Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Chile & Beer Braised Brisket

Tuesday night I got to take George and Erinleigh dinner to their house for the second to last time!!! Well, to their current house.  They are about to move!!!  I'm excited for them as this is a transition into the next stage for them... having their baby!!  It will give them room for the baby, which I hear is important! 

I have been eying this recipe for a while but needed a quicker way to make it.  I.E. crock pot!!  I pretty much followed the recipe except using a crock pot to cook it all day.  Would love to try it in a dutch oven too... I bet that would be good.  Ohhhh, or as chicken instead of brisket.  Mmmmm!  If you like your food really spicy you will want to amp up the spice... it had good flavor but not spicy at all.  We made the brisket into tacos using flour shells, lettuce and tomato. 

Chile & Beer Braised Brisket



6 Anaheim chilies (you can use New Mexico or ancho chilies - fresh or dried) stemmed & seeded
1 14-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup Mexican lager, such as Corona or Dos Equis
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds trimmed flat, first-cut brisket
1 cups dried pinto beans, reconstituted

Cut (or tear if using dried) chills into 1-inch pieces. (If using dried, cover with hot water and let sit until softened, at least 20 minutes. Drain.)

Place tomatoes and their juices, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and the chili pieces in a food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer to a crock pot and stir in beer.

Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add brisket and brown on all sides, about 6 minutes total. Add to crock pot.  Stir in beans and bake on low 6-8 hours.

Transfer the meat to a cutting board and pull apart into long shreds using two forks. Stir the shredded meat back into the sauce.  If the sauce isn't thick, boil on the stove to reduce.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Hot Yoga!!

It is hot!! Really, I found out today.  And I am hooked.  Thank you Teesha!!

Teesha has been going to hot yoga for about six months now and I finally joined her Friday night at Be Hot Yoga and spent 90 minutes in a 106 degree room.  Once I got used to the heat (and my glasses fogging up) I loved it.  I felt so relaxed all night long.  I loved it so much that I signed up for more classes coming up.  Ahhhh!  I can't wait to go back!!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Zucchini Quiche

Thursday night I was able to go with Jennie, Jeff, Bennett and a few others to Screen on The Green to watch Star Wars (the original). Although we weren't as into it as those around us (we didn't come dressed up as storm troopers or bring our light sabers) we had a blast!  It has been soooooo long since I have watched a movie outside and I honestly forgot how much I loved going.  Unfortunately this is the last Screen on the Green movie for this summer.  Thank goodness Flicks on Fifth is still going strong!

Before the movie, we had to eat!  And Dianne (my manager at work who has an amazing green thumb) gave me some yellow squash, zucchini, and cucumbers from her garden!!! I was so excited I knew what needed to be made... Zucchini Quiche!! Yay!!! Now, what I grew up on had lots of cheese and butter.  I can't have either one anymore, so I did a quick Google search and found this recipe.  Of course I changed it up to what I had so here is my version...

Zucchini Quiche

  • 1 tube crescent rolls
  • 2 t yellow mustard
  • 2 t olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 2 cups coarsely grated zucchini/yellow squash
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced 
  • 1/2 t paprika
  • 1/4 t chili powder
  • 1/2 t onion powder
  • 2 medium canned roasted red peppers, diced 
  • 1 package low-fat firm silken tofu
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 t spicy brown mustard
  • 1/2 t freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 T pine nuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a 9" pie pan roll out the crescent rolls to make a crust.  Top with yellow mustard.

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and salt and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Zucchini/yellow squash, garlic, paprika, chili powder, and onion powder and cook, stirring, until vegetables have wilted and most of liquid has evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and cool completely.

In food processor, puree tofu. Add egg, spicy brown mustard, and black pepper and process until very smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down sides of work bowl with rubber spatula. Add to bowl with vegetables; add basil and stir until well blended. Pour into crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with pine nuts.

Bake quiche until filling has just set, about 45 minutes. Cut into wedges.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Hand Made

Martha Lynn and Marcus had their baby!!! His name is Mason and is he not the cutest thing ever...


I hadn't gone to a shower so Wednesday night I decided that I need a gift for him when I go to their house Friday.  I have been making bibs for all the showers that I have been going to however they were all for baby girls.  I have baby girl fabric but no baby boy fabric.  No time to go to the store to buy some, here is what I came up with...


I made it from an old t-shirt.  What do you think??

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Week in Review - 6.21 thru 6.24

Once again we are at the end of another week.  Can you believe how fast it went?!!?  Well, I was sick all last weekend, including Sunday, so I took that day off.  Which means... only 4 days of clothing options.  Here is what I chose...


Monday
Blue Tank: Victoria Secret
Jeans: The Loft
Shoes:  Nine West


I loved this outfit!!!
Tuesday
White Shirt: Target
Jacket: Sisley
Pants: Anthropologie
Shoes: Unisa


Wednesday
Polka Dot Tank: Anthony's in Florida
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Sofft


Thursday
White Shirt: J Crew
Cardigan: Nordstrom PB
Pants:  Anthropologie
Shoes: Victoria Secret


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Stuffed Chard with Fresh Marinara

I made enough on Monday so Jennie and I could eat some and I could take the rest on Tuesday.  I eyed this recipe the other day and knew I had to make my own version of it.  Here is what I came up with...

Stuffed Chard with Fresh Marinara

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1 package Boca crumbles
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 caned roasted red peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup baby carrots, cut thinly
  • 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
  • 8 large Swiss chard leaves, stems removed (see Tip)
  • 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons capers
Cook the quinoa in water in a rice cooker until the water is completely absorbed.

Gently mix quinoa, with all ingredients up to the chard in a large bowl until just combined. 


Overlap the two sides of a chard leaf where the stem was removed and place a portion of mix there.

Tightly roll the chard around the mix. Place each roll, seam-side down, in a large nonstick skillet. (You will have extra mix when you are done filling each leaf.  Pour in broth, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook 8 to 10 minutes. Discard any remaining broth.






 Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining mix and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and capers and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thickened, about 8 minutes. Serve the chard rolls topped with sauce.



Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the chard rolls in the sauce; reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Tip: Remove chard stems, including the widest section of the rib at the base of the leaf, by making narrow triangular cuts.


You can thank Jennie that I have pictures!! She reminded me to take them as I was cooking!!

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

GUEST BLOGGER!!! - Bennett Depew

Bennett has decided he also wants to be a guest blogger!! Yay!! This means I'm going to get some amazing recipes from a fabulous [now former] chef!  He has upgraded into a 9-5 job and I'm super excited for his new adventure.  
 
Here is a dish he made Sunday night.  And Bennett next time you want to guest blog a recipe you should also feel the need to have me over to sample it!  ;)
 


Vegetarian Lasagna

6 ea                            Large zucchini sliced ¼ inch thick
1 ea                            Large eggplant peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick.
1 ea                            8oz bag mozzarella cheese
1 ea                            15oz tub ricotta cheese
1 ea                            26oz jar of favorite marinara
3 oz                            Parmesan or romano cheese
¼ C                            Olive oil
1 T                            Dried Basil
1 T                            Dried oregano
1 ea                            8oz container of mushrooms
1 ea                            Large leek
3 ea                            Large eggs

              Slice zucchini and coat evenly with salt and pepper and grill until tender. Peel and slice eggplant and repeat as with the zucchini. Thinly slice mushrooms and leek and sautee until tender seasoning with salt and pepper. Lightly beat eggs and mix with ricotta cheese, half of the parmesan, and half of the dried herbs.

             
Apply small amount of marinara to bottom of pan and begin alternating layers of zucchini, mozzarella cheese, eggplant, and ricotta mixture. Reserve some marinara, mozzarella and parmesan for finishing on top of lasagna then bake at 350 degrees for forty five minutes or until golden brown and bubbly on top. Let sit twenty minutes and serve.


Monday, June 21, 2010

Week in Review - 6.13 thru 6.17

Here is another week of fashion!!


Sunday
Dress:  BCBG


Monday
Cami: Wet Seal
Shirt: Nordstrom BP
Jeans: Diesel
Shoes:  Nine West


Tuesday
Shirt: Banana Republic
Skirt:  Banana Republic
Shoes:  Nine West


Wednesday
Shirt:  Forever 21
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Jeans:  The Loft
Shoes:  Nine West


Thursday
Shirt:  Anthony's in Florida
Jacket: Espress
Jeans: Diesel
Shoes: Sofft


My favorite thing right now is white jeans.  I love when people wear them.  They are so summery and fun!! Unfortunately I only have 1 pair.  I have search a little bit trying to find another pair but not finding exactly what I want to get at a price I'm willing to pay for. 

Sunday, June 20, 2010

For Rachael T

All the women at work are having babies!! Well, all but me it seems.  Which, if I'm going to be honest, I really am ok with.  I'm not ready.  But its so much fun seeing everyone else having babies!!

Wednesday we had a shower for Rachael T, which was super cute!! I made the Ramen Noodle Salad that I previously blogged about.  I also made her a present...

Bibs!!!

I'm getting quicker at using the sewing machine!! It took about half the time to make 2 bibs as the first time I made one.  Woo hoo!!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Reupholstered

It took some time but I finally have the chair reupholstered!!  Woo hoo!! Look how beautiful it is :)




This was my first attempt at adding the ribbing around the pillows.  I broke a few needles in the process of learning but I think it was worth the time and effort!! It turned out better than I imagined it would.  Yay me!!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Welcome Home!

Or, welcome to my home!!! I haven't put pictures up of my apartment in a while so I thought I would show you around.  Check it out!!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

GUEST BLOGGER!!! - Katie Killebrew

My friend Katie has asked to be a guest blogger to add her recipes to the blog and I have to say I LOVE the idea!!!  If you ever want to be a guest blogger please email me!!!  Tuesday night I heard nothing but amazing stories about Katie's shrimp (I showed up to the party after it was all gone)!  So with no further adieu, here is Katie:

-----------

Last night I had the pleasure of being a guest cook in Jennie’s home. We decided to throw one last hurrah; shower, bachelorette, fling before the ring before April A. Cook becomes April C. Minter on Saturday and have a girls get together at Jennie’s. Since Jennie is a newly found vegetarian for the month; she asked me to bring shrimp. I suggested one of my favorite Italian dishes – “Aeglio e Oila.” In layman’s terms – Pasta with Garlic and Oil. The recipe is quite simple and can be used as a tradition (as in my family; Christmas eve) or for a quick throw-together dinner. 


Aeglio e Oila

1 lb peeled shrimp
1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
½ cup walnuts (finely chopped – 1 cup if you use whole)
1 cup raisins
1 lb pasta (linguini, fettuccini or angel hair)

Cook pasta according to box; drain and set aside.

While pasta is cooking; sautéing fresh peeled shrimp (a lb if you are cooking for a lot; I use about 4-6 per serving) in a thinly coated pan with olive oil. Add the chopped garlic to the pan and sauté until the shrimp and pink and browning around the edges.

Once the shrimp is cooked; add walnuts and raisins and sauté with shrimp until warm and toasted. Toss with cooked pasta. 

Garnish with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The rest of last week...

I have to tell you I feel normal.  For most people that means nothing.  For me, this is something I haven't felt in over 2 years.  Seriously.  I was driving around while running errands on a Friday thinking this is what normal people do.  I am generally so exhausted on Friday that I don't want to leave my couch.   Thank God!!! It brought tears to my eyes... literally!! I'm not sure what is the reason... warm/humid weather, heating habits, removing caffeine from my diet, cutting down on my medications or just God cutting me a break but I've never felt so great feeling so normal!!

That being said, here is a recap of my last week...

Sunday night:  Fusion gathering.  I was able to meet a few new people at Fusion that I didn't meet the first week.  I can't believe I waited five years at Buckhead Church before deciding to join.  It's so much fun!!

Tuesday:  Dinner with Erinleigh and George.  This time I made my dad's venison stew with carrots and onions.  Mashed potatoes on the side.  Yummy!

Wednesday:  Girls night with Jennie, Alison and Kasii.  We made tacos and talked all sorts of fun girl stuff.  Afterward Jennie and I watched the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup!!

Thursday:  Fusion pizza party.  More meeting of new people and I got to chat more to one of the leaders, Josh, who is also friends with Eric (of Odessa and Eric).  He was at the Bach party as well.  It's fun when groups collide!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Leah's Birthday Party!!!!

On Friday I went out with a group of friends to celebrate LEAH!!! She is an amazing lady that I work with and have gotten to know over the years.  We headed over to West Midtown, my old stomping grounds, for dinner at Figo followed by live music at JCT Kitchen.  I was amazed to see how much WMT has changed since I moved!! It has gone from up-and-coming to here-and-now!!! Wow!!! Totally redone.  Make me want to move back over there, kind of.  

Here are a few pictures that were taken with the iPhone of some of the girls and JCT Kitchen.

Some of the ladies

Walking up to JCT


Listening to Live Music


Completely Renovated!!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Ramen Noodle Salad

This weekend was the parties for ODESSA!!!  On Saturday was both the shower and the bach party (well, the bach party was for both her and her fiance Eric) and it was soooo much fun.  Teesha and I hosted the shower in my apartment and then headed up to the roof afterward for the combined bach party.  It was fun to get all the friends together and hear all the wonderful stories of both Odessa and Eric.  They are two absolutely amazing people and I couldn't ask for better friends.  It's so uplifting to hear how they have touched so many lives and how everyone knows they will continue to do that for so many people.  They are both soooooo gifted!!!

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures yet, however when I get them I'll forward them to you.





Since this is a food blog too, I thought you may want to know about the salad that I made for the shower.  It was yummy!! On the side we served cranberry/walnut bread and chicken.  Mmmmm....


RAMEN NOODLE SALAD

1 head lettuce (pieces)
6 to 8 green onions (chopped)
1 (6 oz.) can Mandarin oranges
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped mushrooms
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1 (3 oz.) pkg. chicken flavored Ramen noodles, uncooked & crumbled



Dressing:
1/4 c. salad oil
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp. sugar

Seasoning mix from noodles

Mix together lettuce and green onions. Add all other ingredients except noodles and almonds and set aside in an airtight container until serving. Blend together dressing. Just before serving, add dressing, almonds and noodles to lettuce mixture.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Week in Review - 6.6 thru 6.10

I'm a little behind... life has been fun-crazy-busy... but that's summer in the city.  Here is what I have been wearing out and about...


Sunday
Dress: Charlotte Russe
Shoes:  Kenneth Cole


Monday
Dress: Macys
Jacket: United Colors of Benetton
Shoes:  Sofft


Tuesday
Dress: J Crew
Cardigan: Victoria's Secret
Shoes:  Nine West


Wednesday
Dress:  Top Shop
Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Shoes:  Victoria's Secret


Thursday
Dress: Express
Cardigan: Anthony's in Florida



Friday (Leah's B-day Party!!)
Dress:  J Crew
Shoes:  Victoria's Secret

Monday, June 07, 2010

In other news...

What else has been going on... well, better late than never...

Memorial Day - I spent the A.M. hanging out with Preston.  We went for a walk and did some grocery shopping.  Then I headed to Jeff's house to hang out at the pool with him, Jennie and Bennett.  It was so much fun to be out in the sun for a second day in a row!! (the day before was with Erinleigh at the Four Seasons)



Tuesday - Erinleigh gave me flowers!!! They are so beautiful and they came from a bush in the front of her house.  I love looking at fresh flowers inside.

Wednesday - I wanted to work on the cushions for the chair in my living room however I broke the only 2 needles that I had!!  Uggh!  So, now I need to get some new ones so I can try sewing again... wish me luck.

Thursday - Teesha, Joel and I headed up Buford Highway for Peruvian food and Tacos (it just doesn't sound the same without Joel saying it)!  Ha!! We had a blast eating way too much amazing food, chatting, solving the world's problems, and laughing!!  LOL!!!  I'm so glad to have friends who love food as much as I do!!

Sunday, June 06, 2010

Cooking

For those who come to this site for recipes will be disappointed again this week.  Not much going on.  I did cook for Erinleigh, George and Richard again.  However it was pretty basic...

Turkey Burgers

1 package extra lean ground turkey
1/3 cup onions, finely chopped and sauteed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Montreal steak seasoning
Seasoned salt (to taste)
Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
BBQ sauce (to taste)

Mix all together.  Form into 8 patties.  Grill on the stove or on the grill until cooked thru.

To go with the burgers I toasted some buns, brought lettuce, tomato, and hummus.  On the side I made 2 kinds of french fries.


French Fries

4 potatoes (whatever you have on hand), cut into strips
Favorite seasoning mix (with garlic, salt, and pepper)
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp)
1 tbsp olive oil

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix everything together.  Place in a single layer on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet.  Cook for 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.


Sweet Potato Fries

2 large sweet potatoes, cut into strips
2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
pinch of chili powder
1 tbsp olive oil

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix everything together.  Place in a single layer on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet.  Cook for 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.


Yummy!!

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Week in Review - 6.1 thru 6.3

A very short fashion week!  With the wedding and Memorial day I only have 3 outfits to display.  Hope they make the cut...


Tuesday
Polka Dot Shirt:  Sweet Pea
Cardigan:  ??
Pants: Anthropologie
Shoes:  Sofft


Wednesday
Green Shirt: Banana Republic
Jacket:  The Loft
Jeans:  Diesel
Shoes:  Victoria Secret


 Thursday
Dress:  Macy's


Friday, June 04, 2010

Lynn's WEDDING!!!

Oh how much fun did I have Memorial weekend!!  My BFF Lynn got married to her amazing man Rob.  And, I got to wear fun, fancy dresses and party down at the Four Seasons.  She started our weekend with a spa/nail day.  All the ladies in the wedding got together and got our nails done.


Then Lynn gave us beautiful gifts of beach bags and fabulous earrings that we wore during the wedding. 


After spa day we had the rehearsal and then headed to Pricci for a mouth watering dinner at Pricci!!  I had a blast hanging out with everyone and eating amazing food.  Following Pricci a group of us headed to the Four Seasons bar.  I should have brought my camera and taken pictures in the bar... it was beautiful.  And I found my favorite new drink... Tarragon infused lemonade.  It was amazing!! Then I did something I haven't done in FOREVER... had a night out!! Maybe it was the Cinderella setting however I wasn't sleepy so we walked to Crescent and had some more fun.

Then the BIG DAY!!  Shannon and I hung out all morning and then met up with Lynnette in her amazing bridal suite.  After making sure she was doing well Shannon and I met up with Brandon and Dean for some brunch.  Then the mad dash to get ready for the big event.  Which was BEAUTIFUL!! We walked down the isle to amazing opera singers and a string quartet. I was so excited and happy for my BFF!! She was absolutely glowing.  After the ceremony us in the wedding got pictures taken before the cocktail hour, dinner and dancing.  It was all amazing.  We danced to a 10 piece band all night long!!

Sunday A.M. we even got to have brunch with everyone!! It was so much fun to be surrounded by so many amazing people.  Coming back to my home where I live alone feels so anti-climatic!! I got to stay to wish the happy couple good-bye.  Then Erinleigh came to the Four Seasons and we spent time at the amazing pool and sun bathing.

As of now, Lynn and Rob are Honeymoon-ing it up.  However when they get back I'm sure I'll have a ton more pictures to add to the blog.  For now, check out what I have in the picture section...