexter's in Winter Park for a great meal and conversation. Shrimp is a must for my mom when she goes out to eat, so her dinner choice was Mediterranean Pasta with Grilled Shrimp. The pasta was filled with artichokes, kalamata olives, spinach, sun dried tomatoes and shrimp all topped with chunks of feta cheese. It looked delicious and judging by her groans and smiles, I think it was. Mike opted for pasta shells tossed with shrimp and peas in a Parmesan cream sauce. Yum as well. My brother and I went the adventurous route with an offering from the daily specials menu...Homemade Grilled Chicken Sausage with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was wonderful comfort food that reminded me of fall. The meal was a little extravagant for this cash starved foodie, but I believe birthdays deserve a day, or maybe a week of pampering. Besides, I bought another $25.00 gift certificate at www.restaurant.com for $4.00 and used it tonight to defray the cost. Our decadent meal for four came to $50.00 including tip.
Mike was in charge of picking up an ice cream birthday cake for my mom at Marble Slab today. He made a great choice with the mint chocolate ice cream cake. It was light and refreshing after the heavy meal.
I hope both birthday girls enjoyed their day...I know I sure did!
Many hugs and happy birthdays,
Kathy
Tonight it was my mom's turn for pampering. We met at Dexter's in Winter Park for a great meal and conversation. Shrimp is a must for my mom when she goes out to eat, so her dinner choice was Mediterranean Pasta with Grilled Shrimp. The pasta was filled with artichokes, kalamata olives, spinach, sun dried tomatoes and shrimp all topped with chunks of feta cheese. It looked delicious and judging by her groans and smiles, I think it was. Mike opted for pasta shells tossed with shrimp and peas in a Parmesan cream sauce. Yum as well. My brother and I went the adventurous route with an offering from the daily specials menu...Homemade Grilled Chicken Sausage with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was wonderful comfort food that reminded me of fall. The meal was a little extravagant for this cash starved foodie, but I believe birthdays deserve a day, or maybe a week of pampering. Besides, I bought another $25.00 gift certificate at www.restaurant.com for $4.00 and used it tonight to defray the cost. Our decadent meal for four came to $50.00 including tip.
Mike was in charge of picking up an ice cream birthday cake for my mom at Marble Slab today. He made a great choice with the mint chocolate ice cream cake. It was light and refreshing after the heavy meal.
I hope both birthday girls enjoyed their day...I know I sure did!
Many hugs and happy birthdays,
Kathy
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Blogworthy - Day 47
The first half of the day was unremarkable for this cash starved foodie, but the evening's event made up for it. My friend Bree and her fiance Jason invited me to join them for an open house at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne. This is the venue for their wedding (in just 52 days) and I am going to be the wedding coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day. Tonight gave us the opportunity to see the actual setting, makes plans and taste food options from the caterer, Meiner's Catering.
The courtyard where the ceremony and reception will be held is lushly landscaped and the trees are decked out in tiny white lights. The wedding is at dusk so the ambiance will be warm and romantic. We tried the Merlot and Chardonnay that will be served at the reception and both were actually good. The food was also a pleasant surprise. We sampled butler-passed hors d'oeuvres of mushroom tartlets, seared Ahi tuna with wasabi, bruschetta, grilled shrimp and tomato soup shots. The carving station stops included beef tenderloin served with a mushroom sauce and creamy mashed potatoes; and pork tenderloin served with a mango salsa and saffron rice. The heavy hors d'oeuvres station included meatballs, spinach artichoke dip, crackers, cheese and a variety of antipasto. On the way out the door Jason and I spotted the chocolate fountain hiding in the corner. Bree had will power, but Jason and I tried out cream puffs, cherries, strawberries and pretzels all drenched in a chocolate bath. Yum!
Bree and Jason are so cool together. I am really looking forward to being a part of their special day. Being included tonight meant a lot to me. Bree mentioned that she caught up on my blog today and loved the fact that she was mentioned in one of my postings. I have a sneaking suspicion that she and Jason will be mentioned in many more. They are both truly blogworthy!
Many hugs,
Kathy
The courtyard where the ceremony and reception will be held is lushly landscaped and the trees are decked out in tiny white lights. The wedding is at dusk so the ambiance will be warm and romantic. We tried the Merlot and Chardonnay that will be served at the reception and both were actually good. The food was also a pleasant surprise. We sampled butler-passed hors d'oeuvres of mushroom tartlets, seared Ahi tuna with wasabi, bruschetta, grilled shrimp and tomato soup shots. The carving station stops included beef tenderloin served with a mushroom sauce and creamy mashed potatoes; and pork tenderloin served with a mango salsa and saffron rice. The heavy hors d'oeuvres station included meatballs, spinach artichoke dip, crackers, cheese and a variety of antipasto. On the way out the door Jason and I spotted the chocolate fountain hiding in the corner. Bree had will power, but Jason and I tried out cream puffs, cherries, strawberries and pretzels all drenched in a chocolate bath. Yum!
Bree and Jason are so cool together. I am really looking forward to being a part of their special day. Being included tonight meant a lot to me. Bree mentioned that she caught up on my blog today and loved the fact that she was mentioned in one of my postings. I have a sneaking suspicion that she and Jason will be mentioned in many more. They are both truly blogworthy!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Full Life - Day 46
This morning was an early start for a client meeting. I love early mornings. Everything looks so fresh and new and hopeful. As I drove down the East West Expressway to my meeting looking at the cloudy morning sky...it hit me. I live a very FULL life in every sense of the word. While briefly at the office this morning, I took the time to read a couple of e-mails. One from Rita giving me an update on my hero, Mary Helen's cancer battle. Another from my friend Dennis commenting on my "Happy Dance" blog and how it made him smile. I reflected on Jim's comments last night about how much I cram into each day and how much delicious food I crammed into my mouth this weekend. And I thought...what a FULL life. I am blessed with a loving family, great friends, high energy and good food around every corner.
This afternoon was one of the best I have ever had. I spent a couple of hours in a hospital room in the cancer wing of Florida Hospital Altamonte with my friend Rita, my hero Mary Helen and her boyfriend Ron. I made a grand entrance by incorrectly using the aerosol disinfectant outside the door and entering the room with foam in my hair, on my face and on my suit. Mary Helen quickly brushed away my mishap and greeted me with a big hug. No hug has ever felt so good.
Mary Helen is in the battle of her life against cancer and cancer keeps running up the score. But, I can honestly say I have never seen someone exude so much life and positive energy as MH did this afternoon. We talked about politics, horrible hospital food, my silly blog, my roommate Jim, work, cancer, tumors, pain and dogs. We talked about life. Nothing was off limits.
She shared her view on the people in her life right now. Mary Helen explained that a lot of her friends and acquaintances don't contact her because they don't know what to say. She understands and is not mad, but believes they will feel sad later. To her the ones that are left are like a wonderful sauce reduction where the flavor intensifies to create the perfect taste, rich and wonderfully satisfying. Did I mention Mary Helen is a foodie?!
Perhaps my most memorable moment of the afternoon was when I looked into Mary Helen's eyes and told her she was my hero. She said she didn't deserve it (of course she does), but was very honored. I will always cherish that moment. For me, it was truly magical. Happy dance time.
Lunch was nonexistent and was replaced by "Dunch" at 4:00 after my visit with MH. I warmed up some Turkey Tortilla soup, topped it with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream and crushed blue corn chips. I washed it down with white sangria in front of the TV tuned to Food Network, of course. Giada at Home was featuring a menu made with leftovers and pantry essentials...Lemon Spaghetti Chicken Soup and Pea Pesto Crostini. They both looked quite tasty and easy to make. I may have to post the recipes.
After "Dunch" I called Kenda to talk and somehow the conversation turned to pistachio ice cream from Bruester's. As I mentioned in a previous blog, it is the best...chocked full of slightly salty pistachios. I had to have some and decided Kenda and Mark had to have some too. Off I went to spread a little ice cream happiness. I know Kenda thought I was a crazy person, but that is OK. It made me happy. Time for another happy dance.
Mary Helen hates the hospital food and mentioned she could go for some cookies...some HeartSong Cookies. I was more than happy to oblige. Tonight I made Tropical Escape Cookies and Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies to take to the hospital tomorrow. Unfortunately one of the chocolate chip cookies jumped off the warming rack right into my mouth. It was actually quite good. I think MH will be pleased.
I love my FULL life!
Many hugs and moments of a lifetime,
Kathy
This afternoon was one of the best I have ever had. I spent a couple of hours in a hospital room in the cancer wing of Florida Hospital Altamonte with my friend Rita, my hero Mary Helen and her boyfriend Ron. I made a grand entrance by incorrectly using the aerosol disinfectant outside the door and entering the room with foam in my hair, on my face and on my suit. Mary Helen quickly brushed away my mishap and greeted me with a big hug. No hug has ever felt so good.
Mary Helen is in the battle of her life against cancer and cancer keeps running up the score. But, I can honestly say I have never seen someone exude so much life and positive energy as MH did this afternoon. We talked about politics, horrible hospital food, my silly blog, my roommate Jim, work, cancer, tumors, pain and dogs. We talked about life. Nothing was off limits.
She shared her view on the people in her life right now. Mary Helen explained that a lot of her friends and acquaintances don't contact her because they don't know what to say. She understands and is not mad, but believes they will feel sad later. To her the ones that are left are like a wonderful sauce reduction where the flavor intensifies to create the perfect taste, rich and wonderfully satisfying. Did I mention Mary Helen is a foodie?!
Perhaps my most memorable moment of the afternoon was when I looked into Mary Helen's eyes and told her she was my hero. She said she didn't deserve it (of course she does), but was very honored. I will always cherish that moment. For me, it was truly magical. Happy dance time.
Lunch was nonexistent and was replaced by "Dunch" at 4:00 after my visit with MH. I warmed up some Turkey Tortilla soup, topped it with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream and crushed blue corn chips. I washed it down with white sangria in front of the TV tuned to Food Network, of course. Giada at Home was featuring a menu made with leftovers and pantry essentials...Lemon Spaghetti Chicken Soup and Pea Pesto Crostini. They both looked quite tasty and easy to make. I may have to post the recipes.
After "Dunch" I called Kenda to talk and somehow the conversation turned to pistachio ice cream from Bruester's. As I mentioned in a previous blog, it is the best...chocked full of slightly salty pistachios. I had to have some and decided Kenda and Mark had to have some too. Off I went to spread a little ice cream happiness. I know Kenda thought I was a crazy person, but that is OK. It made me happy. Time for another happy dance.
Mary Helen hates the hospital food and mentioned she could go for some cookies...some HeartSong Cookies. I was more than happy to oblige. Tonight I made Tropical Escape Cookies and Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies to take to the hospital tomorrow. Unfortunately one of the chocolate chip cookies jumped off the warming rack right into my mouth. It was actually quite good. I think MH will be pleased.
I love my FULL life!
Many hugs and moments of a lifetime,
Kathy
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Happy Tummies- Day 45
I set the alarm this morning for 8:30 to watch Breakfast with the Gators, a replay of yesterday's game. Yes, both Mike and I are crazy, spoiled brat Gator fans. We watched the first half from the comfort of our bed and then our stomachs started talking to each other. They made plans for breakfast at Mimi's and Mike and I had to accommodate them.
My stomach opted for the Monterey Omelet, filled with bacon, cheese and topped with fresh avocado and fresh salsa, served with redskin potatoes, muffin, juice and coffee. Mike's stomach chose his favorite - country fried steak, eggs, redskin potatoes, muffin, juice and Diet Coke. Both stomachs finally stopped their talking and left feeling full, fat and sassy.
On to work at Costco I went. Traffic was good, but I only sold 43 bottles of wine. I did have some wonderful conversations with the customers and all in all, it was a relaxing good day.
When I returned home, I asked Jim to join us for tailgate leftovers. We grilled brats and served them with peppers and onions, broccoli salad, chips and potato salad. For dessert I grilled pineapple slices and topped them with a drizzle of caramel, whipped cream and chopped macadamia nuts. This meal was happy dance worthy.
Now I am feeling like a sluggish, over-indulgent, tub of goo that needs a little rest. Good night.
Many hugs and happy tummies,
Kathy
My stomach opted for the Monterey Omelet, filled with bacon, cheese and topped with fresh avocado and fresh salsa, served with redskin potatoes, muffin, juice and coffee. Mike's stomach chose his favorite - country fried steak, eggs, redskin potatoes, muffin, juice and Diet Coke. Both stomachs finally stopped their talking and left feeling full, fat and sassy.
On to work at Costco I went. Traffic was good, but I only sold 43 bottles of wine. I did have some wonderful conversations with the customers and all in all, it was a relaxing good day.
When I returned home, I asked Jim to join us for tailgate leftovers. We grilled brats and served them with peppers and onions, broccoli salad, chips and potato salad. For dessert I grilled pineapple slices and topped them with a drizzle of caramel, whipped cream and chopped macadamia nuts. This meal was happy dance worthy.
Now I am feeling like a sluggish, over-indulgent, tub of goo that needs a little rest. Good night.
Many hugs and happy tummies,
Kathy
Sizzled and Fizzled - Day 44
Today began with a 5:20 a.m. alarm and a trip to Gainesville to claim our favorite tailgate spot for the big game...Florida/Tennessee. After we unloaded and set up the tent, Mike and I settled in for the several hour wait until game time. Hunger and boredom set in, so I paid a visit to Starbucks for muffins and coffee. The pumpkin cream cheese muffin was delicious and the hot coffee hit the spot even on this sweltering day. With my hunger satisfied, it was time to take care of the boredom. I pulled out the latest edition of Bon Appetit, my favorite food magazine, and began reading. I fell in love with the writing style of Molly Wizenberg. She writes a column called Cooking Life and this one was titled "How I Learned To Love Kale". Her description of the kale hitting the hot pan made me want to go out and buy a bunch on the spot. I noticed she writes the award-winning blog Orangette and is the author of A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table. I need to make a point to check out both. This October edition of the magazine is filled with wonderful recipes featuring the flavors of fall, my favorite time of year. One recipe and photo in particular caught my eye...Fuji Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. My mom's birthday in this Wednesday and I thought it would be the perfect birthday cake for me to make. The recipe mimics a carrot cake, one of my mom's favorites, but with apples instead of carrots. I called my mom for approval and she gave me a thumbs up, so Fuji Apple Birthday Cake it will be!
The rest of our family and friends arrived around noon and the grilling and drinking began. Kevina unveiled her new toy...the Margarator, or something like that. It is a huge blender/slush machine that plugs into your car. Kevina made delicious, slushy pina coladas. Aaaah, life is good! Happy dance.
Then she tackled the grill with cheese quesadillas served with sour cream and fresh salsa. Yum! Kevina passed the spatula to me to grill the balance of our tailgate feast...fresh brats, grilled onions, cheeseburger sliders, all served with sides of broccoli salad, potato salad and blue corn chips.
It was a sizzling feast to prep us for what we hoped would be a sizzling game. The week was filled with much media hype and high expectations. Florida was supposed to win by...30...50...100. They were supposed to shut up the Tennessee coach, Lane Kiffin, with their far superior coach and players.
Tennessee's defense had other plans. Most of the game was a battle of two good defenses and less than sizzling offenses. The Gators ultimately won the game 23-13 and are still undefeated and still number one in the country. But somehow, the Gator nation left the stadium like spoiled little brats where greed dominates and nothing is ever enough. I unfortunately was one of those spoiled little brats and need a good talking to. No happy dance.
Many hugs and Gator wins,
Kathy
The rest of our family and friends arrived around noon and the grilling and drinking began. Kevina unveiled her new toy...the Margarator, or something like that. It is a huge blender/slush machine that plugs into your car. Kevina made delicious, slushy pina coladas. Aaaah, life is good! Happy dance.
Then she tackled the grill with cheese quesadillas served with sour cream and fresh salsa. Yum! Kevina passed the spatula to me to grill the balance of our tailgate feast...fresh brats, grilled onions, cheeseburger sliders, all served with sides of broccoli salad, potato salad and blue corn chips.
It was a sizzling feast to prep us for what we hoped would be a sizzling game. The week was filled with much media hype and high expectations. Florida was supposed to win by...30...50...100. They were supposed to shut up the Tennessee coach, Lane Kiffin, with their far superior coach and players.
Tennessee's defense had other plans. Most of the game was a battle of two good defenses and less than sizzling offenses. The Gators ultimately won the game 23-13 and are still undefeated and still number one in the country. But somehow, the Gator nation left the stadium like spoiled little brats where greed dominates and nothing is ever enough. I unfortunately was one of those spoiled little brats and need a good talking to. No happy dance.
Many hugs and Gator wins,
Kathy
Friday, September 18, 2009
Successes - Day 43
One of the things the last few weeks has taught me is how important it is to celebrate life's successes...large and small. The more I talk to my roommate about this, the more I realize how addicting success can be. Last night after my blog posting and cookie baking, Jim came home from his second job and began to talk about how he tried to have more positive thoughts throughout the day. He had some great conversations with several clients and his sister. I explained once again how important it was to celebrate that success and open himself up to all of life's possibilities, no excuses. We discussed different options and with each came a reason for failure. I mentioned he sets himself up to fail before he even begins and all of a sudden...his face changed. The light bulb went off. He had an "Ah ha" moment of gargantuan proportions. It was so cool to see the look on his face. I went upstairs and did a major happy dance.
I dropped off cookies to my mom and her childhood friends on my way to work. They were thrilled. Time for another happy dance.
Something savory, not sweet, was on my mind for breakfast. I stopped at Starbucks for the breakfast sandwich pairing. For $4.27 I enjoyed a delicious Artisan Breakfast Sandwich with egg, cheese and black forest ham and a cup of good strong coffee. My to go cup came with a cool green stopper stirrer to keep the coffee warm. It is the little things that make a difference.
On to work to drop off the cookie basket for Tom and treats for my co-workers. Then back on the road to Gainesville and Ocala. Carolyn sent me a text message asking if I could see her White Chocolate Macadamia Nut smile? Happy dance.
Last night Jim told me about an exercise from the book "The Secret". Try to smile for one full minute. Jim tried it and said he only lasted for about 20 seconds. Hmmm. I've been smiling for at least 3 hours today. It's fun! Makes my heart happy.
Carolyn called me after she ate the Chocolate Swirl Cranberry Pecan Cookie to suggest I create a contest - "What would you do for a HeartSong Cookie"? She suggested I pass out pieces of cardboard and have friends get creative. The most creative would get a cookie basket. I like it! Happy dance. My smile continued for over 5 hours!
Lunch was a slice of an absolutely perfect Florentine pizza from Leonardo's in Gainesville. The thin crust was covered with fresh spinach, slices of Roma tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes and feta cheese. Yummy happy dance.
After lunch I dropped off a job and cookies to Amanda in Ocala. A few minutes later I received an e-mail telling me the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies were the best she had ever had. Happy dance.
After work I had an appointment at Consumer Connections in Apopka to participate in a market research study taste testing coffee. For about 45 minutes of my time, I made $25.00 and was able to use it for dinner with Mike. We decided to do another coupon dinner, this time at Elephant Bar in Altamonte. For $8.95 we ordered the Pan Pacific Shrimp Dinner that included coconut shrimp, tempura shrimp and stir fried shrimp over brown rice. For $1.99 more, I got a delicious Mai Tai. The entire bill for the two of us was $23.00. Not bad for a relaxing Friday date night...happy dance.
Tomorrow is the big day...the Florida/Tennessee game in Gainesville. Hopefully I will be doing many happy dances before, during and after the game. Go Gators!
Many hugs and happy dances,
Kathy
I dropped off cookies to my mom and her childhood friends on my way to work. They were thrilled. Time for another happy dance.
Something savory, not sweet, was on my mind for breakfast. I stopped at Starbucks for the breakfast sandwich pairing. For $4.27 I enjoyed a delicious Artisan Breakfast Sandwich with egg, cheese and black forest ham and a cup of good strong coffee. My to go cup came with a cool green stopper stirrer to keep the coffee warm. It is the little things that make a difference.
On to work to drop off the cookie basket for Tom and treats for my co-workers. Then back on the road to Gainesville and Ocala. Carolyn sent me a text message asking if I could see her White Chocolate Macadamia Nut smile? Happy dance.
Last night Jim told me about an exercise from the book "The Secret". Try to smile for one full minute. Jim tried it and said he only lasted for about 20 seconds. Hmmm. I've been smiling for at least 3 hours today. It's fun! Makes my heart happy.
Carolyn called me after she ate the Chocolate Swirl Cranberry Pecan Cookie to suggest I create a contest - "What would you do for a HeartSong Cookie"? She suggested I pass out pieces of cardboard and have friends get creative. The most creative would get a cookie basket. I like it! Happy dance. My smile continued for over 5 hours!
Lunch was a slice of an absolutely perfect Florentine pizza from Leonardo's in Gainesville. The thin crust was covered with fresh spinach, slices of Roma tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes and feta cheese. Yummy happy dance.
After lunch I dropped off a job and cookies to Amanda in Ocala. A few minutes later I received an e-mail telling me the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies were the best she had ever had. Happy dance.
After work I had an appointment at Consumer Connections in Apopka to participate in a market research study taste testing coffee. For about 45 minutes of my time, I made $25.00 and was able to use it for dinner with Mike. We decided to do another coupon dinner, this time at Elephant Bar in Altamonte. For $8.95 we ordered the Pan Pacific Shrimp Dinner that included coconut shrimp, tempura shrimp and stir fried shrimp over brown rice. For $1.99 more, I got a delicious Mai Tai. The entire bill for the two of us was $23.00. Not bad for a relaxing Friday date night...happy dance.
Tomorrow is the big day...the Florida/Tennessee game in Gainesville. Hopefully I will be doing many happy dances before, during and after the game. Go Gators!
Many hugs and happy dances,
Kathy
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Secret - Day 42
Breakfast this morning was another bowl of Greek yogurt with honey, blueberries and Marcona almonds, but this time it was followed by positive thoughts. Last night my roommate began to read "The Secret". This morning he came downstairs to tell me I already know "the secret"...that I already live it. Since I have never read the book (but plan to when Jim is finished), I needed him to explain. He said "the secret" was the power of positive thoughts. He paid me the ultimate compliment saying this is how I live my life. Yes! He is having one of those "Ah ha" moments. It is definitely time for a happy dance.
Today was a crazy, run around all over town, more than I can possibly do, kind of day. I grabbed lunch from Panera and sat in my mobile dining room to devour my tomato soup and chicken salad sandwich. I actually relaxed and ignored the phone for a few brief moments. Aaaaaah.
For dinner I had the leftover crab cake and shrimp from Monday's splurge at Dexter's. I roasted some fresh asparagus to go with it and fixed a quick sangria. Very tasty! Maddie, our crazy dog, actually came downstairs to keep me company and Mike wasn't even here.
One of my co-workers, Tom, was in a horrific car accident yesterday. He was hit by a dump truck and had to be airlifted to ORMC. Tom has a broken leg, cracked spine and many, many bruises and sprains. He is extremely lucky to have survived. Since he is complaining about the hospital food, I figured I had to do something...bake cookies, of course.
Tonight I am making White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies and Chocolate Swirl Cranberry Pecan Cookies for Tom and also for my mom and her friends.
Many hugs and "ah ha" moments,
Kathy
Today was a crazy, run around all over town, more than I can possibly do, kind of day. I grabbed lunch from Panera and sat in my mobile dining room to devour my tomato soup and chicken salad sandwich. I actually relaxed and ignored the phone for a few brief moments. Aaaaaah.
For dinner I had the leftover crab cake and shrimp from Monday's splurge at Dexter's. I roasted some fresh asparagus to go with it and fixed a quick sangria. Very tasty! Maddie, our crazy dog, actually came downstairs to keep me company and Mike wasn't even here.
One of my co-workers, Tom, was in a horrific car accident yesterday. He was hit by a dump truck and had to be airlifted to ORMC. Tom has a broken leg, cracked spine and many, many bruises and sprains. He is extremely lucky to have survived. Since he is complaining about the hospital food, I figured I had to do something...bake cookies, of course.
Tonight I am making White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies and Chocolate Swirl Cranberry Pecan Cookies for Tom and also for my mom and her friends.
Many hugs and "ah ha" moments,
Kathy
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Intervention - Day 41
Breakfast today was really good...a bowl of nonfat Fage Greek yogurt with a clover honey drizzle, a sprinkling of dried blueberries (from Kenda's trip to Michigan) and Marcona almonds. I ate it while attempting to do an intervention on my roommate Jim. Jim is lost and stagnant. He has no dreams, no passion, no appetite for adventure. He is mired in negative talk and no action.
I keep hammering home the fact that he needs to stop talking and do something...ANYTHING. Even if he fails he will still have a sense of accomplishment. I am addicted to this accomplishment thing. The rush I feel when I sit down each evening to right my blog is intoxicating. The postings are not all that interesting or nearly as informative as I would like, but they give me a great vehicle for self expression.
Jim needs this. He needs to write a blog. Maybe he could borrow my friend Chris' blog idea, but change the name to Jim's Pathetic Life - a Journey of the Miserable.
Being cash starved and time starved is not a good combination. I was hungry (when am I not?) and in a time crunch to make it back from Tampa to Orlando before my client left the office at 1:00. The Micky D's free fry and drink coupon with purchase of an Angus burger called out to me and unfortunately I listened. I ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger and it was OK, but not great. The bun was good, the burger acceptable, the mushroom plentiful, but too salty and it come with a big glob of mayonnaise that I promptly scraped off. The fries were cold and my unsweetened tea was full of sugar. I ate half and threw the rest away...feeling like a tub of goo. On the plus side, this unpleasant lunch was only $4.27 with my coupon redemption.
Dinner was leftover spaghetti and meatballs topped with provolone cheese and baked in the oven, Yummy! I served it with leftover garlic bread and a salad. Then it was onto baking chocolate chip toasted pecan cookies for my dad. He has been talking about these cookies for over a month since his colon surgery and even requested them when he was totally out of it in recovery after the surgery. Wow, the pressure...these better be some mighty tasty cookies!
Many hugs (especially for Jim),
Kathy
I keep hammering home the fact that he needs to stop talking and do something...ANYTHING. Even if he fails he will still have a sense of accomplishment. I am addicted to this accomplishment thing. The rush I feel when I sit down each evening to right my blog is intoxicating. The postings are not all that interesting or nearly as informative as I would like, but they give me a great vehicle for self expression.
Jim needs this. He needs to write a blog. Maybe he could borrow my friend Chris' blog idea, but change the name to Jim's Pathetic Life - a Journey of the Miserable.
Being cash starved and time starved is not a good combination. I was hungry (when am I not?) and in a time crunch to make it back from Tampa to Orlando before my client left the office at 1:00. The Micky D's free fry and drink coupon with purchase of an Angus burger called out to me and unfortunately I listened. I ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger and it was OK, but not great. The bun was good, the burger acceptable, the mushroom plentiful, but too salty and it come with a big glob of mayonnaise that I promptly scraped off. The fries were cold and my unsweetened tea was full of sugar. I ate half and threw the rest away...feeling like a tub of goo. On the plus side, this unpleasant lunch was only $4.27 with my coupon redemption.
Dinner was leftover spaghetti and meatballs topped with provolone cheese and baked in the oven, Yummy! I served it with leftover garlic bread and a salad. Then it was onto baking chocolate chip toasted pecan cookies for my dad. He has been talking about these cookies for over a month since his colon surgery and even requested them when he was totally out of it in recovery after the surgery. Wow, the pressure...these better be some mighty tasty cookies!
Many hugs (especially for Jim),
Kathy
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Lots of Plans - Day 40
Today began with another quickly toasted bagel on my way out the door for work. By the way, Costco offers a dozen Einstein's bagels for $4.99. If you keep them in the fridge, they will last at least a week and are a great cash starved value. You can mix and match flavors with each half dozen.
After much running around to clients this morning, computer challenges and phone battery issues, I was off to meet my friend and co-worker Carolyn for lunch and another planning session for our joint sales call. We negotiated a trade...Carolyn bought lunch from Dandelion Cafe and I agreed to bake chocolate chip cookies (NO NUTS) for her husband Randy's birthday next week. Lunch was great - a Giddyup Salad (vegetarian chili taco salad) with a side of Whirled Peas (kind of like a guacamole made with green peas). We researched our competitors and our potential client. It is amazing the info you can find when you Google someone...even found our potential client's high school picture. Pretty spooky. It was so much fun, we are doing it again later in the week.
Dinner was filled with more plans...this time with my friend Bree planning the details of her rehearsal and wedding day. I am going to be a "wedding coordinator" for the two days, making sure all the details are taken care of and everything runs smoothly. We met at Holihan's and splurged on martinis to go with a fried asparagus appetizer and her free birthday entree of fish tacos. Since my birthday is coming up, I think I better check our their website to see if I can get a coupon of my own. All in all, dinner was reasonable - $27.00 including 2 martinis for each of us.
I am having an over indulgent week for a cash starved foodie, but I wouldn't trade the last two night's dining experiences for the world. Plans are fun for me...it means lots of doing can't be far behind.
Many hugs and plans,
Kathy
After much running around to clients this morning, computer challenges and phone battery issues, I was off to meet my friend and co-worker Carolyn for lunch and another planning session for our joint sales call. We negotiated a trade...Carolyn bought lunch from Dandelion Cafe and I agreed to bake chocolate chip cookies (NO NUTS) for her husband Randy's birthday next week. Lunch was great - a Giddyup Salad (vegetarian chili taco salad) with a side of Whirled Peas (kind of like a guacamole made with green peas). We researched our competitors and our potential client. It is amazing the info you can find when you Google someone...even found our potential client's high school picture. Pretty spooky. It was so much fun, we are doing it again later in the week.
Dinner was filled with more plans...this time with my friend Bree planning the details of her rehearsal and wedding day. I am going to be a "wedding coordinator" for the two days, making sure all the details are taken care of and everything runs smoothly. We met at Holihan's and splurged on martinis to go with a fried asparagus appetizer and her free birthday entree of fish tacos. Since my birthday is coming up, I think I better check our their website to see if I can get a coupon of my own. All in all, dinner was reasonable - $27.00 including 2 martinis for each of us.
I am having an over indulgent week for a cash starved foodie, but I wouldn't trade the last two night's dining experiences for the world. Plans are fun for me...it means lots of doing can't be far behind.
Many hugs and plans,
Kathy
Monday, September 14, 2009
www.restaurant.com - Day 39
On Friday, my friend Winnie sent me the link to a website called www.restaurant.com. They were offering a special promotion over the weekend for 90% off their normal discounted prices for gift certificates. I ordered four $25 gift certificates for one of my favorite restaurants - Dexter's in Lake Mary. The total price for the $100 worth of certificates was...$6.00. I was a little leery and thought it was too good to be true. There were restrictions...your minimum order must be $50. The certificate was not good during happy hour, Thursday nights, Fridays, Saturdays or Sunday brunch.
Mike and I decided tonight would be a good night to test it out. I had driven up to Gainesville and Ocala today and really didn't feel like cooking. When we arrived at the restaurant we discovered on Mondays happy hour lasted from 3 until close. Oh no, that was one of the many restrictions. Jessica, our server, checked with the manager and allowed us to use the certificate. Yay! We were total gluttons to try to get our bill up to $50. I tried the fried pickles. Oh my, they were delicious. Crisp garlic pickle spears fried in a tempura batter and served with a feta ranch dipping sauce. My stomach will revolt later, but they were worth the pain. For the entree, I ordered crab cakes served on a bed of poblano mashed potatoes with chimichurri shrimp skewers on top. Mike ordered the grouper topped with lobster and served with a lemon risotto and grilled asparagus. The food was quite good and the portion size was huge. I took home half my entree for lunch tomorrow. The bill including tip and drinks was $35.00...a little extravagant for a cash starved foodie, but great for a special treat. I definitely recommend the www.restaurant.com site. We thought maybe we would have a challenge when we presented the certificate, but it was no problem at all. Judging by the number of empty tables, I think the management welcomed our business. Check it out for restaurants in your area.
Many hugs and many calories,
Kathy
Mike and I decided tonight would be a good night to test it out. I had driven up to Gainesville and Ocala today and really didn't feel like cooking. When we arrived at the restaurant we discovered on Mondays happy hour lasted from 3 until close. Oh no, that was one of the many restrictions. Jessica, our server, checked with the manager and allowed us to use the certificate. Yay! We were total gluttons to try to get our bill up to $50. I tried the fried pickles. Oh my, they were delicious. Crisp garlic pickle spears fried in a tempura batter and served with a feta ranch dipping sauce. My stomach will revolt later, but they were worth the pain. For the entree, I ordered crab cakes served on a bed of poblano mashed potatoes with chimichurri shrimp skewers on top. Mike ordered the grouper topped with lobster and served with a lemon risotto and grilled asparagus. The food was quite good and the portion size was huge. I took home half my entree for lunch tomorrow. The bill including tip and drinks was $35.00...a little extravagant for a cash starved foodie, but great for a special treat. I definitely recommend the www.restaurant.com site. We thought maybe we would have a challenge when we presented the certificate, but it was no problem at all. Judging by the number of empty tables, I think the management welcomed our business. Check it out for restaurants in your area.
Many hugs and many calories,
Kathy
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Perfect Elixir - Day 38
Today started off kind of lazy with a toasted bagel and turkey tortilla soup while watching a replay of the game we just attended the day before. Yes, we are just that crazy about Gator football.
Then it was on to Costco for work. This is actually the perfect elixir for a case of the lazies. I sit atop my demo perch, relaxing, talking and selling wine to make people happy. What could be better?! Today started off with a bang. I met Ghenet, a woman originally from Africa, that is looking for someone to help her market Red's barbecue sauce. We exchanged business cards. I am so excited about the possibility of helping someone launch a product, especially one with a history. Red owned a very popular barbecue restaurant in the Orlando area for many years. Ghenet is desperate for help getting the project off the ground and I am just the person to do it. She also operates a hot dog stand connected to the new arena and conducts African coffee ceremonies. I would love to attend a coffee ceremony to see how it is done. Ghenet may never contact me, but the thought of this is really fun.
Costco just started stocking their seasonal food items...gift baskets, cookies and candies. My depot spot is located directly across from the display. The holidays should be a really fun time to work at Costco.
Since traffic was light this afternoon, I planned next week tailgate menu.
Burgers
Brats
Grilled Corn with Parmesan Butter
Grilled New Potatoes
Grilled Onions and Peppers
Veggie Salad of some kind
Grilled Pineapple with Caramel Drizzle, Macadamia Nuts and Whipped Cream
Beer
After work I picked up dinner at Costco - spaghetti with meatballs, salad, roasted garlic bread and of course, a bottle of my Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine. The spaghetti was one of Costco's fresh made items and was actually quite good. For about $13.00, the portion size feeds 4-6 people. Mike and I had a great dinner and there is still enough for another dinner with our roommate Jim. The roasted garlic bread was amazing. It is made from crusty Italian bread, slathered with butter and chopped roasted garlic. A quick 15 minutes in the oven at 350 F. yielded a warm crusty delight.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Then it was on to Costco for work. This is actually the perfect elixir for a case of the lazies. I sit atop my demo perch, relaxing, talking and selling wine to make people happy. What could be better?! Today started off with a bang. I met Ghenet, a woman originally from Africa, that is looking for someone to help her market Red's barbecue sauce. We exchanged business cards. I am so excited about the possibility of helping someone launch a product, especially one with a history. Red owned a very popular barbecue restaurant in the Orlando area for many years. Ghenet is desperate for help getting the project off the ground and I am just the person to do it. She also operates a hot dog stand connected to the new arena and conducts African coffee ceremonies. I would love to attend a coffee ceremony to see how it is done. Ghenet may never contact me, but the thought of this is really fun.
Costco just started stocking their seasonal food items...gift baskets, cookies and candies. My depot spot is located directly across from the display. The holidays should be a really fun time to work at Costco.
Since traffic was light this afternoon, I planned next week tailgate menu.
Burgers
Brats
Grilled Corn with Parmesan Butter
Grilled New Potatoes
Grilled Onions and Peppers
Veggie Salad of some kind
Grilled Pineapple with Caramel Drizzle, Macadamia Nuts and Whipped Cream
Beer
After work I picked up dinner at Costco - spaghetti with meatballs, salad, roasted garlic bread and of course, a bottle of my Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine. The spaghetti was one of Costco's fresh made items and was actually quite good. For about $13.00, the portion size feeds 4-6 people. Mike and I had a great dinner and there is still enough for another dinner with our roommate Jim. The roasted garlic bread was amazing. It is made from crusty Italian bread, slathered with butter and chopped roasted garlic. A quick 15 minutes in the oven at 350 F. yielded a warm crusty delight.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Won by 50...lost by 20 - Day 37
The Florida Gators played the Troy Trojans today at 12:30. We left for our tailgate adventure at 6:30 this morning, so needless to say I am tired and not really in the mood to blog. Since the game was so early, we left the grill and tent at home and picked up bagels, donuts and a box of Joe for a breakfast tailgate with my niece Melissa and her husband Angelo. Food was plentiful since all our usual attendees stayed at home. The game was a rainy blowout. The Gators won by 50, 56 to 6. However, I lost by 20. Mike gave me a twenty to buy Newberry Barbecue pork sandwiches, yet somehow between the stands and concessions I lost the money. How embarrassing! I don't think I have done that since I was a little girl. Of course I told Mike I lost it so I would have a story to blog about. After all...life is all about the stories. And I am sure the bill was found by someone who really needed it...so somehow the "power of good" was involved.
Go Gators!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Go Gators!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Friday, September 11, 2009
I am a Rustic Apple Pie - Day 36
Today began with a breakfast meeting at Starbucks with my friend and co-worker Carolyn. We are making plans to call on a new customer as a team. Being two very different people with two very different approaches, we hope our novel approach will satisfy the needs of our customer. Carolyn is like the perfect silky creme brulee and I am a rustic apple pie. Both will satisfy a sweet tooth, but in a completely different way.
This analogy got me thinking about how I would describe the people in my life as a dessert...it you were a dessert, what would you be?
Mike would be a big bowl of chocolate ice cream with lots of peanut butter cups, hot fudge, whipped cream, roasted peanuts and a cherry on top.
Ryan would be a slice of Banana Dream Cake from TooJay's. Actually he should be a carrot cake because of his red hair, but he hates carrots.
Kenda would be a bowl of fresh berries, drizzled with honey with a sprinkling of chocolate chips.
Speaking of Kenda...she and a few little roaches were my guests for lunch. We met to get caught up from her trip and decided to try Anthony's Pizza in Colonial Plaza near her house. Midway through our salad Kenda pointed out we were not alone. A couple of little beetle like roaches were crawling on the wall beside us. Uugh! Somehow my pizza and salad didn't taste quite as good as it did moments before. We finished our lunch and decided to celebrate fall with pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks. What a great way to spend an afternoon! This seemed more like a vacation than any of my "vacation" days.
Earlier in the week I registered for Perkins eClub. Today they sent me a coupon for a free entree that Mike and I decided to redeem for dinner. We dined on the ultimate comfort food. I had turkey and dressing. Mike had country fried steak. Yum! The food was fattening and good, the service was very friendly, fast and comfortable. The manager even stopped by to see how we enjoyed our meal. They even had a special for buy one slice of pie, get one free...a deal think roly poly foodie could not pass up. Nor could I find room to eat it, so we got it to go. The coupon saved us over $10.00 on dinner.
Tonight I am making Flu Fighter Cookies from the latest Food Network magazine. They are a spice cookie chocked full of walnuts, golden raisins and dried cranberries. If they turn out, I will post the recipe tomorrow.
All in all, today was a really good day.
Many hugs,
Kathy
This analogy got me thinking about how I would describe the people in my life as a dessert...it you were a dessert, what would you be?
Mike would be a big bowl of chocolate ice cream with lots of peanut butter cups, hot fudge, whipped cream, roasted peanuts and a cherry on top.
Ryan would be a slice of Banana Dream Cake from TooJay's. Actually he should be a carrot cake because of his red hair, but he hates carrots.
Kenda would be a bowl of fresh berries, drizzled with honey with a sprinkling of chocolate chips.
Speaking of Kenda...she and a few little roaches were my guests for lunch. We met to get caught up from her trip and decided to try Anthony's Pizza in Colonial Plaza near her house. Midway through our salad Kenda pointed out we were not alone. A couple of little beetle like roaches were crawling on the wall beside us. Uugh! Somehow my pizza and salad didn't taste quite as good as it did moments before. We finished our lunch and decided to celebrate fall with pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks. What a great way to spend an afternoon! This seemed more like a vacation than any of my "vacation" days.
Earlier in the week I registered for Perkins eClub. Today they sent me a coupon for a free entree that Mike and I decided to redeem for dinner. We dined on the ultimate comfort food. I had turkey and dressing. Mike had country fried steak. Yum! The food was fattening and good, the service was very friendly, fast and comfortable. The manager even stopped by to see how we enjoyed our meal. They even had a special for buy one slice of pie, get one free...a deal think roly poly foodie could not pass up. Nor could I find room to eat it, so we got it to go. The coupon saved us over $10.00 on dinner.
Tonight I am making Flu Fighter Cookies from the latest Food Network magazine. They are a spice cookie chocked full of walnuts, golden raisins and dried cranberries. If they turn out, I will post the recipe tomorrow.
All in all, today was a really good day.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Memory Floodgates - Day 35
Last night at about 3:30 a.m. my brain decided to have a party with childhood foodie memories. The floodgates opened and out poured memories of Sunday and holiday dinners at the Primrose Inn and Hotel Thomas in Gainesville with my family. Funky burgers that tasted kind of like meat loaf at Louie's Hamburgers with my mom and dad. Peppermint ice cream cones from Howard Johnson's with Mema.
The childhood tour then headed north to the Virginia/Washington D.C. area with thoughts of Lazy Susan Inn in Woodbridge, Virginia with pickles and other condiments on the huge lazy Susan in the center of the table. Good southern food and beautiful grounds came to mind from the Evans Farm Inn in McLean, Virginia. The news of Martin Luther King's death on the ticker tape machine in the lobby of Blackie's House of Beef in downtown Washington after a special steak dinner. Smoke filled skies the next day from the riots.
My memory road headed back down south to Orlando and thoughts of sticky buns from Rowena's in downtown Orlando. Friday night dinners at Sir Pizza with their square cut thin crust pizza with Canadian bacon. Followed by a trip to Orange News and the old fashioned penny candy store on Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando for Archie comic books and penny candy. This was our Friday night family ritual.
Why these floodgates opened, I have no idea. But they brought back many vivid, pleasant memories and made me realize I am a foodie from birth. I sometimes have a difficult time remembering what I did last week, but if it involved food, I will remember it forever.
Tonight after dinner with Jim and Brenna, I decided to do some research about the restaurants that invaded my head last night. Blackie's House of Beef recently closed. The Lazy Susan Inn is a dinner theatre and the following recipes are favorites from Evans Farm Inn, also closed. Most of the restaurants I thought about are long since gone, but the memories remain ready to party at the most inconvenient times.
Reading these recipes reminds me of my grandmother, Mema. She is the reason I have such a passion for food and friends. Thinking of her always makes me smile and that is a very good thing!
Many hugs,
Kathy
A SAMPLER OF THE MOST ASKED FOR RECEIPTS FROM THE KITCHENS OF EVANS FARM INN.
CONTENTS
Scald milk and add corn meal. Add egg yolks, butter
and salt. Continue to cook until smooth and thick.
Remove from heat and stir in beaten egg whites.
Bake in a well-greased casserole 45 minutes at
350°F (185°C). Makes 6-8 servings.
Beat eggs and sugar until well-blended. Sift dry
ingredients and add to egg mixture. Fold in apples,
nuts and vanilla. Bake in half-full pan as this
lends to rise while baking. Use paper-lined
8"x8"x2" (20x20x5 cm.) and bake at 350°F (185°C)
for 45 minutes. Top with whipped cream. Serves 6-8
This sauce may be used for chicken, beef, pork, or veal.
But for lamb, omit butter, vinegar, and tabasco.
Combine all ingredients. Simmer half-hour. Strain.
Refrigerate for future use. Makes two quarts (a little more than two litres).
For spare ribs: cook ribs in slow oven at 325°F (170°C)- basting
often. Bake uncovered, adding sauce after 1-1/2 hours.
Turn oven up to 400°F (205°C): cover ribs with sauce...bake 45
miniutes until glazed, brown, and tender.
Brown celery and onions in butter. Add flour and
chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add peanut
butter and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste.
Yield: 8 cups or 6 servings.
Dissolve gelatin in hot water, add seasoning and
asparagus juice to total about 2 cups of liquid in all.
Chill until it begins to thicken. Then fold in
asparagus and pimiento. Pour into oiled mould
and chill until set.
Combine sugars and cream with butter. Add 3 well-beaten eggs.
Sift flour and mace. Add alternately with whiskey. Add
nuts. Bake in well-greased or paper-lined tube pan. Bake at
250°F (120°C) for 2-1/2 tp 3 hours. This cake should have moist, crumbly
texture similar to a macaroon. Wrap in aluminum foil and
store in a cool place. Do Not Freeze. The cake cuts easier when
cold, but should be served at room temperature. It will keep for
two weeks or longer. Slice 1/2 inch thick (save those crumbs for
sundae topping.)
Serve with whiskey sauce of 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1 tablespoon
rum, 2 tablespoons whiskey (poured over cake a half hour before
serving). Whipped cream topping is optional.
Melt butter...add brown sugar. Stir. Separate eggs.
Beat yolks lightly. Add yolks to butter-sugar mix.
Remove from heat. Beat egg whites until thick.
Fold butter-sugar mix to egg whites slowly- stir
gently- refrigerate. Serve: in each cup, 1 whole
clove and cinnamon stick- 1 heaping Tablespoon mixture
in cup. Add one jigger rum. Fill to top with
boiling water...float butter on top. Makes 15
cups. Butter keeps in refrigetator for several weeks.
Put dates and hot water into blender. Chop fine.
Add rest of ingredients. Mix well. This very
popular spread was usually for sale by the jar at
Evans Farm. This delicious spread is so appropriate
for biscuits or toast. Yield: plenty.
Spread whole crackers over 11x13" (27,5 x 32,5 cm.) pan. Boil 4 minutes
a combination of one stick butter, 1 stick oleo, and one
cup packed firm light brown sugar. Remove from
heat and add 1 cup finely chopped nuts. Then
spread over crackers...bake 5 minutes in 400 degree F (260 C)
oven. Cut in squares while warm.
Beat the yolks of 8 and the whites of 2 eggs. Mix
with 4 oz. warmed butter...knead in 1 pound (450 g.)
flour and 4 oz. (110 g.) sugar. Roll into thin biscuits
bake on cookie tin at 400°F (260°C). Delicious
spread with premium marmalade or fancy jam.
Drain and chill fruit. Chop apricots into small pieces.
Reserve juice. Dissolve gelatin in 2 cups of hot water. Add
1 cup juice. Chill until slightly set. Fold in fruit
and marshmallows. Pour into 9 x 12" (22,5 x 30 cm.)
baking dish until firm. Spread with topping:
Cook sugar, flour, butter, egg and juice until thick. Fold
in whipped cream and sprinkle with cheese.
Blend cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs one at a time
and beat until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla.
Set aside. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and
butter. Line bottom of spring form pan with crumb
mixture. Pour cheese mixture into pan and bake
at 350°F (185°C) for 10 minutes. Then lower heat to 325°F (170°C) and
bake 50-60 minutes.
Serve with cherry pie filling or fresh fruit.
Roast duckling with chopped carrots, celery, and onions
in slow oven- 350°F (185°C) until tender. Remove duckling,
pour off excess fat, add Port wine and simmer 10
minutes. Add brown chicken gravy and let
cook until reduced to 2/3.
Meanwhile, sautée onions and pepper in pan and bone
duckling. Place on layer of meat (breast & leg) in
bottom of casserole. Next layer of onions, peppers,
mushrooms & pimentos followed by one more layer
of meat.
Then pour the sauce over it. Let come to a slow
boil for 5 minutes. Take off the fire and stir the heavy cream into it.
Delicious served together with wild rice or toasted
corn bread. Makes 4 generous servings.
Mix. Cover. Chill for 2 hours.
Peel and slice 2 pounds green tomatoes. Add 2 oz. (60 g.) mustard
powder, 1 oz. (30 g.) ground cinnamon, 1 oz. (30 g.) ground cloves,
1-1/2 lb.(680 g.) brown sugar, 3 pints (1-1/2 litres) cider vinegar and dash
of cayenne pepper. Boil ingredients until quite
thick. Bottle securely and keep for several weeks...
or from frost's last tomato crop until Thanksgiving dinner...
to serve on relish tray.
Combine all ingredients; turn into dish saving
diced almonds for garnish
Spread on rye rounds and toast in oven or
in pastry shells...or oven heat to serve with or over steamed rice.
Cold delicious filling for cherry tomato shell,
or as sandwich or cracker spread.
This freezes well!
Drain vegetables well. Slice water chestnuts very thinly.
Place alternate layers in casserole...ingredients
ending with cheese on top. Bake in 325°F (165°C) oven
until hot. Top with butter and bread crumbs. Let brown.
Put all ingredients on board or in bowl and mix
well. Pinch marble-sized pieces and place on
lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in moderate
oven- 350°F (185°C) 10-15 minutes or until lightly
browned. Store air tight.
Mix crumbs and milk in sauce pan- heat slowly and
stir into smooth paste. Add ham, mustard, pepper,
and beaten egg, mixing well.
Coat shelled, hard boiled eggs thoroughly with this
mixture. Fry in deep hot fat (375 F, 190 C) for 2
minutes. Drain on paper towel. Serve hot with tomato
sauce or serve cold.
Cut everything fine. Fry bacon and onions to golden.
strain off fat. Heat milk. Beat eggs. Add
spices and hot milk. Cover pie pan with crust,
put ham, bacon, and onion in crust-lined pie pan.
Pour over milk and egg mixture. Bake at 375 F (190 C)
25-35 minutes or until quiche is puffed and
golden brown.
Cream together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour
cream. Add all seasonings. Dissolve gel in lemon
juice and water. Heat in double boiler 10 minutes.
Fold in cheese. Add shrimp. Pour into mould.
Set overnight or 4-5 hours
Heat oven to 325°F (165°C). Blend first four ingredients.
Add salt and brandy, mixing slightly. Pour into
crust and bake one hour.
Mix beaten egg, mustard, butter, salt, pepper, and
mayonnaise. In bowl or casserole place layer
of lump crab, being careful not to break lumps.
Sprinkle over this 1/2 of green pepper and 1/2 of
egg mixture. Add rest of crab, then green pepper
and egg mixture. Toss lightly and pile high in
baking shells...spread with mayonnaise and garnish with
strips of green pepper. Melt several tablespoons of
butter or margarine and add bread crumbs.
Spread over trop of crab mixture. Bake 1/2 hour
in 350°F (185°C) oven until golden brown.
CRAB CAKES
1 pound (450 g.) lump crab meat in bowl...season with salt
and pepper. Pour over slightly beaten egg, 1/4 pound (115 g.)
melted butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 chopped hard-
boiled egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Add
2 or 3 slices of bread cubed and slightly moistened
with milk...just enough to bind into six fat
cakes. Fry in butter until golden brown.
Butter casserole well. Cube bread. Alternate layers
of bread and cheese. Mix rest of ingredients-
pour over at once. Refrigerate overnight. Bake
1 hour at 350°F (185°C). Bake until puffy in middle
like a pumpkin pie.
Cream butter and sugar: add beaten eggs. Combine dry
ingredients and add to butter-sugar-egg mix alernately
with buttermilk. Add the cooked puree of squash.
Then pecans and raisins. Bake in prehead 350°F (185°C)
oven for 40 minutes but check on it in 35 minutes.
Mix sugar and flour and pinch of salt- set aside. In a
saucepan combine: oleo, coca and Coca-Cola: bring
to boil and remove...pour over flour-sugar mix in
mixing bowl. Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, and
vanilla. Mix well. Pour into 18 x 12 x 1" (45 x 22,5 x 2,5 cm.)
pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) 30-35 minutes. While baking
and half done- mix icing using same pan, 1 stick oleo,
6 tablespoons milk, and 3 tablespoons of cocoa. Boil and remove
Pour over one box powdered sugar in bowl- add 1 cup nuts.
Spread over cake when both are warm.
Drain fruit. Combine sugar, curry, and corn starch.
Add butter to fruit and add to dugar mixture...
mix all ingredients. Pour into buttered casserole
and bake at 350°F (185°C) for 40 minutes. Serves six.
Serve hot or cold.
To chicken broth add butter, flour, curry, ginger, and
bouillion cubes. Boil slowly until thick...add 1
can evaporated milk lowering heat to avoid separating.
Add pineapple and bite-size chunks of chicken.
Simmer about 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Serve
over steamed rice together with traditional curry condiments
such as crumbled bacon, chutney, chopped peanuts, coconut,
raisins, chopped eggs, green pepper, apples, onions, etc.
Melt chocolate. Cream butter and sugar. Add
chocolate and blend well. Add vanilla and one
egg...beat 5 minutes. Add second egg and beat
a full 5 minutes more. Pour into baked shell.
Top with a mountain of whipped cream and rejoice
in the calories.
The childhood tour then headed north to the Virginia/Washington D.C. area with thoughts of Lazy Susan Inn in Woodbridge, Virginia with pickles and other condiments on the huge lazy Susan in the center of the table. Good southern food and beautiful grounds came to mind from the Evans Farm Inn in McLean, Virginia. The news of Martin Luther King's death on the ticker tape machine in the lobby of Blackie's House of Beef in downtown Washington after a special steak dinner. Smoke filled skies the next day from the riots.
My memory road headed back down south to Orlando and thoughts of sticky buns from Rowena's in downtown Orlando. Friday night dinners at Sir Pizza with their square cut thin crust pizza with Canadian bacon. Followed by a trip to Orange News and the old fashioned penny candy store on Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando for Archie comic books and penny candy. This was our Friday night family ritual.
Why these floodgates opened, I have no idea. But they brought back many vivid, pleasant memories and made me realize I am a foodie from birth. I sometimes have a difficult time remembering what I did last week, but if it involved food, I will remember it forever.
Tonight after dinner with Jim and Brenna, I decided to do some research about the restaurants that invaded my head last night. Blackie's House of Beef recently closed. The Lazy Susan Inn is a dinner theatre and the following recipes are favorites from Evans Farm Inn, also closed. Most of the restaurants I thought about are long since gone, but the memories remain ready to party at the most inconvenient times.
Reading these recipes reminds me of my grandmother, Mema. She is the reason I have such a passion for food and friends. Thinking of her always makes me smile and that is a very good thing!
Many hugs,
Kathy
A SAMPLER OF THE MOST ASKED FOR RECEIPTS FROM THE KITCHENS OF EVANS FARM INN.
| Spoon Bread | Quiche Lorraine |
|---|---|
| Huguenot Torte | Shrimp Mousse |
| Evans Barbecued Spare Ribs | Brandy Cheese Pie |
| Cream of Peanut Soup | Imperial Crab |
| Moulded Asparagus Salad | Squash Cake |
| Virginia Whiskey Cake | Van Wagoner Chocolate Cake |
| Hot Buttered Rum | Chicken Curry |
| Date Butter | Chocolate Pie |
| Graham Cracker Crisps | Vegetable Dip & Cheese |
| Apricot Delight | Sweet Potato Pudding |
| Cheese Cake & Cherry Sauce | Hot Chicken Salad |
| Pineapple Beets | Lime Pear Salad |
| Sara's Soufflé | Chicken Barbara |
| Hunter Style Duckling | Curried Mayonnaise |
| Chicken Mayonnaise | Pineapple Meat Loaf |
| Crab Anything | Never Fail Soufflé |
| Asparagus Pea Casserole | Great Cake |
| Cheese Bites | Pot Pourri |
| Scotch Woodcock | Maria's Pork & Red Cabbage |
| SPOON BREAD | |
|---|---|
| 2 cups milk | 1 tablespoon butter |
| 1 cup corn meal | 1 teaspoon salt |
| 2 eggs separated |
Scald milk and add corn meal. Add egg yolks, butter
and salt. Continue to cook until smooth and thick.
Remove from heat and stir in beaten egg whites.
Bake in a well-greased casserole 45 minutes at
350°F (185°C). Makes 6-8 servings.
| HUGUENOT TORTE | |
|---|---|
| 2 eggs | 1/4 teaspoon salt |
| 1-1/2 cups sugar | 1 cup pared and sliced apples |
| 1-1/4 cup sifted cake flour | 1 cup chopped pecans |
| 1-1/2 tablespoons baking powder | 1 teaspoon vanilla |
Beat eggs and sugar until well-blended. Sift dry
ingredients and add to egg mixture. Fold in apples,
nuts and vanilla. Bake in half-full pan as this
lends to rise while baking. Use paper-lined
8"x8"x2" (20x20x5 cm.) and bake at 350°F (185°C)
for 45 minutes. Top with whipped cream. Serves 6-8
| EVANS BARBECUED SPARE RIBS | |
|---|---|
| 1/4 pound (115 g.) butter or margarine | 1 teaspoon prepared mustard |
| 1/2 bottle Heinz ketchup | 1 teaspoon horseradish |
| 1 teaspoon black pepper | 1 dash "Accent" |
| 4 teaspoons brown sugar | 1/2 cup vinegar |
| 3 teaspoons paprika | 1 garlic button- minced |
| 2 teaspoons celery salt | 2 lemons squeezed |
| 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce | 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Tabasco (to taste) |
| 1 pint beef or chicken stock |
But for lamb, omit butter, vinegar, and tabasco.
Combine all ingredients. Simmer half-hour. Strain.
Refrigerate for future use. Makes two quarts (a little more than two litres).
For spare ribs: cook ribs in slow oven at 325°F (170°C)- basting
often. Bake uncovered, adding sauce after 1-1/2 hours.
Turn oven up to 400°F (205°C): cover ribs with sauce...bake 45
miniutes until glazed, brown, and tender.
| CREAM OF PEANUT SOUP | |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup butter | 1 cup milk |
| 2 stalks celery, chopped | 1 cup light cream |
| 1 small onion chopped | 1 cup peanut butter |
| 2 teaspoons flour | salt and pepper |
| 2 cups chicken broth | paprika (pinch) |
Brown celery and onions in butter. Add flour and
chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add peanut
butter and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste.
Yield: 8 cups or 6 servings.
| MOULDED ASPARAGUS SALAD | |
|---|---|
| 1 package lemon gelatin | 1/2 can asparagus juice |
| 1 cup hot water | 1 teaspoon grated onion |
| 3 Tablespoons vinegar | 1 can diced asparagus |
| 3/4 teaspoon salt- dash of pepper | 2 teaspoons chopped pimientos |
Dissolve gelatin in hot water, add seasoning and
asparagus juice to total about 2 cups of liquid in all.
Chill until it begins to thicken. Then fold in
asparagus and pimiento. Pour into oiled mould
and chill until set.
| VIRGINIA WHISKEY CAKE | |
|---|---|
| 1 cup granulated sugar | 1/2 teaspoon baking powder |
| 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar | 1/2 teaspoon mace |
| 1 cup butter | 1 cup 100 proof Bourbon whiskey |
| 3 cups sifted cake flour | 2 cups chopped pecan meats |
| 3 well-beaten eggs |
Combine sugars and cream with butter. Add 3 well-beaten eggs.
Sift flour and mace. Add alternately with whiskey. Add
nuts. Bake in well-greased or paper-lined tube pan. Bake at
250°F (120°C) for 2-1/2 tp 3 hours. This cake should have moist, crumbly
texture similar to a macaroon. Wrap in aluminum foil and
store in a cool place. Do Not Freeze. The cake cuts easier when
cold, but should be served at room temperature. It will keep for
two weeks or longer. Slice 1/2 inch thick (save those crumbs for
sundae topping.)
Serve with whiskey sauce of 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1 tablespoon
rum, 2 tablespoons whiskey (poured over cake a half hour before
serving). Whipped cream topping is optional.
| HOT BUTTERED RUM | |
|---|---|
| 1 stick butter | whole cloves |
| 1 box brown sugar | stick cinnamon |
| 2 eggs | dark rum |
Melt butter...add brown sugar. Stir. Separate eggs.
Beat yolks lightly. Add yolks to butter-sugar mix.
Remove from heat. Beat egg whites until thick.
Fold butter-sugar mix to egg whites slowly- stir
gently- refrigerate. Serve: in each cup, 1 whole
clove and cinnamon stick- 1 heaping Tablespoon mixture
in cup. Add one jigger rum. Fill to top with
boiling water...float butter on top. Makes 15
cups. Butter keeps in refrigetator for several weeks.
| VERY ELEGANT DATE BUTTER | |
|---|---|
| 2 cups pitted dates | 1/2 cup granulated sugar |
| 1/2 cup hot water | 3/4 cup syrup |
| 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice | 1-1/2 teaspoon salt |
Put dates and hot water into blender. Chop fine.
Add rest of ingredients. Mix well. This very
popular spread was usually for sale by the jar at
Evans Farm. This delicious spread is so appropriate
for biscuits or toast. Yield: plenty.
Spread whole crackers over 11x13" (27,5 x 32,5 cm.) pan. Boil 4 minutes
a combination of one stick butter, 1 stick oleo, and one
cup packed firm light brown sugar. Remove from
heat and add 1 cup finely chopped nuts. Then
spread over crackers...bake 5 minutes in 400 degree F (260 C)
oven. Cut in squares while warm.
| GRAHAM CRACKER CRISPS |
|---|
| CHRISTMAS KRINGLES |
|---|
with 4 oz. warmed butter...knead in 1 pound (450 g.)
flour and 4 oz. (110 g.) sugar. Roll into thin biscuits
bake on cookie tin at 400°F (260°C). Delicious
spread with premium marmalade or fancy jam.
| APRICOT DELIGHT | |
|---|---|
| 1 29 oz. (800 g.) can apricots, drained | 2 cups hot water |
| 1 (800 g.) can crushed pineapple | 1 cup juice (apricot and pineapple) |
| 2 small packages of orange gelatin | 3/4 cup tiny marshmallows |
Drain and chill fruit. Chop apricots into small pieces.
Reserve juice. Dissolve gelatin in 2 cups of hot water. Add
1 cup juice. Chill until slightly set. Fold in fruit
and marshmallows. Pour into 9 x 12" (22,5 x 30 cm.)
baking dish until firm. Spread with topping:
| 1/2 cup sugar | 2 Tablespoons butter | 1 cup whipped cream |
| 3 Tablespoons flour | 1 egg | 3/4 cup grated American cheese |
| 1 cup fruit juice |
Cook sugar, flour, butter, egg and juice until thick. Fold
in whipped cream and sprinkle with cheese.
| CHEESECAKE WITH CHERRY SAUCE | |
|---|---|
| 3: 8 ounce (225 g.) packages soft cream cheese | 1/4 teaspoon vanilla |
| 3/4 cup sugar | 1 cup graham cracker crumbs |
| 6 eggs | 1/2 cup sugar |
| 1/2 pint sour cream | 1/4 cup melted butter |
Blend cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs one at a time
and beat until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla.
Set aside. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and
butter. Line bottom of spring form pan with crumb
mixture. Pour cheese mixture into pan and bake
at 350°F (185°C) for 10 minutes. Then lower heat to 325°F (170°C) and
bake 50-60 minutes.
Serve with cherry pie filling or fresh fruit.
| ROAST DUCKLING HUNTER STYLE IN CASSEROLE | |
|---|---|
| Duckling, 3-1/2 pounds (1,35 kg.) | 4 ounces (115 g.) diced pimentos |
| 1 pound (450 g.) chopped carrots, celery and onions | |
| 1 quart (1 litre) brown chicken gravy | 4 ounces (115 g.) diced green peppers |
| 6 ounces (170 g.) sliced onions | 6 ounces (170 g.) Port wine |
| 4 ounces (115 g.) sliced mushrooms | 4 ounces (115 g.) heavy cream |
Roast duckling with chopped carrots, celery, and onions
in slow oven- 350°F (185°C) until tender. Remove duckling,
pour off excess fat, add Port wine and simmer 10
minutes. Add brown chicken gravy and let
cook until reduced to 2/3.
Meanwhile, sautée onions and pepper in pan and bone
duckling. Place on layer of meat (breast & leg) in
bottom of casserole. Next layer of onions, peppers,
mushrooms & pimentos followed by one more layer
of meat.
Then pour the sauce over it. Let come to a slow
boil for 5 minutes. Take off the fire and stir the heavy cream into it.
Delicious served together with wild rice or toasted
corn bread. Makes 4 generous servings.
| CURRIED MAYONNAISE DIP | |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 cups mayonnaise | 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| 2 teaspoons curry powder | black pepper |
| 1 Tablespoon grated onion | few drops Tabasco |
Mix. Cover. Chill for 2 hours.
| GREEN TOMATO CHUTNEY |
|---|
powder, 1 oz. (30 g.) ground cinnamon, 1 oz. (30 g.) ground cloves,
1-1/2 lb.(680 g.) brown sugar, 3 pints (1-1/2 litres) cider vinegar and dash
of cayenne pepper. Boil ingredients until quite
thick. Bottle securely and keep for several weeks...
or from frost's last tomato crop until Thanksgiving dinner...
to serve on relish tray.
| "CRAB ANYTHING" | |
|---|---|
| 1 8-oz. (230 g.) package cream cheese softened with a bit of milk | 3 or 4 oz. (85-110g.) crab meat |
| 1 medium chopped onion | diced almonds |
| 1 heaping spoonful horseradish |
Combine all ingredients; turn into dish saving
diced almonds for garnish
Spread on rye rounds and toast in oven or
in pastry shells...or oven heat to serve with or over steamed rice.
Cold delicious filling for cherry tomato shell,
or as sandwich or cracker spread.
This freezes well!
| ASPARAGUS PEA CASSEROLE | |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup grated sharp cheese | 1 small can water chestnuts |
| 1 can tiny peas | 1 can mushroom soup |
| 1 can asparagus |
Drain vegetables well. Slice water chestnuts very thinly.
Place alternate layers in casserole...ingredients
ending with cheese on top. Bake in 325°F (165°C) oven
until hot. Top with butter and bread crumbs. Let brown.
| CHEESE BITES | |
|---|---|
| 1 cup coarsely shredded | 1 cup all-purpose flour |
| sharp Cheddar cheese | 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce |
| at room temperature | |
| 1/2 cup butter (room temperature) | |
| 1 cup Rice Krispies |
Put all ingredients on board or in bowl and mix
well. Pinch marble-sized pieces and place on
lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in moderate
oven- 350°F (185°C) 10-15 minutes or until lightly
browned. Store air tight.
| SCOTCH WOODCOCK (EGGS SCOTTISH STYLE) | |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup bread crumbs | 1/4 teaspoon pepper |
| 1/2 cup milk | 1 beaten egg |
| 1/2 teaspoon mustard | 6 hard boiled eggs |
| 1 cup chopped cooked ham |
Mix crumbs and milk in sauce pan- heat slowly and
stir into smooth paste. Add ham, mustard, pepper,
and beaten egg, mixing well.
Coat shelled, hard boiled eggs thoroughly with this
mixture. Fry in deep hot fat (375 F, 190 C) for 2
minutes. Drain on paper towel. Serve hot with tomato
sauce or serve cold.
TOMATO SAUCE 1/2 tablespoon chopped onion salt and pepper 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley 4 tablespoons flour 2 cups tomatoes 4 tablespoons fat
Simmer onion, parsley, and tomato 20 minutes.
Strain. Cook as in "white sauce" using
tomato mixture in place of milk.
| QUICHE LORRAINE | |
|---|---|
| 4 oz. (115 g.) bacon | 1/2 cup milk |
| 4 oz. (115 g.) ham | 1/2 cup whole eggs |
| 1 small onion | pepper, nutmeg |
| 6 oz. (170 g.) Swiss cheese |
Cut everything fine. Fry bacon and onions to golden.
strain off fat. Heat milk. Beat eggs. Add
spices and hot milk. Cover pie pan with crust,
put ham, bacon, and onion in crust-lined pie pan.
Pour over milk and egg mixture. Bake at 375 F (190 C)
25-35 minutes or until quiche is puffed and
golden brown.
| SHRIMP MOUSSE | |
|---|---|
| 2 pounds (910 g.) cooked and chopped shrimp | 1/2 cup chili sauce |
| 2 cups sour cream | juice of 2 lemons |
| 1 pound (450 g.) cream cheese | 1/4 cup cold water |
| 1/2 cup finely minced green pepper | 2 Tablespoons unflavoured gelatin |
| 1 cup mayonnaise | 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce |
| 1/2 cup finely minced green onions | 1 teaspoon salt |
| 1/4 cup chopped pimiento | 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce |
Cream together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour
cream. Add all seasonings. Dissolve gel in lemon
juice and water. Heat in double boiler 10 minutes.
Fold in cheese. Add shrimp. Pour into mould.
Set overnight or 4-5 hours
| BRANDY CHEESE PIE Prepare 9 inch (22,5 cm.) crust, bake and chill | |
|---|---|
| 3 eggs | 1: 8 ounce (230 g.) soft cream cheese |
| 3/4 cup sugar | 1/4 cup brandy |
| 1-1/4 cup table cream | 1/4 teaspoon salt |
Heat oven to 325°F (165°C). Blend first four ingredients.
Add salt and brandy, mixing slightly. Pour into
crust and bake one hour.
| CRAB IMPERIAL | |
|---|---|
| 1 pound (450 g.) backfin crab meat | 3 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise |
| 1 egg | |
| 1/8 teaspoon prepared mustard | 2 heaping tablespoons green pepper |
| 1 teaspoon salt; white pepper to taste |
Mix beaten egg, mustard, butter, salt, pepper, and
mayonnaise. In bowl or casserole place layer
of lump crab, being careful not to break lumps.
Sprinkle over this 1/2 of green pepper and 1/2 of
egg mixture. Add rest of crab, then green pepper
and egg mixture. Toss lightly and pile high in
baking shells...spread with mayonnaise and garnish with
strips of green pepper. Melt several tablespoons of
butter or margarine and add bread crumbs.
Spread over trop of crab mixture. Bake 1/2 hour
in 350°F (185°C) oven until golden brown.
CRAB CAKES
1 pound (450 g.) lump crab meat in bowl...season with salt
and pepper. Pour over slightly beaten egg, 1/4 pound (115 g.)
melted butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 chopped hard-
boiled egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Add
2 or 3 slices of bread cubed and slightly moistened
with milk...just enough to bind into six fat
cakes. Fry in butter until golden brown.
| NEVER-FAIL SOUFFLÉ | |
|---|---|
| 5 slices day-old lightly-buttered bread with crust cut off | 2 cups milk |
| 3/4 cup finely chopped Sharp cheddar cheese | 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard |
| 4 eggs, slightly beaten | 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| dash paprika | |
| butter |
Butter casserole well. Cube bread. Alternate layers
of bread and cheese. Mix rest of ingredients-
pour over at once. Refrigerate overnight. Bake
1 hour at 350°F (185°C). Bake until puffy in middle
like a pumpkin pie.
| SQUASH CAKE | |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup butter | 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg |
| 1-1/2 cup brown sugar | 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon |
| 2 beaten eggs | 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves |
| 2 cups white flour | 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a little vinrgar added |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt | |
| 2 teaspoons baking powder | 3/4 cup cooked squash pureed in blender |
| 1/4 teaspoon baking soda | |
| 1/2 cup chopped pecans | |
| 3/4 cup raisins |
Cream butter and sugar: add beaten eggs. Combine dry
ingredients and add to butter-sugar-egg mix alernately
with buttermilk. Add the cooked puree of squash.
Then pecans and raisins. Bake in prehead 350°F (185°C)
oven for 40 minutes but check on it in 35 minutes.
| THE VAN WAGONER CHOCOLATE CAKE | |
|---|---|
| 2 cups sugar | 1/2 cup buttermilk |
| 2 cups flour plus pinch of salt | 2 eggs |
| 2 sticks oleo | 1 teaspoon soda |
| 3 tablespoons cocoa | 1 teaspoon vanilla |
| 1 cup Coca-Cola |
Mix sugar and flour and pinch of salt- set aside. In a
saucepan combine: oleo, coca and Coca-Cola: bring
to boil and remove...pour over flour-sugar mix in
mixing bowl. Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, and
vanilla. Mix well. Pour into 18 x 12 x 1" (45 x 22,5 x 2,5 cm.)
pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) 30-35 minutes. While baking
and half done- mix icing using same pan, 1 stick oleo,
6 tablespoons milk, and 3 tablespoons of cocoa. Boil and remove
Pour over one box powdered sugar in bowl- add 1 cup nuts.
Spread over cake when both are warm.
| CURRIED FRUIT | |
|---|---|
| 1 large can mixed fruit for salad | 1 small jar maraschino cherries |
| 4 bananas cut in large pieces | 1/2 cup brown sugar |
| 1 small can pineapple chunks | 2 Tablespoons corn starch |
| 1/2 teaspoon curry powder | 1/4 cup melted butter |
Drain fruit. Combine sugar, curry, and corn starch.
Add butter to fruit and add to dugar mixture...
mix all ingredients. Pour into buttered casserole
and bake at 350°F (185°C) for 40 minutes. Serves six.
Serve hot or cold.
| CHICKEN CURRY | |
|---|---|
| 1/2 stick butter | 1 small fryer plus 1-1/2 chicken breast cooked with salt, bay leaves and celery |
| 3 Tablespoons curry | |
| 1/4 teaspoon ginger | |
| 2 cups chicken broth | 1 can evaporated milk |
| 4 bouillion cubes | 1/2 cup crushed pineapple |
To chicken broth add butter, flour, curry, ginger, and
bouillion cubes. Boil slowly until thick...add 1
can evaporated milk lowering heat to avoid separating.
Add pineapple and bite-size chunks of chicken.
Simmer about 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Serve
over steamed rice together with traditional curry condiments
such as crumbled bacon, chutney, chopped peanuts, coconut,
raisins, chopped eggs, green pepper, apples, onions, etc.
| CHOCOLATE PIE | |
|---|---|
| 1 square unsweetened | 1 teaspoon vanilla |
| chocolate | 2 eggs |
| 1/4 pound (115 g.) butter | |
| 3/4 cup sugar |
Melt chocolate. Cream butter and sugar. Add
chocolate and blend well. Add vanilla and one
egg...beat 5 minutes. Add second egg and beat
a full 5 minutes more. Pour into baked shell.
Top with a mountain of whipped cream and rejoice
in the calories.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Fall is in the Air - Day 34
This morning feels a little like fall...a little less humid with barely a cloud in the sky. I began the day with a toasted cranberry bagel and good strong coffee with hazelnut creamer I stole from Jim. I justified it as payback for the teary dinner last night.
Lunch today was a friend rendezvous with Loran and Dennis at Mimi's Cafe. Of course a coupon was involved - BOGO for the Lunch Just Right Menu. It saved $5.99. Loran generously offered to treat us and Dennis and I accepted. He ordered awesome garlic fries for an appetizer. I'm normally not a big fan of french fries, but these were crispy, hot and doused in a light garlic butter sauce that made them downright irresistible.
I ordered French onion soup and a dinner salad combo that came with a pineapple coconut macadamia nut muffin. Mmmmmmmm. Lunch was great and the company was even better. Both Loran and Dennis passed my rear view mirror test. I was thinking of our time together, looked in the rear view mirror, saw a big smile on my face and thought how fortunate I am to have them in my life.
You know , this too qualifies as a "power of good" moment. These moments are occurring more frequently. It must mean good times are ahead.
It must be at least a week since the words "Sweet Tomatoes" appeared in my blog. Well guess what appeared in my e-mail yesterday? A BOGO coupon for Sweet Tomatoes. And guess where Mike and I ate dinner tonight? Yes...Sweet Tomatoes! The country theme for the first half of the month is Greece. Greek salad, Greek lemon orzo soup, Greek blueberry muffins are all featured items to compliment the theme. OK, maybe the blueberries weren't Greek, but they were very good.
Tonight is Top Chef Las Vegas night. Be sure to check it out. I am going to do research for discounts at other restaurant sites other than Sweet Tomatoes and will report my findings over the next few days.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Lunch today was a friend rendezvous with Loran and Dennis at Mimi's Cafe. Of course a coupon was involved - BOGO for the Lunch Just Right Menu. It saved $5.99. Loran generously offered to treat us and Dennis and I accepted. He ordered awesome garlic fries for an appetizer. I'm normally not a big fan of french fries, but these were crispy, hot and doused in a light garlic butter sauce that made them downright irresistible.
I ordered French onion soup and a dinner salad combo that came with a pineapple coconut macadamia nut muffin. Mmmmmmmm. Lunch was great and the company was even better. Both Loran and Dennis passed my rear view mirror test. I was thinking of our time together, looked in the rear view mirror, saw a big smile on my face and thought how fortunate I am to have them in my life.
You know , this too qualifies as a "power of good" moment. These moments are occurring more frequently. It must mean good times are ahead.
It must be at least a week since the words "Sweet Tomatoes" appeared in my blog. Well guess what appeared in my e-mail yesterday? A BOGO coupon for Sweet Tomatoes. And guess where Mike and I ate dinner tonight? Yes...Sweet Tomatoes! The country theme for the first half of the month is Greece. Greek salad, Greek lemon orzo soup, Greek blueberry muffins are all featured items to compliment the theme. OK, maybe the blueberries weren't Greek, but they were very good.
Tonight is Top Chef Las Vegas night. Be sure to check it out. I am going to do research for discounts at other restaurant sites other than Sweet Tomatoes and will report my findings over the next few days.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Awakening - Day 33
"Power of good" moments can occur anytime...even at 2:23 a.m. Last night I was awoken by the sound of loud crunching of dog food. Our rescued dog, Maddie, picked the wee hours of the morning to satisfy her hunger. Normally I might have been a little perturbed at this rude awakening, but this time it made me smile.
The sound was strangely comforting. It got me thinking about how Maddie came to be a part of our family...a wonderful "power of good" story.
One very sad and horrific day in May, our dog Abby, the best dog ever, passed away. When I say she was the best dog ever I am not exaggerating. I am not prejudiced...well maybe a little. She was an extremely bright, gentle Australian Shepherd that loved my husband Mike more than anything. The feeling was mutual.
On this day in May, my husband lost his best friend and I saw a hurt in his eyes I had never seen before. One that only time and a gentle spirit sent from Abby could heal. That gentle spirit was Maddie.
Mike and I were running errands the weekend after Abby passed when Mike noticed an adoption sign in front of the Petco near our house. Was it too early, we both wondered, but decided to stop anyway. As we rounded the corner, there in the middle cage was Maddie, a beautiful, scared Australian Shepherd mix that almost took my breath away. Needless to say we had to take her home.
Maddie is 6-7 years old, very quirky, very skittish and also in love with Mike just like Abby. She had been rescued at least twice from troubling situations. It has been fun over the last few months to see her evolve. After months of thinking she was debarked, Maddie found her voice. And Mike has found a new best friend. She will never replace Abby, but I can't help but think Abby sent her to ease Mike's pain. We rescued Maddie and she rescued us right back.
The loud crunching sound reminded me...this too, is the "power of good".
Lunch was a bit of a splurge. I picked up a pumpkin spice latte and fruit and cheese plate from Starbucks. The price was too high at $9.37, but it satisfied my craving. For me, a pumpkin spice latte is a rite of passage into fall. The cool 80 degree temps of a Florida fall can't be far behind.
Dinner was chicken tostada bowls with rice, black beans and all the trimmings shared with my roommate Jim. He seemed to enjoy it in between the tears. I would give anything to kick start him back to happiness, but nothing I say or do seems to work for long. He has to find his happy place on his own and I will be there to offer comfort food and hugs along the way.
Many hugs,
Kathy
The sound was strangely comforting. It got me thinking about how Maddie came to be a part of our family...a wonderful "power of good" story.
One very sad and horrific day in May, our dog Abby, the best dog ever, passed away. When I say she was the best dog ever I am not exaggerating. I am not prejudiced...well maybe a little. She was an extremely bright, gentle Australian Shepherd that loved my husband Mike more than anything. The feeling was mutual.
On this day in May, my husband lost his best friend and I saw a hurt in his eyes I had never seen before. One that only time and a gentle spirit sent from Abby could heal. That gentle spirit was Maddie.
Mike and I were running errands the weekend after Abby passed when Mike noticed an adoption sign in front of the Petco near our house. Was it too early, we both wondered, but decided to stop anyway. As we rounded the corner, there in the middle cage was Maddie, a beautiful, scared Australian Shepherd mix that almost took my breath away. Needless to say we had to take her home.
Maddie is 6-7 years old, very quirky, very skittish and also in love with Mike just like Abby. She had been rescued at least twice from troubling situations. It has been fun over the last few months to see her evolve. After months of thinking she was debarked, Maddie found her voice. And Mike has found a new best friend. She will never replace Abby, but I can't help but think Abby sent her to ease Mike's pain. We rescued Maddie and she rescued us right back.
The loud crunching sound reminded me...this too, is the "power of good".
Lunch was a bit of a splurge. I picked up a pumpkin spice latte and fruit and cheese plate from Starbucks. The price was too high at $9.37, but it satisfied my craving. For me, a pumpkin spice latte is a rite of passage into fall. The cool 80 degree temps of a Florida fall can't be far behind.
Dinner was chicken tostada bowls with rice, black beans and all the trimmings shared with my roommate Jim. He seemed to enjoy it in between the tears. I would give anything to kick start him back to happiness, but nothing I say or do seems to work for long. He has to find his happy place on his own and I will be there to offer comfort food and hugs along the way.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Monday, September 7, 2009
Laboring on Labor Day - Day 32
I finally have a day off and what do I do?! Relax? Read a book? Be a couch potato?
Heck no! I worked...but this time on my house. Before I got started, I made a bagel run to Einstein's Bagel's for chocolate chip bagels with honey almond cream cheese. They were delicious!
After breakfast Mike and I began work in the yard. He mowed and trimmed. I weeded and weeded and weeded some more. Our roommate Jim even helped with the weeding. I asked Jim to see if today was the day Chick-fil-a was offering a free chicken sandwich if you showed up in your college colors. It was, so we all donned Gator gear and jumped in the car for our free chicken sandwiches. As you might expect, Chick-fil-a was crowded, but the staff was friendly and actually had our order ready pretty fast. Mike and I got milk shakes and free chicken sandwiches and the bill came to a little over $5.00. What a cool promotion in these troubled times!
The afternoon included mega cleaning inside the house. I am so far behind, but at least I made progress.
Dinner with Mike, Jim and his daughter Brenna, was an instant replay of the tailgate menu. I made the Boursin stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in prosciutto and then proceeded to drop them on my newly cleaned floor as I was trying to push the door open. We decided the five second rule applied and just rinsed them off and re-grilled them. Most of the cheese ended up on the floor, but they were still good. I served it with leftover tailgate corn salad, Susan's leftover grilled veggies and rice.
Of course we had to have dessert. Mini peanut butter Goo Goo ice cream sundaes were devoured as we watched the Miami/FSU game. It is painful, but I am actually rooting for FSU. I even rescinded the tomahawk chop ban so that Brenna could celebrate her Noles...UUG!
Go Gators!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Heck no! I worked...but this time on my house. Before I got started, I made a bagel run to Einstein's Bagel's for chocolate chip bagels with honey almond cream cheese. They were delicious!
After breakfast Mike and I began work in the yard. He mowed and trimmed. I weeded and weeded and weeded some more. Our roommate Jim even helped with the weeding. I asked Jim to see if today was the day Chick-fil-a was offering a free chicken sandwich if you showed up in your college colors. It was, so we all donned Gator gear and jumped in the car for our free chicken sandwiches. As you might expect, Chick-fil-a was crowded, but the staff was friendly and actually had our order ready pretty fast. Mike and I got milk shakes and free chicken sandwiches and the bill came to a little over $5.00. What a cool promotion in these troubled times!
The afternoon included mega cleaning inside the house. I am so far behind, but at least I made progress.
Dinner with Mike, Jim and his daughter Brenna, was an instant replay of the tailgate menu. I made the Boursin stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in prosciutto and then proceeded to drop them on my newly cleaned floor as I was trying to push the door open. We decided the five second rule applied and just rinsed them off and re-grilled them. Most of the cheese ended up on the floor, but they were still good. I served it with leftover tailgate corn salad, Susan's leftover grilled veggies and rice.
Of course we had to have dessert. Mini peanut butter Goo Goo ice cream sundaes were devoured as we watched the Miami/FSU game. It is painful, but I am actually rooting for FSU. I even rescinded the tomahawk chop ban so that Brenna could celebrate her Noles...UUG!
Go Gators!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Post Game Hangover - Day 31
No, it is not what you are thinking...I only had one glass of sangria. But I did have a heavy dose of fun and am paying the price at work today. I am sleepy, lazy and would like nothing better than to plop down on the couch and watch Food Network all afternoon. Instead I am perched at my demo table, smiling in between yawns and writing my blog. Bev, the CDS demonstrator, is serving apple pie. Yum. The tasting menu is really good today.
Apple Pie
Cheddar Cheese
Brie and Crackers
Chicken and Apple Sausage
Teriyaki Meatballs
Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
Coffee
Today I was visited by Rudy, one of my favorite customers. He has a memorable look - thin and fit, bald with a fu Manchu goatee and several gold teeth. He is quite an interesting character and each time he stops by I learn a little more...kind of like reading a chapter of a book with each visit. Today our talk ran the gamut from health care and our mutually liberal view of the world to urging me to exercise with yoga to relieve the stress this life of mine doles out in heaping portions each day. He told me he expects to hear I made progress by the next time he stops by. Damn, now I am accountable to a customer. I definitely need to get my butt in gear.
Speaking of exercise and commitment (or my lack of)...today is the day I was supposed to compete in the Disney triathlon with my friend Shirley. My crazy schedule and lack of resolve got the best of me and I did not train. I can't wait to hear Shirley's account of the event. Maybe I will get my act together for her next competition.
Tonight Mike and I went to dinner at Tom, Susan and Christopher's house. The meal was amazing. Barbecued ribs, grilled veggies with balsamic vinegar, Chris's fabulous mac and cheese, grilled potatoes and upside down apple pie. After dinner we created a new blog site for Christopher - nolifechris.blogspot.com. Chris is bored with his life and needs an outlet to express himself. He picked the template and set up an account, but hasn't actually done a posting yet. I signed up as a follower and can't wait to read the first installment.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Apple Pie
Cheddar Cheese
Brie and Crackers
Chicken and Apple Sausage
Teriyaki Meatballs
Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
Coffee
Today I was visited by Rudy, one of my favorite customers. He has a memorable look - thin and fit, bald with a fu Manchu goatee and several gold teeth. He is quite an interesting character and each time he stops by I learn a little more...kind of like reading a chapter of a book with each visit. Today our talk ran the gamut from health care and our mutually liberal view of the world to urging me to exercise with yoga to relieve the stress this life of mine doles out in heaping portions each day. He told me he expects to hear I made progress by the next time he stops by. Damn, now I am accountable to a customer. I definitely need to get my butt in gear.
Speaking of exercise and commitment (or my lack of)...today is the day I was supposed to compete in the Disney triathlon with my friend Shirley. My crazy schedule and lack of resolve got the best of me and I did not train. I can't wait to hear Shirley's account of the event. Maybe I will get my act together for her next competition.
Tonight Mike and I went to dinner at Tom, Susan and Christopher's house. The meal was amazing. Barbecued ribs, grilled veggies with balsamic vinegar, Chris's fabulous mac and cheese, grilled potatoes and upside down apple pie. After dinner we created a new blog site for Christopher - nolifechris.blogspot.com. Chris is bored with his life and needs an outlet to express himself. He picked the template and set up an account, but hasn't actually done a posting yet. I signed up as a follower and can't wait to read the first installment.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Game Day - Day 30
The excitement of the first game of the season is something many of my friends don't understand. There is an electric energy generated by over 90,000 fans coming together for a common goal...to root their team to victory. This fandom involves so much more than just the game. It is wearing your lucky shirt, putting on your Gator jewelry in just the right order, sharing a tailgate meal with friends and family, getting to the stadium an hour early to soak it all in and drinking your lucky sweet tea before the game. This year the energy and excitement seems to be kicked up a notch. Florida is the reigning national champion and Tim Tebow, our rock star quarterback, is in his senior year. This year is going to be special.
The day began early with the final packing of the tailgate gear. Then on to pickup our friend Chris to join us for the day. We stopped at McDonald's (OMG...two times in two days) for a quick breakfast on the run. We lucked into a parking spot at our favorite tailgate location and unloaded all the gear for the 6 1/2 hour wait until kickoff. The rest of our friends and family would not be joining us for another 3-4 hours. We talked, we relaxed and after a couple of hours, we realized we were hungry and couldn't wait another 2 hours to eat. It was time for a cheeseburger appetizer from the new Cheeburger Cheeburger Express in the student union. Mike and I split a burger. It was not cheap at $4.99, not express, but quite tasty.
Around 4:00 the rest of our friends arrived and the true tailgating began. I made sangria, fired up the grill to cook the chicken and asparagus. The chicken breast was pounded, stuffed with Boursin cheese and wrapped in prosciutto the night before. The asparagus was previously blanched and then thrown on the grill with a drizzle of macadamia oil, salt , pepper and chopped macadamia nuts. I served it with a fresh corn salad and pasta salad. Everything was actually quite delicious and a nice departure from the typical burgers and hot dogs. We finished the meal with grilled pound cake topped with fresh strawberries, chocolate syrup drizzle and whipped cream.
The Gators won 62 to 3 and the day was enjoyed by all. Unfortunately the win came at a huge cost. I missed my first blog posting since its inception 30 days ago. I hate when my son is right! He told me I would miss a day at some point and he was right.
Many hugs,
Kathy
The day began early with the final packing of the tailgate gear. Then on to pickup our friend Chris to join us for the day. We stopped at McDonald's (OMG...two times in two days) for a quick breakfast on the run. We lucked into a parking spot at our favorite tailgate location and unloaded all the gear for the 6 1/2 hour wait until kickoff. The rest of our friends and family would not be joining us for another 3-4 hours. We talked, we relaxed and after a couple of hours, we realized we were hungry and couldn't wait another 2 hours to eat. It was time for a cheeseburger appetizer from the new Cheeburger Cheeburger Express in the student union. Mike and I split a burger. It was not cheap at $4.99, not express, but quite tasty.
Around 4:00 the rest of our friends arrived and the true tailgating began. I made sangria, fired up the grill to cook the chicken and asparagus. The chicken breast was pounded, stuffed with Boursin cheese and wrapped in prosciutto the night before. The asparagus was previously blanched and then thrown on the grill with a drizzle of macadamia oil, salt , pepper and chopped macadamia nuts. I served it with a fresh corn salad and pasta salad. Everything was actually quite delicious and a nice departure from the typical burgers and hot dogs. We finished the meal with grilled pound cake topped with fresh strawberries, chocolate syrup drizzle and whipped cream.
The Gators won 62 to 3 and the day was enjoyed by all. Unfortunately the win came at a huge cost. I missed my first blog posting since its inception 30 days ago. I hate when my son is right! He told me I would miss a day at some point and he was right.
Many hugs,
Kathy
Friday, September 4, 2009
Almost Tailgate Time - Day 29
Well today was another vacation day and I was a little confused...I headed to work. But not before I stopped into the new Bruegger's Bagels for a fresh toasted honey wheat bagel oozing with butter. Yum!
I could not get out of the office until after 3:00 and hadn't eaten lunch, so I headed for Mickey D's with my free McCafe coupon. My foodie card will be revoked when I admit that I actually liked the Hazelnut Iced Coffee, little cheeseburger and fries that I got for $2.19 with the free coffee coupon.
Tonight is a momentous night...the day before opening day of the Gator football season and our first tailgate party. I have been planning the menu for over a week and want it to be tasty, simple and relatively inexpensive. Here is the plan -
Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast Wrapped in Prosciutto
Fresh Corn Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Kevina's Pasta Salad
Grilled Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Trail Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sangria and Beer
While Mike figured out how to get all our tailgate gear in our new much smaller CR-V, I assembled the chicken, made the corn salad and blanched the asparagus. Then it was on to the cookies. Overall I am pleased with the results and am looking forward to tomorrow. It will be my first real day off in quite a while.
Marti, my client and friend, requested the recipe for my fresh corn salad. Here you go -
Fresh Corn Salad
6 ears of sweet corn
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 red onion, minced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Cut the fresh corn off the cob and steam for 3-5 minutes in 1/4 cup water. Remove lid and cook, stirring, 2 minutes more until water evaporates. Toss corn with all other ingredients and chill.
Tip: I added 1 small seeded fresh minced jalapeno from Kat's garden for a little extra heat.
Go Gators!
Many hugs,
Kathy
I could not get out of the office until after 3:00 and hadn't eaten lunch, so I headed for Mickey D's with my free McCafe coupon. My foodie card will be revoked when I admit that I actually liked the Hazelnut Iced Coffee, little cheeseburger and fries that I got for $2.19 with the free coffee coupon.
Tonight is a momentous night...the day before opening day of the Gator football season and our first tailgate party. I have been planning the menu for over a week and want it to be tasty, simple and relatively inexpensive. Here is the plan -
Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast Wrapped in Prosciutto
Fresh Corn Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Kevina's Pasta Salad
Grilled Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Trail Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sangria and Beer
While Mike figured out how to get all our tailgate gear in our new much smaller CR-V, I assembled the chicken, made the corn salad and blanched the asparagus. Then it was on to the cookies. Overall I am pleased with the results and am looking forward to tomorrow. It will be my first real day off in quite a while.
Marti, my client and friend, requested the recipe for my fresh corn salad. Here you go -
Fresh Corn Salad
6 ears of sweet corn
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 red onion, minced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Cut the fresh corn off the cob and steam for 3-5 minutes in 1/4 cup water. Remove lid and cook, stirring, 2 minutes more until water evaporates. Toss corn with all other ingredients and chill.
Tip: I added 1 small seeded fresh minced jalapeno from Kat's garden for a little extra heat.
Go Gators!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Power of Good - Day 28
Yesterday in my haste to watch Top Chef Las Vegas, I forgot to tell a "power of good" story. I think I may have mentioned our new roommate Jim. He is a friend and co-worker that has endured a tsunami of challenges in the last several years. His face, his posture, his gait, all reflect the fact. The living arrangements we made were an effort to help each other. Jim would help us financially. Mike and I would offer a hand out of the abyss with a sounding board, encouragement and of course...some comfort food.
Last night when I stopped by the house to walk Maddie, I saw the unmistakable look of defeat and utter sadness on Jim's face. Mike and I were going to dinner and Jim would be alone in a strange place with no food...not a good combination. I offered to make a quick grilled provolone, prosciutto and turkey sandwich and tomato soup. After some convincing, Jim accepted my offer. I gave him a tray to sit in front of the TV and out the door I went.
But not before I caught a glimpse of a smile on Jim's face and tears in his eyes.
This is the "power of good"!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Last night when I stopped by the house to walk Maddie, I saw the unmistakable look of defeat and utter sadness on Jim's face. Mike and I were going to dinner and Jim would be alone in a strange place with no food...not a good combination. I offered to make a quick grilled provolone, prosciutto and turkey sandwich and tomato soup. After some convincing, Jim accepted my offer. I gave him a tray to sit in front of the TV and out the door I went.
But not before I caught a glimpse of a smile on Jim's face and tears in his eyes.
This is the "power of good"!
Many hugs,
Kathy
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Cookie Disappointment and Triumph - Day 27
A day without cookies is like a day without hugs. Don't ask me what that means. I am just feeling kind of silly.
This morning began with cookies for breakfast. I didn't feel like I could totally trust the eyeball test alone. And I was right. The Nutella cookies were a disappointment. I decided to try to substitute Sugar in the Raw for traditional granulated sugar. The package said it can be used in baking. However, the granules are a little more coarse and do not incorporate well into the dough, leaving the cookie texture a little gritty. The look was good, the flavor was good, but the cookie itself was a disappointment. Since I had already packaged the cookies for Robby and Kenda, I decided I would include my less than perfect cookie in the mix...probably not the best idea. This batch of Nutella Cookies should be re-named Sandy Beach Cookies because they taste like I made them from a sandy beach.
However, the Trail Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies (Robby's namesake) were delicious. I loved the crunchiness of the whole nuts mixed with the raisins and chocolate. They were truly as good as they looked. Robby will be proud.
Lunch was grabbed on the run at Arby's. I know the meat is formed and pressed from God knows what, the cheese...an unnatural goo, but it was tasty nonetheless.
This afternoon I had to drive up to Gainesville to see one of my clients and dropped off individually wrapped trail mix cookies to Scott, Lorraine and Lee for their afternoon snack. The look on Lee's face when she bit into the cookie made it worth the drive.
Before I headed back to Orlando, I checked my trusty restaurant coupon envelope and discovered a BOGO coupon for $9.95 Summer Adventure entrees at Outback Steakhouse. I called Mike and he agreed this would be the perfect way to spend the evening. We met, we talked about his bowling adventures and we ate a nice meal including an appetizer for $18.00. The coupon saved $9.95.
My favorite reality show is about to start...Top Chef Las Vegas...gotta go.
Many hugs,
Kathy
This morning began with cookies for breakfast. I didn't feel like I could totally trust the eyeball test alone. And I was right. The Nutella cookies were a disappointment. I decided to try to substitute Sugar in the Raw for traditional granulated sugar. The package said it can be used in baking. However, the granules are a little more coarse and do not incorporate well into the dough, leaving the cookie texture a little gritty. The look was good, the flavor was good, but the cookie itself was a disappointment. Since I had already packaged the cookies for Robby and Kenda, I decided I would include my less than perfect cookie in the mix...probably not the best idea. This batch of Nutella Cookies should be re-named Sandy Beach Cookies because they taste like I made them from a sandy beach.
However, the Trail Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies (Robby's namesake) were delicious. I loved the crunchiness of the whole nuts mixed with the raisins and chocolate. They were truly as good as they looked. Robby will be proud.
Lunch was grabbed on the run at Arby's. I know the meat is formed and pressed from God knows what, the cheese...an unnatural goo, but it was tasty nonetheless.
This afternoon I had to drive up to Gainesville to see one of my clients and dropped off individually wrapped trail mix cookies to Scott, Lorraine and Lee for their afternoon snack. The look on Lee's face when she bit into the cookie made it worth the drive.
Before I headed back to Orlando, I checked my trusty restaurant coupon envelope and discovered a BOGO coupon for $9.95 Summer Adventure entrees at Outback Steakhouse. I called Mike and he agreed this would be the perfect way to spend the evening. We met, we talked about his bowling adventures and we ate a nice meal including an appetizer for $18.00. The coupon saved $9.95.
My favorite reality show is about to start...Top Chef Las Vegas...gotta go.
Many hugs,
Kathy
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