They call me Lucy

Lao Sticky Rice

2012-01-03T22:15:00.007-05:00

We are hooked on Lao sticky rice. I finally learned how to make it and could eat it every day. It has to be sweet or glutinous rice, which you probably can only find in an Asian grocery store. You have to let it soak in water at least 2-3 hours but I think overnight is best. Once it's finished soaking just rinse it off good.

You need a bamboo steamer and a pot thingy for it to fit in. You can find these at any Asian grocery store as well. Bring about 3 inches of water to a boil and place the bamboo basket containing the rice right on top.

Just place a lid on top so that it steams.

After about 15 minutes you flip the rice so that it cooks evenly. Some people have the ability to just somehow flip the basket and the rice just turns right over. Me, not so much. I take a big spoon and flip it. Once it is translucent and sticks to itself and not your hands it's done. They have cute little bamboo baskets to serve it in, but I don't have any of those. I just piled mine on a plate. As you can see below, you can just make a ball out of a piece and dip it in some sauce.

You could dip it in soy, Siriracha, or whatever you like. I made a homemade Siriracha type sauce. I just put 3 garlic cloves, 1 tsp of salt, and some red cayenne pepper in my mortar and pestle and made a paste. Then I combined half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of sugar in a saucepan until it dissolved then added the paste in. It's rather twangy but quiet addicting.

This post has made me hungry, think I'll go have some for a late night snack!

Project Life

2012-01-02T14:33:00.002-05:00

Have anyone of you tried Project Life by Becky Higgins? I don't have the time for scrapbooking, at least not enough to make it look good. This product seems to simplify the process.

I was inspired by this video I saw posted on Facebook. I love the idea, the song, all of it.

I tend to take pictures and leave them on my camera or computer and never really do anything with them. This may be just what I need!

Fetch!

2012-01-01T21:32:00.005-05:00

Well, it's the beginning of a new year and I really want to use my blog to document our days, however boring and mundane they may seem. I know how fun it will be for us to look back and read these posts, so I hope that I can keep up with it. I hope I don't bore you too much, but ultimately it's for me and I already know I'm boring! Ha!

This morning in particular, I was trying to take note of the simple things. Like every time I boil tea I'm reminded of how much my Mama loved the smell of it when it was just boiled. That makes me smile.

And how much I love the smell of bacon. mmmm.......

I was able to get a great shot of this boy that I love so much.

We went outside to play a little fetch with my dad's dog. He got a golden retriever and this dog has been so good for him. They bonded right away.

His name is Harley, but we've been calling him Marley. The names are so similar he certainly answers to both!

He gets so excited when he sees a ball! Baseballs seem to be his favorite.

This also makes me smile.

We had to run to Chuck's mom's and do a few things for her, but not without first stopping at QT for a healthy snack!

Yuck!

Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-31T19:09:00.002-05:00

Things have been not so good around here lately. So this is what I do when stressed.

I've been baking sugar cookies. I never got around to it at Christmas time, so now is a good time as any.

We are having a low key New Years. Today would have been my Mama's 66th birthday. I miss her so much it hurts. I have high hopes that 2012 will be better to us. I'm not really making any resolutions, although I do have plans to blog more, take more pictures, and just document our life better. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!

Red Maples

2011-10-29T13:53:00.000-04:00

Really enjoying the beautiful fall colors!

Family Time

2011-10-04T20:06:00.002-04:00

It was a great day for a picnic!

Love One Another

2011-08-22T22:09:00.002-04:00

Love one another

And you will be happy

It's as simple

And as difficult as that

Katie Bug

2011-08-22T21:39:00.004-04:00

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.

Unique

2011-08-21T01:43:00.003-04:00

Decide who you are and revel in it.............

Country Drives

2011-08-19T23:56:00.002-04:00

Photography Is Truth

2011-08-19T00:44:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share some recent pictures I took. I have vowed to not leave the house without my camera. You never know what you will find.

I love old doors...

The colors in my new umbrella make me happy

Not the best shot, it's very grainy, but I love this street at night

Rural Georgia

My absolute favorite animal to shoot are cows, could only find horses this day though.

Cheesecake? Yes, please!

2011-08-16T23:03:00.002-04:00

Crust:

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup finely chopped almonds
3/4 cup finely chopped vanilla wafers
2 tablespoons melted butter

Filling:

1 1/2 lbs cream cheese
1 1/3 cups sugar
5 large eggs
16 ounces sour cream
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions:

Crust Directions:

1. Mix all nuts and vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9 inch buttered springform pan, trying to line the sides as much as possible about 1 1/2" up the sides of the pan, set aside.

Cheesecake Directions:

1. All the filling ingredients should be at room temperature.

2. Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy with an electric mixer set on low (keep the setting at low during the entire mixing process).

3. Add the sugar a little at a time and continue beating until creamy.

4. Add one egg at a time and beat after each egg.

5. Add flour, vanilla and lemon juice, mix well.

6. Add the sour cream and beat well.

7. Pour cream cheese mixture into the springform pan.

8. Place on the top rack in the middle of a 325 degree F preheated oven for one hour and 15 minutes.

9. When time is up turn oven off, prop open oven door and leave in oven for one hour.

10. Remove from oven and let cool then refrigerate for 24 hours.

11. Remember this important tip : A cheesecake should season. The wait is worth it. The flavor ripens and becomes enriched.

My Son, The Artist

2011-07-21T19:18:00.004-04:00

Here a few of my son's latest paintings. He is only 14 and does such a great job. For some reason I couldn't make them bigger. Blogger has been acting funny for me all day.

This is John Lennon

He certainly doesn't get his talent from me. The other night his Facebook status said, "I've always wanted to be a painter, now I am." Awwwwww

Inked

2011-07-21T18:51:00.002-04:00

So, apparently "now a days" the way to profess your undying love is to get matching tattoos.

It made for a cute picture!

Crocodile Tears

2011-06-29T22:19:00.001-04:00

Is anyone following the Casey Anthony trial? I've been watching it from the start. Most days I only gets bits and pieces in and have to catch the recap with Vinnie Politan. I believe they said that the defense plans to wrap their case up tomorrow. Still no word on whether or not Casey will take the stand.

She was so stone faced today in court as her dad broke down. While this entire family has their quirks, I feel so sorry for George and Cindy. They truly are heart broken over the death of their grand daughter.

Casey isn't fooling anyone, I think that jury sees right through her. I will be glad when it's over and maybe there will be justice for little Caylee. Also, maybe my laundry will finally get caught up and dinner done on time. Oy Vey!

Fruit Pizza, Yummy, Yummy

2011-06-29T14:23:00.003-04:00

There are so many ways to make this yummy pizza. Here's my take on it.

Preheat oven to 350. Take a roll of sugar cookie dough and roll it out to a large circle. I hope you have better luck with this than I did. Next time mine will be a rectangle. Ha!

Bake the cookie for about 12 minutes until lightly brown. I put mine on a greased pizza stone and had no trouble with sticking. While the cookie is browning mix a container of Cool Whip, 8 oz package of cream cheese, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.

When the cookie has cooled spread the cream cheese mixture on and top with your favorite fruit. You can also glaze this with orange juice and sugar but I like it without.
The entire time I was making this fruit pizza I had this Wiggles song stuck in my head so I just had to include it!

Photo Stroll Through Macon

2011-05-23T21:24:00.009-04:00

Velveting Chicken

2011-05-19T22:55:00.002-04:00

Ok, I may be late for the party when it comes to velveting chicken, but I'm so happy I stumbled across this technique. I love making Chinese food at home and for the most part I feel like I've got the flavors down, but not the texture. Ya know how...well...velevety the chicken is from you favorite take out place? That's what I'm missing. Now I know how! It's called velveting (imagine that) and it's so easy. I won't even try to explain it, I will just leave the link. Go there now, you'll be glad you did.

YUM YUM

A Mother's Prayer by Tina Fey

2011-04-18T22:06:00.001-04:00

“First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.”

-Tina Fey

Love This Idea!

2011-04-11T21:02:00.002-04:00

I ran across the coolest idea tonight. We all have old 35mm negatives laying around. I even have new ones because I still shoot with film. I usually just toss them in a drawer and forget about them. But what about making lamps with them?

Learn how here....groovy

Random Photos

2011-04-02T10:02:00.001-04:00

It's Been Awhile

2011-03-11T17:40:00.002-05:00

Wow, it's been so long since I've blogged, hope I still remember how. I lost my dear sweet mother at the end of January and just haven't felt like doing anything. She was my best friend and will be sorely missed.

Daffodils were her favorite flower and I think of her every time I see them. It's going to be a long hard road but I have a great family and together we will somehow get through it.

I wanted to share with you a poem that a dear friend of mine was kind enough to read at my mom's funeral.

To My Dearest Family

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."

God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.

God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind."

"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."

Christas Crafts

2010-12-20T19:44:00.003-05:00

I just couldn't get it together in time to participate in the home tours, so I thought I would post a couple of my crafts!

This is a cute little snowman that my parents made me out of a gourd. I love him!

This is subway art that I framed. It's not that close of a picture though. I can't remember which blog I got it from though. I thought it was a great idea and has inspired many more!

These are my sad and crooked Santa hats! Found the idea for these here, hers look sooo much better than mine though.

They were really fun to make. I may try to get better and make some for gifts next year.

I'm so far behind on wrapping, I better go get busy!

Happy Birthday Daddy

2010-12-04T23:29:00.002-05:00

Today we celebrated my dad's 66th birthday! I bought him a Red Ryder BB gun. I hope he doesn't shoot his eye out!

And of course a bottle of his favorite wine.

I put lots of candles on the cake, secretly hoping to cover up how ugly it was. I was busy doing several things at once when I was baking it and it burned a little. Oops!

Hunter really wanted to light the candles but he couldn't strike a match to save his life. I think it was partly the old match box and partly him. I told him that maybe I should have reconsidered and put him in scouts after all. He told me he would have ended up with a lot more problems than not being able to light a match. Ha! He always has a funny comment up his sleeve.

The cake looks like a hamburger! I really need to sign up for those decorating classes at Michaels.

Oh Coffee Filter Christmas Tree

2010-11-29T23:40:00.003-05:00

I saw on The Nester's blog where she made a coffee filter Christmas tree. I had to try it. After about 45 minutes and few hot glue gun burns I finally made one. I'm still not finished. I want to add a few more red balls to it. It looks a little more like a Christmas tree with the bulbs.

Does anyone know who is hosting the Holiday Home Tour this year?

Little Wooden Pig

2010-11-18T15:31:00.002-05:00

We have this cute little antique shop on the Mcdonough square called The Plumtree. I went over the weekend and and saw this cute little pig.

I may have to go back and get him. He would be perfect on my Thanksgiving table!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I really need to plan my menu. I really wanted to change things up a bit this year. I get really tired of the same ole sides. I guess I better get on the ball, it will be here soon!

Holiday Open House Images

2010-11-15T21:28:00.004-05:00

Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner? Our little town square had their Holiday open house this past weekend. It always makes me want to come home and put up the tree. I'm trying to hold out until Thanksgiving night though, we will see.....

My Creative Son

2010-11-09T15:04:00.003-05:00

I snapped a photo of my youngest sons work station last night. He is such a vintage soul. I can hear him late into the night typing away on this old typewriter. It lulls me to sleep.

He is so creative. His room is full of drawings. He will read a passage in a book and stop to paint what he envisioned.

I happen to think he's pretty awesome.

And did I mention that he looks a lot like Seth Rogan?

Diggin some Mumford and Sons today. Kinda fits my mood.

The One

2010-11-09T00:40:00.002-05:00

Once again I am up way too late. Sleep just doesn't come easy for me. I decided to look through some old documents and see what I could get rid of and I came across the poem I gave my daughter in law at her bridal shower. It makes me weepy every time I read it.

Daughter-in-Love

You came to me
not after nine months of waiting...
No, I had to wait years
before you came into my life.
And then, there you were...
fresh-faced, hair swinging,
that marvelous smile enhanced
by the altogether lovely spirit
shining in your sparkling eyes.
He proudly presented you to me
and I knew you were THE ONE.
I'd often wondered how I would feel
when the first of my sons "got serious"
about a girl.
It's not that I thought she wouldn't be
"worthy" --
I worried that she wouldn't
love him enough
or believe in his dreams
or laugh at his jokes.
Would she support his decisions
yet stand up for her own?
Would she be strong through the bad times
and cherish the good times?
Would she like me?
Would I like HER?
And then I met you, and I knew...
Here was not a person I could call
"Daughter-in-Law,"
because that sounds like a contract
and doesn't begin to describe our relationship.
Law has nothing to do with it... but LOVE does.
And so you are my Daughter-in-Love,
who grew not under my heart,
but certainly in it.

-Poem by Roberta Anne Hahn

2010-11-08T23:07:00.001-05:00

She seemed to move everywhere dancing & music followed her like leaves on the wind. ~StoryPeople

Peace

2010-11-04T15:12:00.004-04:00

Building a fire and watching The Big Lebowski tonight. I'm going to channel my inner hippie!
By the way, I saw this bus on the side of the road and had to get a picture. Too cool.

Sugar And Spice

2010-11-02T20:05:00.000-04:00

"Little girls have a magic all their own."

Noahs Ark

2010-11-01T22:22:00.004-04:00

Noah's Ark is a local animal rehabilitation center. They do wonderful things there and have expanded to include a childrens home. These are only a few of the animals that they house.

They also have monkeys, tigers, bears, cougars, just to name a few. Check them out if you're ever in Locust Grove.

Images Of Halloween

2010-10-31T23:22:00.004-04:00

Hope you had a fun one!

Chicken Pot Pie

2010-10-25T21:16:00.002-04:00

I tried The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pot Pie. It was so good. Her recipe makes one large pie but I did individual ones. My family will never eat the frozen ones again! I don't think the recipe is on her website, but I do know that it is in her cookbook. If you don't already have Ree's cookbook, it's certainly worth buying. The recipes are wonderful and the her photos that are throughout the book are just an added bonus! Speaking of photos, I'm lucky if I get a half way decent shot of my boys. They hate to have their picture taken. So, I was very pleased with these, although he has that "I'd rather be anywhere else" smirk on his face!

This photo really captures my youngest child! From the smirk to the curly hair and wrinkled shirt. This is so Hunter!

He is just learning the guitar. My two older boys both play. Hunter is really into the keyboard, I should take it out to the wheat field for a photo!

I'm venturing out tomorrow to try to take more photos, let's hope he brings his patience!!

It's Been Awhile

2010-10-12T21:50:00.003-04:00

It has been too long since I've posted. I'm ready to get back into the swing of things. I've also regained a little of my mojo as far as taking pictures. This is from an engagement session I did over the weekend. Too fun!
I'm ready to dive head first into all the fall activities. I've already got the house decorated, time to find a pumpkin patch! Have a great week!

A Day With Emma

2010-09-21T22:35:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing my friends daughter. She is as sweet as her pictures make her out to be.

I Can Breathe Clearly Now

2010-09-12T18:53:00.002-04:00

Whew, I'm finally feeling better. It's been a long week! I've wanted to dig all of my fall decorations out but just haven't felt like it. No biggie really, considering it was 97 degrees here yesterday!!

I picked up some honey on a recent drive out to Juliette. We went to get shots of the Whistle Stop Cafe, where they filmed Fried Green Tomatoes. I've been several times but never had a decent enough camera. Well this last time they had a big truck parked right in front of the cafe! So, once again, no pictures!

I'm including two of my favorite recipes using honey. Hope you enjoy them!

Chewy Monkey Bars

Makes 2 dozen

* 3 cups miniature marshmallows
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/3 cup butter or margarine
* 1/4 cup peanut butter
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups rolled oats
* 4 cups crispy rice cereal
* 1/2 cup flaked coconut
* 1/4 cup peanuts

Combine marshmallows, honey, butter, peanut butter, vanilla and salt together in a medium saucepan. Heat mixture over low heat, stirring constantly. In a 13x9x2-inch baking pan, combine oats, rice cereal, coconut and peanuts. Pour honey mixture over dry ingredients. Mix until thoroughly coated. Pack mixture firmly into the pan. Cool and cut into 24 bars.

Honey Butterscotch Crispies

Makes 16 servings

* 1 cup butterscotch chips
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 5 cups crispy rice cereal
* 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

In small pan, combine butterscotch chips, honey and peanut butter. Cook over medium heat stirring until chips and peanut butter are melted. In large bowl, combine cereal and butterscotch-honey mixture, toss to coat. Pour into greased 9x9-inch baking pan, press evenly. Sprinkly chocolate chips over top. Place under broiler and heat until chips are soft enough to spread. Spread chips evenly over top of cereal mixture. Cool completely, then cut into squares.

The Pictures Says It All! UGH

2010-09-10T22:39:00.001-04:00

Thursday With The Kings

2010-08-26T15:12:00.003-04:00

Fuse is airing the Kings Of Leon concert from Bonnaroo tonight! I'm so excited, dinner is already done, all I have to do is make my margaritas and I'm ready!

Sigh.................

Lunch And A Movie

2010-08-23T21:48:00.002-04:00

How have I lived 40 years and not discovered Crab Rangoon?? I've really been missing out.

My friend introduced me to them today, now I just have to find a way to recreate them at home!

We also went to see Eat Pray Love this afternoon. It was really good. I started reading the book, but I only finished the Eat part. Ha!

I'm finally back online after a weeks worth of storms. Lightning hit somewhere near our house twice in a week. It fried computers, modems, game consoles, two blu-rays, and our garage door opener! Have I mentioned that I'm terrified of storms? Rightfully so!

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

2010-08-12T23:19:00.007-04:00

Just some scenes from the Georgia Aquarium....

Popovers

2010-07-29T23:06:00.003-04:00

Gruyere Popovers

4 cups milk, warmed
8 eggs
4 cups flour
1 1/2 heaping tbsp salt
2 1/3 cups grated gruyere cheese
*popover pan

Place the popover pan in the oven. Heat the oven and pan to 350 degrees. Gently warm the milk over low heat and set aside. Whisk the eggs until frothy and slowly whisk in the milk (so as not to cook the eggs). Set the mixture aside.

Sift the flour with the salt. Slowly add this dry mixture and gently combine until mostly smooth.

Once combined, remove the popover pan from the oven and spray with non-stick cooking spray. While the batter is still slightly warm or room temperature (definitely not cool), fill each popover cup 3/4 full. Top each popover with 2 1/4 tbsp of the grated gruyere.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, rotating pan half a turn after 15 minutes of baking.

Remove from the oven, remove popovers from pan and serve immediately.

This makes 24 popovers. They are so good!

Carol's Linens. Aka Anna's Snooty Sister

2010-07-27T00:35:00.007-04:00

My friends and I finally made it into Carol's Linens.

Very cute store, kind of expensive though.

This chandelier hangs over the cashiers. Pretty!

I think this bed is tacky, but the die hard fan would love it I suppose.

Loved this fabric! I walked away with a lot of ideas!

Hot Hand Lucy

2010-07-24T21:51:00.003-04:00

How I spent my Saturday.....

Now if I can just get my hands to stop burning I'll be doing good!

Chicken Scampi With Roasted Garlic Herb Bread And Marinated Tomatoes

2010-07-20T23:39:00.003-04:00

I tried a couple of new recipes tonight. They were a really big hit. I even took a plate to my neighbors and got rave reviews from her family too. My entire house stills smells of garlic, but I'm not complaining.

This is roasted French bread with a garlic herb butter and tomato marinade. Yum

Marinade for tomatoes
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 T lemon juice
1 T light brown sugar
1 T Dijon mustard
1 T minced garlic
1 tsp chopped fresh oregano
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

2 large tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. One hour before serving, pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes in a bowl and set aside.

For the garlic and herb butter
4 T softened butter
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon basil
1 tsp minced garlic
Mix well together with a fork.

Cut a loaf of French bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic-herb butter on each piece. Pop in the oven until lightly toasted. Arrange the marinated tomatoes down the length of the bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake until cheese is melted.

Now for the star of the show. Chicken Scampi.

WHITE SAUCE:
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup milk; hot

SCAMPI SAUCE:
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons garlic, crushed
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
black pepper to taste
3/4 cup white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white sauce

REMAINING INGREDIENTS:
1/2 package angel hair pasta, cooked and drained
bell peppers; thinly sliced
red onions; thinly sliced
10 cloves of garlic; roasted
2 chicken breasts; sliced
olive oil

For white sauce:
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a sauce pan, add 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 2 minutes on medium heat stirring constantly. Slowly add 3/4 cup hot milk (hot so it won’t get lumpy). Set aside. (Keep the white sauce hot until you add to the scampi sauce)

For scampi sauce:
Heat butter over low heat; add the garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on low heat. Add the wine and chicken broth. Stir until combined and simmer about 30 minutes. Add the white sauce and cook till slightly thickened. In a large skillet, saute chicken in a little olive oil until almost done. Add the peppers and onions, then saute until chicken is cooked through. Add the sauce. Saute until everything is warmed. Add roasted garlic cloves. Serve over pasta.

Screaming Stuffed Jalapenos

2010-07-19T22:54:00.002-04:00

These are so good. If Jalapenos are too hot for you, you can use Poblanos.

Ingredients

1 to 2 packages cream cheese, depending on the size of your pepper, room temperature
2 to 4 cloves chopped garlic or granulated, depending on your preference
1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes - a nice handful from the jar
Chopped fresh basil leaves
Pinch salt
10 to 25 jalapeno peppers (larger then average size will make them easier to stuff)
1/2 to 1 pound thinly sliced bacon
Toothpicks

Directions

Preheat the grill.

Mix each package of cream cheese with chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dash of chopped basil. Add a pinch of salt. Mix until mixture is soft and manageable.

Slice each jalapeno lengthwise on 1 side, being careful not to cut the jalapeno in 1/2. Remove the seeds if you don't think your friends can handle the heat,... Depending on your pepper, you may have to slice around the stem of the pepper to create a manageable opening to squeeze the filling in.

Fill either a pastry bag, or your choice of tools with the filling. Use something that will allow you to sqeeze the filling into the opening of the pepper with ease. I've used a plastic frosting tool, cookie press, and even just a small spoon to squeeze the filling in. However you choose, insert a liberal amount of filling into each jalapeno. Be careful not to overfill as the filling may spurt out during cooking.

Wrap each pepper with 1 to 2 strips of bacon, securing the opening in the pepper. Secure the bacon with a toothpick (best to soak the toothpicks first, to prevent burning on the BBQ). This also helps the jalapenos from falling into the BBQ (you're bound to loose at least 1, oh well). Long metal or wood skewers also work well for large amounts.

BBQ the peppers until they lightly roasted, or until the bacon is fully cooked. Use some foil to cook on if your peppers are cooking or burning too fast on a HOT BBQ.

I haven't tried it yet, but I think this filling would be really good in a thin chicken breast!

Let Freedom Ring

2010-07-04T20:22:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July! We have been doing yard work all day! It's almost too hot to be out there working. Thank goodness for a cool pool to jump into! We grilled some delicious chicken K-bobs, one of my favorites.

I also tried a new cake recipe. It was really light and not too sweet. Perfect.

Strawberry Cake

Prepare one box of white cake mix per package instructions. Cool completely.
Mix 2/3 cup of powdered sugar and 2/3 cup sour cream together, then fold in one container of Cool Whip. Once cake has cooled spread some of the Cool Whip icing in between layers along with 1 cup of sliced strawberries. Add top layer and the rest of the icing. Decorate as you please. As you can see I'm not the best cake decorator but it was so good. I think we are off to watch fireworks, hope everyone is enjoying their day!

Score!

2010-06-25T19:10:00.004-04:00

Yay! I got my KOL tickets! I am so excited. Originally they didn't have an Atlanta date, so when they added one I had to jump on these.

I love this band so much. It's hard to wrap my head around how talented they are. I've been a fan from the beginning! Youth And Young Manhood is my favorite!

I may be the only 40 year old there, but I don't care! If it means seeing this gorgeous man for a few hours.

I'm hoping they play a lot of their earlier stuff! Can't wait!

More 365 Pics

2010-06-25T18:52:00.002-04:00

This little building is in downtown Locust Grove. I'm not even sure what it used to be. I just liked it.

This is the clock on top of the Mcdonough courthouse.

Water tower in downtown Mcdonough.

My son (rt) and his friend hanging by the pool. I am on day 163, I hope I can keep the ideas coming!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

2010-06-23T22:25:00.002-04:00

Well, my youngest is 13 today. It seems so weird to me for him to be that old. I told him to let me know what kind of cake he wanted. He researched online last night and came up with a Chocolate Peanut Butter cake. It tastes exactly like a Reese's. The color in my photo is off for some reason, but the middle part is the color of peanut butter.

Ingredients

1 (18.25-ounce) package devil's food cake mix without pudding
2 1/2 cups whipping cream, divided
1 (10-ounce) package peanut butter morsels
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
Garnish: chopped roasted peanuts

Preparation

Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour into 2 lightly greased 8-inch round cakepans. Bake according to package directions. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely.

Combine 2/3 cup whipping cream and peanut butter morsels in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until morsels melt and mixture is smooth; remove saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, and cool 25 minutes.

Beat 1 1/3 cups whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Stir one-third whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. Fold into remaining whipped cream. Spread between cake layers; cover and chill.

Bring remaining 1/2 cup whipping cream and 1 tablespoon butter to a boil in a small saucepan. Add chocolate morsels; remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Stir until morsels melt and mixture is smooth.

Pour glaze over cake; garnish, if desired. Serve warm, or chill and serve at room temperature.

He picked up some of those yucky jelly beans at Target. The new flavors are canned dog food, pencil shavings, toothpaste and barf. He tried his best to get me to try one. I guess I'm a party pooper, but I just can't bring myself to eat one. Yuck!

Ryan "treated" Hunter to a haircut tonight. They have so many curls! When Ry was cutting his hair the guide thingy came off and it cut a huge bald spot in the back of his head! Too funny! In case your wondering, yes, Ryan does have his nails painted. He went swimming with a bunch of his friends and there were several girls there. The girls asked for volunteers to do manicures on. Of course my son was the first (and only) one to speak up. He also got his toes done!

Yeah, he's a dork. Just like his mama. :)

Summertime And the Livin Is Easy

2010-06-20T22:53:00.005-04:00

It has been a really hot week! I believe 94 is our new normal. I love it though. We spend most of our days out in the pool.

My son and his friends just ignore me when they see me coming with the camera. I think they secretly like having their picture taken!

Just Some 365's

2010-06-17T23:19:00.002-04:00

He would make a lovely corpse

2010-06-09T23:27:00.003-04:00

"I have heard, but not believed, the spirits o’the dead
May walk again." - William Shakespeare, in The Winter's Tale

My son and I went and shot some pictures in the local cemetery. It's very peaceful and creepy at the same time. We even used the voice recorder on my phone to try and capture some EVP's. I'm not so sure I believe in all that. We just kind of did it for fun. I certainly didn't pick up anything! Hopefully I didn't open the door for an evil spirit to come in!

More 365's with a side of MOO

2010-06-08T22:48:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to upload my 365 photos a few at a time so I won't have as many as last time. I've included a few extras of some cows that I shot. We are surrounded by cow pastures so I might as well take their pictures!

I love this horse, he looked like he was posing for me.

If I see a dirt road I am going down it! I don't care if it puts me 50 miles out of the way. I've taken some of the best photos on dirt roads.

This bull is so dark you can't really tell how mean he looked.

These two looked like they were playing peek a boo behind the tree! They were all very curious of me and my camera! That's it for now, happy picture taking!

Silhouettes

2010-06-04T21:34:00.003-04:00

My first attempt at silhouette shots. These were a lot of fun to take. Of course my son is a total goof and always willing to play along!

A Photo Is A Creation

2010-06-03T22:48:00.006-04:00

These are more of my photos from my 365 project. So far, it's still fun!!

This was a display for Memorial Day in Hampton. These flags lined both sides of the street.

I love Cherry Limeades from Sonic. Lately though, they haven't been making them right. I figured out how to make them myself!

Train depot in Hampton.

This guy is outside of Little Caesars Pizza all the time. He really rocks out the cardboard guitar!

Champagne display in Walmart.

I just love these little old man that hang out on the square.

This mailbox was at a home dating back to the 1800's. I fell in love with the home and the mailbox!

We finally tried the beer in the rear chicken. It was really good. I like the way they looked on the grill, almost as if they were dancing.

On the square in Mcdonough.

Bliss on the square. It's a new cupcake/cake shop.

I love Netflix! Blockbuster doesn't get all my money now!

I took this photo at Publix thinking I would come home and recreate the cake. Hasn't happened yet.

My middle child playing his Fender.

My youngest son.

I picked these the other day. It took forever to get blooms!

Jackson Lake.

Bird watching.

No explanation needed for this one. ;)
Hope you enjoyed looking at my pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Hummingbird Cake

2010-05-24T15:08:00.002-04:00

Ok, this is going on my to do list! It's from the Food Network magazine. Its looks like a winner.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, for greasing
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup pecan pieces
3 ripe bananas, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil

For the Frosting:

2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each), at room temperature
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper. Butter the parchment and dust with flour.

Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake until fragrant and toasted, about 8 minutes. Let cool slightly, then roughly chop. Toss with the bananas, pineapple and 1/2 cup flour in a small bowl.

Whisk the remaining 2 1/4 cups flour, the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Beat the eggs and granulated sugar in a separate bowl with a mixer on high speed until thick and light, 5 minutes. Gradually beat in the vegetable oil.

Sprinkle the flour mixture over the egg mixture, then gently fold to make a thick batter. Fold in the pecan-fruit mixture, then transfer the batter to the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes are firm and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool in the pans on a rack, 25 minutes, then invert the cakes onto the rack to cool completely.

Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer until fluffy, then gradually beat in the butter until combined. Sift the confectioners' sugar over the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth. Add the lemon zest and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy.

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about half of the frosting on top, then cover with the other cake layer. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

T.G.I.F.

2010-05-14T19:53:00.003-04:00

I am so glad it's the weekend. It's not like we have big plans or anything. As a matter of fact my husband will be working tomorrow. It just feels like this has been the longest week ever! I think we are going to open the pool up. The frogs won't be happy. They have started a whole frog family on the cover. There are babies everywhere. They make so much noise at night. I've threatened to get my frog gigger out several times!

For those of you that know me, you know that I have a 12 year old boy trapped inside me. I laugh at the stupidest (is that a word?) stuff. Today was no exception. I saw this soup package in the store today and within minutes had tears rolling down my face.

People were looking at me like I had lost my mind!! Who names it this though? Really? I will never make it, but I had to buy it. Ha!

I think I'm going to let the laundry wait and go relax with one of these............

Have a great weekend!

Heaven On Earth With An Onion Slice

2010-05-10T19:27:00.002-04:00

May is National Hamburger Month. I love burgers on the grill. The classic cheeseburger is always good, but sometimes you want to spice it up a bit. That's when I make Black and Blue burgers. They are so good!

Black and Blue Burgers

6 burgers

* 1 lb ground chuck
* 1 lb ground beef round
* 6 fresh kaiser rolls, split
* 3-6 leaves romaine lettuce, torn
* 2 tomatoes, sliced
* 1 red onion, sliced
* 1/3 lb premium blue cheese (not crumbled)

For the Blackened Spice Mix

* 2 teaspoons dried oregano
* 2 teaspoons dried thyme
* 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder

For the Dressing

* 3 ounces premium blue cheese
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

You will need 1/2 pound blue cheese total (get the block type cheese, not the crumbled stuff in packages).
Prepare your dressing by crumbling 3 ounces of cheese and mixing it thoroughly with the other dressing ingredients and setting aside to chill (do not do this more than a few hours before).
Mix together your spice mix in a large shallow bowl or plate and set aside until needed.
Mix together chuck and round, then separate mixture into 1/3 pound pieces (just over 5 ounces)- you should have 6.
Divide each piece in half and form into a thin patty and place onto wax paper on whatever platter you are working with.
Take the 1/3 pound of blue cheese and cut into 6 divided sections (approximate) and place thin slices onto 6 of the patties you have formed.
Cover these patties with the remaining 6 patties and form a pinched seal around the edges, making it tight.
Pick up each patty, and gently reform the burger and pat it back out to thinness, if needed; rest them on waxed paper.
Take patties one by one and coat in the seasoning mixture, not forgetting to coat the side edges and patting them nicely flat when finished; rest on waxed paper.
Cook over heated coals or on gas grill until it is cooked through or temperature reads 160F (do not press on patties while grilling).
Allow patties to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking for cheese to settle.
Serve on split kaiser rolls (may toast them if you like) with appropriate condiments: lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, and a little blue cheese dressing (instead of mayo; optional).

And wouldn't it be cute to show up for you Memorial Day cookout wearing this hamburger dress?? Too funny!
I'm not too sure about the dress, but you can't go wrong with the recipe!

What would National Hamburger Month be without a little Cheeseburger in Paradise?

We're Gonna Fuel The Fire, Gonna Stoke It Up

2010-05-08T19:28:00.002-04:00

I love a good bonfire. We have quiet a few of them in the summer. We turn the music on in the "yard cabin," the kids draw or play cards.

It's a great time to hang out with the neighbors and share a s'mores and a Blue Moon.

Or a hot dog or two!

Bonfires are also great for teaching your boys about fire safety. ;)

And don't forget the ghost stories. Here's one of my favorites..........

The Hook

The reports had been on the radio all day, though she hadn't paid much attention to them. Some crazy man had escaped from the state asylum. They were calling him the Hook Man since he had lost his right arm and had it replaced with a hook. He was a killer, and everyone in the region was warned to keep watch and report anything suspicious. But this didn't interest her. She was more worried about what to wear on her date.

After several consultation calls with friends, she chose a blue outfit in the very latest style and was ready and waiting on the porch when her boyfriend came to pick her up in his car. They went to a drive-in movie with another couple, then dropped them off and went parking in the local lover's lane. The blue outfit was a hit, and she cuddled close to her boyfriend as they kissed to the sound of romantic music on the radio.

Then the announcer came on and repeated the warning she had heard that afternoon. An insane killer with a hook in place of his right hand was loose in the area. Suddenly, the dark, moonless night didn't seem so romantic to her. The lover's lane was secluded and off the beaten track. A perfect spot for a deranged mad-man to lurk, she thought, pushing her amorous boyfriend away.

"Maybe we should get out of here," she said. "That Hook Man sounds dangerous."

"Awe, c'mon babe, it's nothing," her boyfriend said, trying to get in another kiss. She pushed him away again.

"No, really. We're all alone out here. I'm scared," she said.

They argued for a moment. Then the car shook a bit, as if something…or someone…had touched it. She gave a shriek and said: "Get us out of here now!"

"Jeeze," her boyfriend said in disgust, but he turned the key and went roaring out of the lover's lane with a screeching of his tires.

They drove home in stony silence, and when they pulled into her driveway, he refused to help her out of the car. He was being so unreasonable, she fumed to herself. She opened the door indignantly and stepped into her driveway with her chin up and her lips set. Whirling around, she slammed the door as hard as she could. And then she screamed.

Her boyfriend leapt out of the car and caught her in his arms. "What is it? What's wrong?" he shouted. Then he saw it. A bloody hook hung from the handle of the passenger-side door.

Three-Six-Five

2010-05-02T20:52:00.005-04:00

I haven't been too chatty lately, so I will just share some photos. I'm really loving this 365 challenge.

This is looking into the window of the local elementary school.

This is one of my favorites. The post processing, of course, gives it an old feel, but I also think the lady looks like she could have stepped out of the 70's. I loved the 70's, btw!

This one is priceless! How did he miss the sign?

This is my baby. Hard to believe he will soon be 13. Wow!

Another one with a 70's feel.

Old fire truck in downtown Locust Grove.

This car looks like Andy and Barney's!

This is my grandparents old house in Woolsey.

Unusual angle of a see saw. Whenever I see a see saw, I always remember jumping off and letting the other persons butt slam on the ground. Ha! Y'all did that too right??

I just liked the angels in this one.

This is from my first Jimmy Buffett concert. I painted my friend's "party bus" on all sides. I think this is the only decent picture of the night. I can't imagine why! We had so much fun!

Just random people hanging out on a Sunday afternoon.

Random Project 365 Pictures

2010-04-16T22:14:00.004-04:00

I really wish that I would have organized these better. Here is another very random batch.

A house near me built their own hobbit hole. This little sign leading up to it is really cute.

This is a cute street in Macon, Georgia.

Sunset at a local reservoir

You're never too old for milk and cookies!

I love spring time!

Wine labels really interest me. These caught my eye at Publix.

Last but not least, my son wrecked his "new " car. At least it was with a concrete pole and not another car. Thank God for small favors!

Please Vote

2010-04-08T23:55:00.001-04:00

Ok y'all there is a little 'vote Jones" button on the side bar. Please click it and vote for my cow photo. If it's chosen it will be featured on a label of Jones Soda. Thanks so much!

Sugary Goodness

2010-04-08T21:17:00.004-04:00

My friend and I have have been planning to make The Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls for awhile. They just look so good. Today we finally took a crack at it.

It's really a wonder we got any made at all. Whenever we are together we are constantly laughing.

We've known each other for 19 years. We know each others secrets. We're second moms to each others children. She describes me as the little devil that is always on her shoulder. I'm not sure how I should take that. Ha!

Back to the rolls, they did not look at all like Ree's. Maybe we missed a step from all the cutting up. They were soft and mushy when we were rolling them up.

We couldn't believe how much butter the recipe called for. I think we left some out and still felt like we put in too much. Get a load of that measuring cup. Yep, all butter.

They turned out so ugly, but they were oh so good! I didn't even get a close up picture, they were that hideous. So direct your attention to the nice steaming cup of coffee and away from the flat blobs of sugary goodness.

Here's Ree's recipe. Be sure to go to her blog to see a really nice picture of these delicious rolls!

Ingredients

1 quart Whole Milk
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Sugar
2 packages Active Dry Yeast
8 cups (Plus 1 Cup Extra, Separated) All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon (heaping) Salt
Plenty Of Melted Butter
2 cups Sugar
Generous Sprinkling Of Cinnamon
_____
MAPLE FROSTING:
1 bag Powdered Sugar
2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring
½ cups Milk
¼ cups Melted Butter
¼ cups Brewed Coffee
⅛ teaspoons Salt

Preparation Instructions

Mix the milk, vegetable oil and sugar in a pan. “Scald” the mixture (heat until just before the boiling point). Turn off heat and leave to cool 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the mixture is lukewarm to warm, but NOT hot, sprinkle in both packages of Active Dry Yeast. Let this sit for a minute. Then add 8 cups of all-purpose flour. Stir mixture together. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.

After rising for at least an hour, add 1 more cup of flour, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir mixture together. (At this point, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it – overnight or even a day or two, if necessary. Just keep your eye on it and if it starts to overflow out of the pan, just punch it down).

When ready to prepare rolls: Sprinkle rolling surface generously with flour. Take half the dough and form a rough rectangle. Then roll the dough thin, maintaining a general rectangular shape. Drizzle 1/2 to 1 cup melted butter over the dough. Now sprinkle 1 cup of sugar over the butter followed by a generous sprinkling of cinnamon.

Now, starting at the opposite end, begin rolling the dough in a neat line toward you. Keep the roll relatively tight as you go. Next, pinch the seam of the roll to seal it.

Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a seven inch round foil cake or pie pan. Then begin cutting the rolls approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick and laying them in the buttered pans.

Repeat this process with the other half of the dough. Let the rolls rise for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake at 400 degrees (see note below) until light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.

For the frosting, mix together all ingredients listed and stir well until smooth. It should be thick but pourable. Taste and adjust as needed. Generously drizzle over the warm rolls. Go crazy and don’t skimp on the frosting.

Note: My rolls don’t work for me at 400 degrees anymore. I now bake them at 375 degrees.

Project 365

2010-04-06T22:13:00.007-04:00

I've been meaning to post my photos for the 365 project on a weekly basis. I'm just not organized nor disciplined enough to do that, I guess. So, I will periodically post several at a time! I've really enjoyed doing this, and I'm quiet surprised that I haven't tired of it yet.

This is one of my favorites. My son loves to draw and has gotten really good. He has sold two drawings already. Not bad for the ripe old age of 12!

To add to his drawing talents, he also has a big mouth! ;)

This is my dear sweet mother. She loves planting flowers!

From the book "Romancing the Ordinary"

One of my favorites from a photo shoot with my friends daughter. My boys think I'm weird for taking a picture of her feet! Ha!

Macro water drip

I love fingerling potatoes! They are so hard to find though.

I collect cook books. Love them!

Salad collage.

My middle child texting his friends about his first car. We went out looking for two weekends and couldn't find anything that would meet his dad's standards. We finally found this and drove it home and surprised him.

This picture looks very lonely to me.

Typical Sunday morning breakfast at our house. It's lowfat and all though. ;)

Hunter told me to title this one "cowlick." Gross!

This baboon looks so sad to me.

That's all folks!

2010-03-29T23:18:00.000-04:00

Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it is too late. Today, this hour, this minute is the day, the hour, the minute for each of us to sense the fact that life is good, with all of its trials and troubles, and perhaps more interesting because of them.

Couples Skate

2010-03-26T20:45:00.002-04:00

My friend and I were talking about the old skating rink the other day. We used to go all the time. Believe it or not, I was a pretty good skater. I even thought of going for my 40th birthday. It was only a thought! I'm sure that I would break something! How cool would a themed girls night out be though? We could all try to get our hands on a pair of Jordache jeans, the kind that you had to lay down and zip with a coat hanger. I can't believe my ovaries survived the 80's and went on to produce children. Ha!

All this talk of the skating rink got me thinking about my brothers friend that I had the biggest crush on. His name was Brent, he was the most handsome thing I had ever seen. I was around 11 years old, he was around 13. It was a one sided crush. He would join my brother in teasing me and it used to break my heart. One time he spent the night and he and my brother hog tied me to a bed post! I expected my brother to pick on me, but when Brent did it, it cut me to the core. I'll never forget, when I finally untied myself, I clawed his neck. I had the longest nails and they went deep into his neck. He had four lumps to remember me by!

Anyway, back to skating, one night they called couples skate and I wanted Brent to skate with me. They were playing Rod Stewart's, "You're In My Heart." I chased him around the rink for the entire song. I obviously didn't take hints too well. How sad is that? Actually, it's funny now, but then I thought my world was surely coming to an end.

Several years later he showed up on my doorstep with a birthday card and flowers on what I believe was my 14th or 15th birthday. I told him he was too late! It sure did feel good to say that! Ha! I don't know whatever happened to him. Brent if you're out there, this one's for you.

Trying Out The New Lens

2010-03-23T13:58:00.005-04:00

Here is my new lens!

I also included a few shots I took with it. They aren't very colorful. It was an overcast day and of course nothing is in bloom yet.

These geese were so funny, they moved their heads in so many directions!

Very creepy tree, it looks like it has claws!

How Did I Get This Old??

2010-03-22T22:18:00.005-04:00

I turned 40 on Saturday. Wow, how did that happen? It still seems so funny to say it. I certainly don't feel old, I guess that's what's important anyway! My kids often tell me that I sometimes act like a 12 year old, and I'm okay with that too! I guess being a constant goof will make you feel younger!

I spent the day with my best friend and her 15 year old daughter. We went shopping, because you have to spend money on your birthday right? We hit up Hobby Lobby. I love that place!

They had all of their spring and beachy decorations out. Don't you just love this hula girl? Too cute!

We played with different ways to make wreaths!

I picked out some really cool fabric. My friend is going to sew me a camera strap! Yay for friends who can sew!

We also found a pattern to make some sexy vintage aprons! It's so much more fun to cook when you have on pearls and a vintage apron!

We ended the day with Chick-fil-A and an ice cream birthday toast!

My oldest son bought me some Riesling. He is so very thoughtful. I love that wine, it goes great with desserts.
Oh, I almost forgot, on the way to my friends house I dropped a cd in the floor board of my car, when I bent to pick it up I noticed a package. My husband bought me a zoom lens for my camera and left it in the car for me to find. He is way too good to me. I will include the lens and some pictures I took in another post. It's really cool and would be great for spying on people! ;)

Dorito Taco Salad

2010-03-12T18:50:00.007-05:00

I'm sure everyone has had this before. I remember having it as a kid, but had forgotten all about it until recently. It's really good and quick! Of course my boys won't touch it with a ten foot pole, so they went out for pizza. Brats! I'm hoping that I chopped the onions up small enough to pass them off to Chuck as garlic. It usually works!

Ingredients

2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1/2 pound sharp Cheddar, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 head iceberg lettuce, washed, drained and shredded
1 pound lean ground beef, browned, crumbled and drained
1 cup salad dressing (recommended: Catalina)
1 (7-ounce) bag taco flavored chips, crushed
1 cup salsa
Tortilla chips, to serve

Directions

Combine the tomatoes, cheese, onion, lettuce, and ground beef in a large bowl. Add the salad dressing and mix well. Just before serving, add the taco chips, tossing to combine with other ingredients. Top each serving with salsa. Serve with tortilla chips. I also added a few black olives which aren't in the ingredient list.

Garlic Chicken Farfalle

2010-03-10T18:36:00.002-05:00

Wow, I just tried Becky Higgins Garlic Chicken Farfalle It has so much flavor. By far one the best pasta dishes I've had. I served this with a Caesar salad and crusty Italian bread. I think this will be the dish of choice for the next girl's dinner and a movie!

16 oz. Farfalle pasta
1 c. heavy whipping cream
3-4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
2 to 3 cloves garlic, crushed OR garlic salt (I do a spoonful of crushed garlic)
1 Tbsp. pepper*
1/2 c. butter
1 lb. bacon, crumpled**
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
1 (12 oz) Lawry’s mesquite marinade with lime juice

*Seems like a lot of pepper, but it has a wonderful flavor when everything mixes together. If you’re apprehensive, do less pepper. You can always add more.

**We like to cook our bacon in the oven (400 degrees, convection). Way less messy. And it’s crispy every time. Time varies, so you just have to watch it. I think it’s usually around 30 minutes. Allow to cool and then crumple (I totally wear disposable gloves for this part - surprise, surprise).

[ directions ]

Crock pot chicken and bottle of marinade on low for 6 hours. Pull marinated chicken out of the juices, allow to cool a little bit, and shred (I pull it apart). Set this aside. About a half-hour before serving, boil the pasta. In a small saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, whipping cream, pepper, parmesan cheese, and crumpled bacon. Whisk together on low heat for 3-4 minutes. In a large bowl, pour over cooked, drained pasta, add chicken and stir through. Sprinkle a little bit more shredded parmesan cheese on top.

Test Kitchen

2010-02-27T19:19:00.002-05:00

I have spent the better part of the day in the kitchen trying out new recipes. What a great way to spend a Saturday. I have some good ones to share, but for now I'm going to put my feet up. Enjoy your weekend!

2010-02-25T23:28:00.002-05:00

On FB I've been participating in a 365 project. It's just motivates me to pick up my camera everyday. It's been fun, so I thought I would share some of my shots here. They are all pretty random.

This is a bike in front of Plumtree Antiques on the square in Mcdonough. Love that shop!

Pico de gallo

This is my mom making biscuits, love this shot!

MckLinky

2010-02-24T22:43:00.003-05:00

I've just recently discovered Better in Bulk. I love this blog, especially the Bloggography section. So many good tips and I love seeing everyone elses photos. This weeks challenge is Aperture. I just recently purchased a 50 mm f1.8 lens. It has great DOF. So I decided to participate. This is also part of my 365 project. I had to borrow my son's hobbits. :)

Mexi night is Mexi right

2010-02-18T20:48:00.003-05:00

I could eat Mexican every night. I've had it with jarred salsa though. It's so much better homemade. Even more so when you have fresh tomatoes out of the garden. Of course I had to use can tomatoes this time.
This recipe is so simple, yet so good. In a food processor add a 28oz can of diced tomatoes, 2 jalapenos, seeds removed, 1 small white onion, 1/2 tsp of cumin, 1tsp of salt, and 2 tbls of lime juice.

Pulse a couple of times and that's all there is to it! If you like it even hotter just add more peppers.

Goes great with tacos!

Sidenote: I didn't realize how dark these photos were until I posted. :(

Cupid, Draw Back Your Bow

2010-02-14T19:49:00.002-05:00

Well, we went the nontraditional route this Valentines day. Flowers and chocolates are fine, but give me something I can really use, ya know?

So Chuck got a new chainsaw. Now he can cut firewood. See, that's romantic, right?
He bought me the "nifty fifty" for my Canon. I'm so excited. The only problem is, it hasn't arrived yet. I keep checking the FedEx website. It's close!
I made a really good dinner. Everyone fell asleep and I ended up eating it alone though. It's the copycat version of Applebees Santa Fe Stuffed Chicken. It's not that pretty but man is it good! I served it with almond rice pilaf and a salad.

8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (8 ounce or larger) package Monterey jack cheese,
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small red bell pepper
1 small green bell pepper

Cut some of the cheese into 8 slices, and reserve part of it for the
cheese sauce. Place 1 chicken breast between two sheets of wax paper.
Working from the center to the edges pound with a meat mallet until
flat and rectangular shaped. Repeat with remaining breasts. Wrap the
flattened chicken breasts around cheese. Secure with wooden picks or
uncooked spaghetti noodles.

Combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, cumin and pepper.
Roll the secured chicken pieces in the melted butter and then in the
bread crumb mixture. Place chicken breasts in a 13 x 9-inch baking
dish, but don't crowd them. Drizzle the remaining butter over all
eight of the breasts. Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze to bake later
(baking time will be increased by about 5 to 10 minutes).

Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken
is done. Make a roux with butter and flour. Add about 1 cup milk.
Bring to a simmer. Add cheese and lower the heat, stirring constantly
so cheese does not burn. Add more milk as needed to thin out the
cheese sauce. Dice bell peppers.

When chicken is done, pour some cheese sauce over top and sprinkle
with diced peppers.

I'll leave you with a little eye candy since it is Valentines Day and all!

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

2010-02-11T16:18:00.001-05:00

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cubed

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 (2 ounce) bottle hot sauce (I used Franks Original, always the best!)

1 (8 ounce) bottle blue cheese salad dressing

1 (16 inch) prepared pizza crust

1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

PREP: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Cook and shred chicken

1. Prepare crust per instructions, roll out on a foil lined cookie sheet. (Spritz the foil lightly with Pam so it doesn’t stick)

2. In a medium bowl combine the cubed chicken, melted butter and hot sauce. Mix well. Spread whole bottle of salad dressing over crust, then top with chicken mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

3. Bake in preheated oven until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes. Let set a few minutes before slicing, and serve.

You can sprinkle green onions on top too. Crazy good!

Movie Night

2010-02-07T00:08:00.003-05:00

I think I have found my drink of choice. I love Sangria. It just reminds me of a summer day.
My friend came over to share a glass or two and we watched Julie and Julia again. Great movie!

It inspired us to throw a 1940's (ish) formal dinner party. Pearls included! I have to come up with a fancy dish to make. Perhaps Boeuf Bourguignon .

Maybe a little Ink Spots for our listening pleasure. Can't wait!

Dining with one's friends and beloved family is certainly one of life's primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal~~~Julia Child

A Day Of Sloth

2010-01-31T16:39:00.002-05:00

We have done absolutely nothing today and it's been wonderful! There aren't many days when you can say that.
I'm gearing up for the Grammys. My boys are up for 4 awards.

I just wish I didn't have to sit through so many horrible acts just to see The Kings of Leon! There is supposed to be a tribute to Les Paul too. That will be pretty cool. Hope that you're having a wonderful Sunday! Maybe yours will be much more productive than mine!

Yay Chocolate!

2010-01-29T23:34:00.003-05:00

I never win anything, so what a nice surprise to get these chocolates in the mail today. I participated in a quiz at Home Haven Ministry. Thanks again Deanna. Now I just have to hide them from the boys!

Because Every Blog Needs A Cheesy Post

2010-01-28T22:13:00.002-05:00

1. Grab the nearest book to you, turn to page 18 and find line 4. What does it say? Miguel's English was passable, but not nearly as good as Juan's had been.

2. Before you started this survey what were you doing? Watching John Mayer on Storytellers.

3. With the exception of the computer what can you hear? The Foo Fighters

4. When did you last step outside? What were you doing? I went out this evening to take pictures.

5. Do you usually remember your dreams? In vivid detail!

6. When did you last laugh? While I was making dinner. Hunter was doing an impression of the Nard Dog! We're always laughing in this house.

7. What is on the walls of the room you are in? A print of Rome and The Dancing Butler print by Jack Vettriano

8. What is the last film you saw? The Boys Are Back. I loved it. I am such a sucker for boys, they kill me.

9. If you moved to another state where would you go? Seattle, oddly enough, for the rain. Love it.

10. Tell me something about you that most people don't know. I collect take out menus, read the description and recreate the dish at home. Yeah, I'm a nerd. It's challenging at times but fun when you get it right!

11. Do you like to dance? I like it although I'm not good.

12. Would you ever consider living abroad? I would like a long visit to Italy.

13. What is the last thing you downloaded on your computer? A chess app for Hunt's Ipod.

14. Type of music you like most? singer/songwriter

15. Type of music you dislike most? country

16. Are you listening to music right now? yes, Foo Fighters, Skin and Bones

17. If you could change something about your home what would it be? I really want to screen in the back porch.

18. What was the last thing you bought? fresh basil

19. Have you ever driven a motorcycle? driven, crashed, got a concussion

20. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? No, I have no interest whatsoever

21. Do you have a garden? we had one in the summer. I really want to start an herb garden.

22. Do you really know all the words to the National Anthem? yes I do

23. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning? I immediately think of the time and check it

24. If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be? Caleb Followill

25. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Wolf Camera or Williams Sonoma

26. What time is bedtime? never before 1 am

27. How many tattoos do you have? zero

28. If you don't have any, have you ever thought of getting one? no, tattoos aren't for me

29. Who was the last person you ate dinner with? I ate alone tonight for the first time in a long time.

30. Is the glass half empty or half full? half full

31. Are you a good cook? I think so

32. Do you know how to pump your own gas? of course, although I wish there was an attendant to do it for me.

33. Do you touch type? yes

34. What time do you get up? 6:15 ugh

35. What is your favorite time of the day? twilight

36. Where did you grow up? Jonesboro, Ga

37. How far do you live from there now? 30 minutes

38. What are some of the different types of jobs you've had in your life? pharmacy tech, phlebotomist, mom

39. What is most important in life? Family

Waffle House Waffles

2010-01-17T12:07:00.003-05:00

These are the best waffles. The trick is to make sure you chill the batter overnight! Who needs the Waffle House when you can make them this good at home?

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1/2 cup plus 1 tbls of sugar
2 tbls of butter, softened
2 tbls vegetable shortening
1/2 cup of half and half
1/ c milk
1/4 cup of buttermilk
1/4 tsp of vanilla extract

1. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda and stir.

2. Beat the egg in another bowl, add sugar, butter, and shortening. Mix well with an electric mixer until smooth. Add half and half, milk, buttermilk and vanilla.

3. Mix wet and dry ingredients together. Only mix briefly, it's ok if the batter is lumpy. Chill overnight, break out the waffle iron in the morning and enjoy!

Short and Sweet

2010-01-09T20:35:00.001-05:00

Enjoying the fire with a nice glass of Sangria. Who says you can't drink a summer wine in the dead of winter? Makes me want to Salsa!

I Should Be Leaving This Climate

2010-01-07T21:45:00.002-05:00

No snow here yet. I really hope that it passes us by. It's really pretty coming down, but I hate the mess it makes. I love cold weather and sitting by the fire but I'm already dreaming of a tropical island and boat drinks. As Jimmy would say, "I gotta go where it's warm."

I normally don't make New Year resolutions, too cliche, this year is different. I resolve to pick up my camera more. I'm guilty of waiting for the perfect shot to present itself. Which is exactly how to not get that great shot. Today I captured some of my son's drawings.

He does such a great job, he's still interested in the boobies though. Cracks me up. Oh well, at least they are in proportion.

Hope everyone stays warm and is careful out there!

C'est Magnifique!

2010-01-04T21:52:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the Pioneer Woman we now have a new favorite dish in our house. I tried Coq au Vin and it was a success. You can't really go wrong with a recipe that has wine as it's main ingredient. The recipe calls for Burgundy but I decided to use Cavernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir would be good as well.

The only thing in this recipe that didn't go over so well with my kids were the mushrooms. They just can't get used to the texture of them.
I had to pull out the cute dishes for this!

Whatever you do, don't use a non stick skillet. I used a big stainless steel one, it allows all of those good browned bits to stick to the pan. When you deglaze with wine, stir 'em all up. Yum!!

1 whole Fryer Chicken
4 slices Bacon, Cut Into Small Pieces
½ whole Medium Onion, Diced
½ cups Carrots, Washed, Peeled, And Roughly Chopped
5 cloves Garlic, Minced
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 pound White Mushrooms, Sliced
2 cups Burgundy Wine
1 pound Pasta (egg Noodles Or Fettucini)
2 Tablespoons Butter
Parsley, Fresh, Minced
Salt And Pepper, to taste

Preparation Instructions

Saute bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium low heat until fat is rendered. Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside. Increase heat to medium.

Salt fat side of chicken pieces, then place chicken, fat side down, in skillet and cook in bacon grease until both sides are nice and golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside in a 2-quart baking dish, skin side up.

Saute onions, carrots and garlic in bacon grease until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Remove from grease with slotted spoon and set aside.

In a separate skillet, saute mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter until golden, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Layer half of the bacon pieces, carrot/onion mixture, and mushrooms in pan with chicken.

Drain grease from the large skillet, then place over medium heat. Pour in 2 cups Burgundy wine, using a wire whisk to scrape loose all the burned/brown bits. Lightly salt liquid and allow to cook for 3 minutes. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons butter.

Serve chicken in a pasta bowl with noodles, sprinkling minced parsley over the top. Spoon juice from baking dish over the top of everything.

Wendy's Chili

2010-01-03T20:01:00.002-05:00

As if you needed another chili recipe right? This one is so good though. It tastes so much like Wendy's! I've had it simmering all day. It such a great day for it too, it's so cold here. Hope you enjoy!

2 pounds of ground beef
1 can (29oz) tomato sauce (I prefer Dei Fratelli)
1 can (29 oz) kidney beans with liquid
1 can (29 oz) pinto beans with liquid
1 medium onion diced
1 small can diced green chilies
1 celery rib diced
3 medium tomatoes chopped
2 teaspoons of Cumin
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups water

Brown the beef, drain, add remaining ingredients. Simmer, stirring every few minutes, for 2-3 hours.

Blah Blah Blah

2010-01-02T22:53:00.004-05:00

I had a few left over Christmas pictures that I wanted to post, and also a really good cookie recipe. Although I don't have a picture of the finished product.

If this post makes no sense it's because my son has his headphones on my ears while he is controlling his Ipod. I'm supposed to give him the thumbs up or down for each song he plays. So far he has gone through the entire Beatles catalog. Did I mention how sick of the Beatles I am? Ugh, I liked so many of their songs until his dad bought him Beatles Rockband, kind of ruined it for me. Now if they made a Kings of Leon Rockband that would be an entirely different story! Ok, he has moved on to the Foo Fighters, finally!

We watched 500 Days of Summer tonight. Loved that movie, even if I'm only a hipster wanna be. I'm a big Zooey Deschanel fan! The soundtrack is really good too.

I'm going to try my hand at Co au Vin tomorrow. That is if I have some burgundy on hand. My luck, with tomorrow being Sunday, I'll be out.

Ha! Now he's playing "Stairway to Heaven" but he said I had to promise not to sing it. How do you listen to that song and not sing along? Impossible, and you know I sound good with these headphones on and the house as quiet as it is. Ha! Enough babbling!

Mexican Wedding Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for coating baked cookies
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting hands
1 cup pecans, chopped into very small pieces
Directions
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Line cookies sheets with parchment paper.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at low speed until it is smooth. Beat in the vanilla. At
low speed gradually add the flour. Mix in the pecans with a spatula. With floured hands, take out about 1
tablespoon of dough and shape into a ball. Continue to dust hands with flour as you make more cookies.
Place onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 40 minutes. When cool enough to handle but still warm, roll in
additional confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.

Say Cheese

2009-12-29T21:03:00.002-05:00

My brother and his wife asked me to take their portrait. We went to Starrs Mill in Fayetteville which was flooded. I wasn't prepared for that but I got a few shots that I liked. This was my first time taking someone elses portrait, so while they may not be perfect, it was wonderful practice.

Crock Pot Wednesdays

2009-12-29T20:01:00.002-05:00

Italian seasoned chicken with potatoes, cooked in the slow cooker.
Cook Time: 7 hours
Ingredients:

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
* 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder to equal same)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
* 4 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges or thick slices

Preparation:
Place chicken in bottom of Crock Pot. Sprinkle with half of the Italian dressing, spices, and the grated cheese. Put the potatoes on top or around the chicken. Sprinkle with the rest of the dressing, spices, and cheese.

Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is done and potatoes are tender.

Christmas Decorations

2009-12-20T21:39:00.005-05:00

Not much time for a post, but plenty of pictures!

So Very Tired

2009-12-17T21:17:00.004-05:00

Whew, I am shopped out. I've been going since 7:30 this morning! It's 9:20 and I just got back from Best Buy. I only have 2 more gifts to by. Yay! I am so ready to be done. I just want to sit by the fire, wrap presents, and watch Christmas movies!

I have The Pioneer Woman's chocolate sheet cake in the oven. It's for my husbands party at work tomorrow. The whole house smells like chocolate. And to think that they told him he could just bring in beets. Hmph!

I'm hoping to take pictures of the house tomorrow so that I can get in on the home tours. If I'm too late, I'll post them anyway!

The picture is not that great, but this is what we will be doing tonight. If I can keep my eyes open..............

Crazy Busy

2009-12-14T21:34:00.003-05:00

I've been so busy, there is still so much to get done. Baking, shopping, wrapping, photos, the list goes on. I'm hoping that I'm not too late to participate in at least one Christmas home tour. :(

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-01T23:15:00.004-05:00

Well, with Thanksgiving over everything is kicked into high gear. It seems like the days just go by so fast because there is so much to do. Gifts to buy, goodies to bake, parties to plan.
We kicked off our holiday season by going to a play. We saw a production of " A Christmas Story." The Henry Players did a great job!

Complete with the leg lamp!

I look forward to all the Christmas home tours and hope that I can participate. All of my decorating is finished. I usually have it completed before Thanksgiving, but this year I decided no to let the holidays run together.

I have a couple of recipes from Thanksgiving to share but for some reason the photos wouldn't upload. I'll try again tomorrow!

Make Your Own Take Out

2009-11-23T23:16:00.002-05:00

We had Chinese tonight. It was so good. The pictures aren't so great because of the lighting, oh well.

GENERAL TSO'S

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
2 cups green onions sliced
8 small dried chilies seeds removed (bird pepper or thai chilies are good)

Cornstarch slurry

1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
1 egg beaten
1 cup cornstarch

Sauce

1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sherry
14 1/2 ounces chicken broth (a can)

Place sauce ingredients in a quart jar with a lid and shake to mix. If you make this ahead of time just refrigerate until needed, shaking it again when you are ready to use it. This also keeps your dirty dishes down.
Mix cornstarch slurry in a large bowl- the mixture will be strange but trust me it works. It will be VERY thick almost paste like. Add chicken pieces to coat. Using a fork remove ONE chicken piece at a time and let the excess mixture drip off. YES even though the mixture has a weird consistency it will not stick like paste and the excess will drip off. Add chicken to the hot (350 degree) oil and fry until crispy. Only cook 7 or 8 chicken pieces at a time. You do not want to raise the temp of the oil by cooking too many at a time. You can use a simple cooking or candy thermometer to judge the temp of the oil.
Drain on paper towels. Keep warm- I just put them in the oven with the oven off. Repeating until all chicken is fried.
In a separate wok or large skillet add a small amount of oil and heat to 400 degrees. Again, a candy thermometer works great. You can fry all the chicken, drain the oil to the desired amount and use the same pan if you like.
Add green onions and hot peppers and stir fry about 30 seconds.
Stir sauce mixture, and then add to pan with onions and peppers, cook until thick. If it gets too thick, add a little water. The thickness of the sauce should be similar to what you get when ordering this at a restaurant.
Add chicken to sauce in wok, and cook until all is hot and bubbly. The quicker this is done the crispier the chicken stays.
Serve over rice.

MANDARIN CHICKEN (Tastes just like Panda Express)

2/3 cup sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tspn vegetable oil
1 tspn minced fresh garlic
½ tspn minced fresh ginger
¼ cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch
6 skinless chicken thigh fillets

Preparation & Cooking Instructions :

Combine sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, oil, garlic and ginger in a small saucepan.
Combine water with cornstarch in a small bowl and stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Add to saucepan and turn heat to high. Stir often while bringing mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 6 minutes or until sauce is thick.
Preheat your grill on high for the chicken.
When the grill is hot, rub each chicken piece with oil and cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until done. Chicken should have browned in spots. When chicken is done, chop it into bite-size pieces.
Pour the chicken pieces into a large frying pan over medium heat. Heat until chicken sizzles then reduce heat and cover chicken until ready to serve.
Spoon chicken into a medium bowl, then pour all the sauce over the chicken and stir until well-coated. Serve with steamed white rice.

If anyone wants the recipe for the egg rolls just let me know!

Holla If You Like Challah!

2009-11-18T19:25:00.003-05:00

This is fun to make! It's great for French Toast with freshly grated nutmeg!!

This is the recipe I followed. I don't put the sesame seeds on it though. You may want to use a longer pan than I did.

1-1/2 packages active dry yeast (1-1/2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup sugar
1-3/8 cups vegetable oil, and more for greasing bowl
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon salt
8 cups all-purpose flour (8 to 8-1/2)
Poppy or sesame seeds for sprinkling

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1-3/8 cups lukewarm water.

Whisk oil into yeast, then beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, with remaining sugar and salt. Gradually add flour. When dough holds together, it is ready for kneading. (You can also use a mixer with a dough hook for both mixing and kneading.)

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Clean out bowl and grease it, then return dough to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until almost doubled in size. Dough may also rise in an oven that has been warmed to 150°F then turned off.

Punch down dough, cover and let rise again in a warm place for another half-hour.

To make a 6-braid challah, either straight or circular, take half the dough and form it into 6 balls. With your hands, roll each ball into a strand about 12" long and 1-1/2" wide. Place the 6 in a row, parallel to one another. Pinch the tops of the strands together. Move the outside right strand over 2 strands. Then take the second strand from the left and move it to the far right. Take the outside left strand and move it over 2. Move second strand from the right over to the far left. Start over with what is now the outside right strand. Continue this until all strands are braided. For a straight loaf, tuck ends underneath. For a circular loaf, twist into a circle, pinching ends together. Make a second loaf the same way. Place braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet with at least 2" in between.

Beat remaining egg and brush it on loaves. Either freeze breads or let rise another hour in refrigerator if preferred.

To bake, preheat oven to 375°F and brush loaves again. (If freezing, remove from freezer 5 hours before baking.) Then dip your index finger in the egg wash, then into poppy or sesame seeds and then onto a mound of bread. Continue until bread is decorated with seeds.

Bake in middle of oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Cool loaves on a rack.

A Love Story

2009-11-12T23:55:00.001-05:00

I love this story and I love the music. Hope you enjoy!

The “Lenny” story is a love story. Love for a woman and love for a guitar.

Stevie Ray Vaughan was not yet a star on his 26th birthday, Oct. 3, 1980, when his wife, Lenora “Lenny” Vaughan, gave him a used Stratocaster guitar that had recently caught his eye in an Austin, Texas, pawnshop. Though already a phenomenal guitarist, many still viewed him as “Jimmie Vaughan’s little brother,” which was perfectly OK with the easygoing young musician.

The story begins a few years earlier, when Stevie and Lenora first met at a Halloween party at east Austin nightspot La Cucaracha, where he was playing (“Where else are you gonna meet a musician?” Lenora is fond of saying). When she saw him again a couple years later at the Rome Inn with his band, Triple Threat, she was moved by his musical power onstage and his charmingly unassuming demeanor offstage.

“I kind of fell for him that day,” she said. “It was tear jerking, the guy was so good. He’s so sweet when you meet him, and then he plays, and he is so fierce. You can’t help but feel what he feels. That was what I saw when he played.”

The next time they met, at a Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin, that was it. “We looked at each other and we just went “Uh-huh,” Lenora said.

About a year after they were married, Lenora remembers, “The guys went to a pawnshop and saw this guitar. One guy wanted it, and Stevie said, ‘I want it more.’” It was a 1965 maple-neck Fender Stratocaster with a rosewood fingerboard and the original pickups that, from the look of it, had seen better days. Although it began life as a three-color sunburst model, it had obviously been refinished none too expertly at some point, and now it had a dark natural finish bearing an elaborately arty inlay behind the bridge. Nonetheless, there was something about it that clearly and immediately resonated deeply with Vaughan. That guitar really grabbed him.

Unfortunately it cost $350. Money was tight in those pre-stardom days, and neither Stevie nor Lenora had enough. His birthday was coming up, though, and she devised a way of getting the guitar for him.

“I went out and found seven people with $50, and they all put their money in and we got the guitar, and we gave it to him for his birthday at (Austin nightclub) Steamboat Springs on 6th St.,” she said.

Vaughan was thrilled. They took the guitar home and sometime that night, as Lenora slept, her husband wrote a new song on it. In the morning, Lenora remembers, “He was sitting on the edge of the bed with the guitar and said, ‘Listen to this.’” He played her the song he had written that night, “Lenny,” and she cried.

“It was beautiful,” she said. “How can you stop loving anything like that? I’ve never once in my life listened to that song without crying.”

* * * * *

Soon after, Vaughan received a new Charvel® guitar neck as a gift from his friend and ZZ Top guitarist Billy F Gibbons. Vaughan installed the neck (with a maple fingerboard) on “Lenny”, at which time he also etched his name into the guitar’s neck plate as a point of pride.

Fame began knocking loudly on Vaughan’s door. He first drew worldwide recognition by playing with David Bowie on his chart-topping 1983 comeback Let’s Dance; then by not playing with David Bowie. Vaughan famously declined to tour with Bowie in favor of releasing the debut album he’d recorded in Los Angeles in 1982 with his powerful trio, Double Trouble.

His 1983 breakthrough album, Texas Flood, made Vaughan an even bigger star, and Couldn’t Stand the Weather (1984) only fanned the flames. Blues had never before hit the charts so hard. It was as though Vaughan had taken everything powerful and true about the blues and infused it with the ferocious intensity of rock ‘n’ roll, creating something explosive and dynamic – simultaneously familiar and revolutionary. The song “Lenny” appeared on Texas Flood and was featured regularly in Vaughan’s live set. Whenever he played it in concert, Vaughan would set aside his beloved “Number One” Stratocaster and pick up “Lenny” (the guitar).

“It tore me up,” Lenora said. “It’s so emotional for me. Overwhelming. That’s a lot of love.”

Fame had its ups and downs, but Vaughan by all accounts never succumbed to excesses of ego or vanity. He was still Stevie, and he just kept playing.

“It was like a roller coaster; like a snowball,” Lenora said. “It just got bigger and bigger and bigger. And the guy maintained—he just played. That’s all he did—he played guitar.”

Fame also brought a great many guitars, but only Number One and “Lenny” truly meant something important to Vaughan.

“He was a pretty simple person,” said Chris Layton, Double Trouble drummer. “The fact that he had it meant everything. Some people have lots of drum kits; lots of guitars, and they say, “Oh, this is what this means …” and “This is why I bought this …” and “This is what this is for …”

“He had a lot of guitars, but most of them were stored away and he never played them because they didn’t mean anything. But that guitar, and Number One, by the fact that they were always with him, spoke volumes about what they meant to him. He wasn’t the kind of person who would extrapolate on what the meaning of all of it was. He probably had the least amount of ego of anybody I’ve ever played with. He was just a strong, certain person about who he was as a player. He wanted to give himself to the music, and wanted people to get that.”

* * * * *

Lenora remembers a particularly special “Lenny” story from the mid-1980s, when Stevie was in Dallas recording Soul to Soul.

Vaughan was invited to play the national anthem at the Houston Astros season opener, against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Houston Astrodome on Wednesday, April 10, 1985. The Vaughans were hastily flown to Houston, where Stevie confessed to his wife that he didn’t know how to play the Star Spangled Banner.

Watching her husband play the national anthem there to a packed house in the cavernous Astrodome, Lenora turned to the guy standing next to her and said, “You know, he didn’t know how that went—I had to hum it to him on the way here.”

The man replied, “Yeah, it’s a hard song.”

When Lenora asked the man if he knew her husband, he nodded and said, “No, this is the first time I’ve ever heard him. My name’s Mickey Mantle.”

Mantle was at the game to throw the first pitch; it was pure chance that Lenora found herself standing next to one of the greatest baseball players in history. When Stevie joined her minutes later, she introduced the two men.

“I don’t know how to play that song,” Vaughan confided to Mantle, to which the Yankees great replied reassuringly, “Nobody can play that song.”

Lenora then sheepishly asked for Mantle’s autograph, upon which Mantle asked where her baseball bat was. “Oh … oh … am I supposed to have a bat?” she stammered. Mantle explained that most autograph seekers bring a bat.

Lenora remembers that “I was looking around for a piece of paper or something, and Stevie said, ‘Well I’ve got this bat right here—her name’s Lenny.’ And he took it out and said, ‘Why don’t you sign this?’ And Mickey said, ‘It’d be my pleasure,’” adding even more magic to the journeyed pawnshop instrument.

* * * * *

Stevie Ray Vaughan wasn’t a complicated guy, even when fame made his life crazy.

By all accounts, he was, from beginning to tragic end, friendly, warm, genuine, relaxed, considerate, compassionate and comfortably self-assured, with no hint of the ego or arrogance often seen in stars of his stature. For all his utter ferocity onstage, offstage he couldn’t be any sweeter. That’s what everybody whose life he touched even a little says. Everybody liked him. Most loved him.

It’s no surprise to hear Lenora say that sometimes Vaughan slept at night with one arm around her and another around the guitar he named for her. Vaughan played “Lenny” selectively and with great passion. He featured it on the namesake song, of course, and was later fond of playing it on “Riviera Paradise” from 1989’s In Step – a testament to its meaning to him.

Years after Stevie Ray Vaughan’s death in an August 1990 helicopter crash, and at older brother Jimmie Vaughan’s behest, “Lenny” became the only guitar from his estate to be made available to the public. At the historic June 24, 2004, Christie’s auction in New York to benefit Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Centre rehabilitation facility, Lenny was purchased by Guitar Center, for $623,500.

A hefty figure, to be sure. That said, however, does quantifying “Lenny’s” value and assigning a dollar figure really matter? Could you assign such value to the effect that Stevie Ray Vaughan and his music had on the people in his life and on the world?

Not really. After all, the story of Stevie Ray and Lenora Vaughan; of his music and of the guitar he most affectionately nicknamed for her is, first and foremost, a love story.

Lookin For Some Hot Stuff?

2009-11-12T20:23:00.002-05:00

Buffalo Chicken Dip

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch salad dressing

1/2 cup any flavor FRANK'S® REDHOT® Sauce

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cans (9.75 oz. each) SWANSON® White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

DIRECTIONS:

HEAT oven to 350°F. Place cream cheese into deep baking dish. Stir until smooth.

MIX in salad dressing, Frank's RedHot Sauce and cheese. Stir in chicken.

BAKE 20 min. or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish as desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Tex Mex Potato Skins

INGREDIENTS:

3 hot baked potatoes, split lengthwise (see tip)

3/4 cup shredded Cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese

1 1/3 cups FRENCH'S® Cheddar French Fried Onions or FRENCH'S® French Fried Onions, divided

1/4 cup diced green chilies

1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon

6 tablespoons each salsa and sour cream

FRANK'S® REDHOT® Cayenne Pepper Sauce
DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350°F. Scoop out inside of potatoes leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Reserve inside of potatoes for another use.

Arrange potato halves on baking sheet. Top with cheese, 2/3 cup French Fried Onions, chilies and bacon.

Bake 15 minutes until heated through and cheese melts. Cut each potato half crosswise into thirds. Serve topped with salsa, sour cream and remaining onions. For extra zing, splash on Frank's RedHot Sauce to taste.

Please Santa

2009-11-08T17:22:00.002-05:00

~~I've been good~~ I'll be good!!

The Agenda

2009-11-07T19:40:00.003-05:00

We're having a nice night in. Ginger steak salad for dinner, with a bottle of Merlot. Yum!

Then I think we are going to watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. After that, I'm tackling these roots!
Have a great weekend!

P.S. Funny Story, you know the deer from the previous post? My son went and and got his hooves to make a gun rack! He cut his head off and got his hide to dry out too! Ha!