You know, I decided a few things this weekend. I enjoy cooking if only:
1. I was rich. Cooking is expensive and eating out is so much cheaper.
2. I had a bigger kitchen. I tend to be like a tornado so I leave a mess in my wake…and I need space.
3. I had all the pots, pans, and utensils I needed. It’s a breeze when you have all those things…not so easy breezy when you don’t.
I also decided it’s a REALLY bad idea to read food blogs when you’re hungry. It ranks right up there with going grocery shopping when you’re hungry…only it may be worse because everything I read about sounds good then I decide to go to the store and get it all to make! Darn you food bloggers!!!
I was going to make a nice Bolognaise, but a good bolognaise is time consuming…and expensive to boot, so I went with a simple tomato sauce recipe…and by simple I mean literally 3 ingredients! That’s it. It was good…and truly simple but maybe a bit too simple. It was amazing with garlic bread however!! I stumbled on this recipe after researching restaurants in Lexington because I found this blog and in that blog I found this post It was truly intriguing. However, while I was at the store I remembered this recipe so how could I resist a good chocolate chip pecan pie. As if I needed to get any bigger. BUT…since my New Years resolution is to eat better (not diet…eat better…healthier…smarter) I figured I’d end the year with a bang!! Eat all the crap I can get my hands on now while the getting is good! As I’m checking out I can’t figure out how my grocery bill could be so astronomical…because I think I could have checked out in the 15 items or less line and been okay…until I realized that pecan pies are a tad bit expensive…and by tad I mean a lot! I added a little bourbon to the pie to make it a little more Kentucky. And I even used a KY bourbon to make it authentic. It was good but I think maybe a little runny. Although apparently you have to let a pecan pie cool…and I was maybe a tad impatient. Casey said it was great though…he even told me to save the recipe. I guess that's a good thing. I will have to decide for myself. :)
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Chicken Enchiladas...YUMMO!!!
Fantabulous Chicken Enchiladas
Okay, so I found this amazing recipe for Chicken Enchiladas. I would say everyone should give it a whirl…although I did change it every so slightly…so I’ll give you my version.
• Three cans ( I used Old El Paso) of mild green enchilada sauce
• One 12.5 oz can of canned CHICKEN…which might be my new favorite thing.
• A 8 oz bag of monteray jack/Colby mix and a 8 oz back of pepperjack cheese.
• Corn or flour tortillas (fajita size)
• Mix about ½ of both cheese with half a can of the enchilada sauce and the can of chicken.
• Pour the other ½ can of (just one of the cans of sauce) the sauce on the bottom of your pan. I think I used an 8x8 pan. It was square...that’s all I know.
• Warm your tortillas (I used corn) in the microwave for about 15 seconds – until warm.
• Take some of your mixture and put it in the tortilla and roll it like you would an enchilada and place in the plan. Continue to do so until you fill your pan.
• Cover with remaining two cans of sauce and remaining cheese. (I only covered with 1 ½ cans of the sauce since my pan was smaller than what the original recipe called for but left the cheese the same.
• Heat in oven on 325 for 20-25 minutes. At the end of cooking I turned my heat up a little to brown the cheese then I turned the broiler on to brown the top…that is just a personal preference.
I also served with Sour Cream. It was delicious and super duper easy!!!!! I would say it was AS good as I have had in restaurants!
Okay, so I found this amazing recipe for Chicken Enchiladas. I would say everyone should give it a whirl…although I did change it every so slightly…so I’ll give you my version.
• Three cans ( I used Old El Paso) of mild green enchilada sauce
• One 12.5 oz can of canned CHICKEN…which might be my new favorite thing.
• A 8 oz bag of monteray jack/Colby mix and a 8 oz back of pepperjack cheese.
• Corn or flour tortillas (fajita size)
• Mix about ½ of both cheese with half a can of the enchilada sauce and the can of chicken.
• Pour the other ½ can of (just one of the cans of sauce) the sauce on the bottom of your pan. I think I used an 8x8 pan. It was square...that’s all I know.
• Warm your tortillas (I used corn) in the microwave for about 15 seconds – until warm.
• Take some of your mixture and put it in the tortilla and roll it like you would an enchilada and place in the plan. Continue to do so until you fill your pan.
• Cover with remaining two cans of sauce and remaining cheese. (I only covered with 1 ½ cans of the sauce since my pan was smaller than what the original recipe called for but left the cheese the same.
• Heat in oven on 325 for 20-25 minutes. At the end of cooking I turned my heat up a little to brown the cheese then I turned the broiler on to brown the top…that is just a personal preference.
I also served with Sour Cream. It was delicious and super duper easy!!!!! I would say it was AS good as I have had in restaurants!
Monday, December 20, 2010
BBQ Pork
Over the weekend we hosted a Christmas Vacation Christmas Party. I debated for several days about what to fix and finally decided on Pulled BBQ Pork in the Crockpot. I got the recipe off of Food.com, formally Recipezaar.com. I love that site. At first I had some sticker shock from the meat - $18 for almost 11 pounds. Basically the recipe is the following:
4 lbs pork shoulder or butt (As you can see I upped the meat quantity so I upped the other ingredients too)
2 Lg onions sliced
1 cup of Ginger ale
Put in Crockpot and cook for 12 hours on low. I put it in before bed and let it cook overnight...which was fine if you don't mind waking up to the smell of meat...which at 7:15 in the morning isn't the most pleasent smell. After the 12 hours, you drain all the juice (from the melted fat, and ginger ale) but before you do that you save the onions. Next you pull the pork apart...which after 12 hours the pork is the most amazingly tender, juicy piece of meat you'll ever consome. After you've pulled the pork you add an 8 oz bottle of BBQ sauce and continue to cook on low for 1-2 hours. I did this slight differently than the recipe called for but it was still delicious.
So, as for the sticker shock...Yes it was $18...but I put two meals worth in two different ziplock bags. Plus we had it at the party. Plus we had it for lunch and dinner last night. So, for $18 we're essentially getting several meals out of it. And it was amazing. A-Maze-Ing!!! I love my crock pot!!!!
In the words of Yo Gabba Gabba..."try it, you'll like it." or "There's a party in my tummy, so yummy so yummy"
Have a great Monday!!
4 lbs pork shoulder or butt (As you can see I upped the meat quantity so I upped the other ingredients too)
2 Lg onions sliced
1 cup of Ginger ale
Put in Crockpot and cook for 12 hours on low. I put it in before bed and let it cook overnight...which was fine if you don't mind waking up to the smell of meat...which at 7:15 in the morning isn't the most pleasent smell. After the 12 hours, you drain all the juice (from the melted fat, and ginger ale) but before you do that you save the onions. Next you pull the pork apart...which after 12 hours the pork is the most amazingly tender, juicy piece of meat you'll ever consome. After you've pulled the pork you add an 8 oz bottle of BBQ sauce and continue to cook on low for 1-2 hours. I did this slight differently than the recipe called for but it was still delicious.
So, as for the sticker shock...Yes it was $18...but I put two meals worth in two different ziplock bags. Plus we had it at the party. Plus we had it for lunch and dinner last night. So, for $18 we're essentially getting several meals out of it. And it was amazing. A-Maze-Ing!!! I love my crock pot!!!!
In the words of Yo Gabba Gabba..."try it, you'll like it." or "There's a party in my tummy, so yummy so yummy"
Have a great Monday!!
100 things I'd tell my younger self...
Originally this was supposed to be 100 things I'd tell my younger self...but I'm drawing a blank...so feel free to comment if you have anything you'd like to add.
100 Things I’d tell my younger self if I could go back in time…
1. Don’t take yourself so seriously
2. Laugh at yourself
3. When something upsetting happens, ask yourself “will this really matter in five years from now?”
4. Don’t get down when “you’re the only girl in High School without a boyfriend. The right one will come along when you’re 31.”
5. Don’t get married to get married. Get married because you’re madly in love.
6. Don’t be in a rush to grow up. Being a grown up comes with responsibilities – Work, Bills, more bills.
7. Write in a journal about your day…because a time will come when you won’t remember.
8. Remember…it’s okay to be empathetic and a bleeding heart.
9. Volunteer and help others…it will make you feel better about yourself.
10.When things are going wrong in your life, and you think that nothing worse cold happen…be thankful for all the good you do have in your life because someone out there has it much much worse.
11.Don’t let the comments of a bully effect who you think of yourself. You are wonderful just the way you are.
12.Remember…when you see something cool that you absolutely must have…restrain yourself because once you get it something even cooler will come along – this generally happens as soon as you buy the latest and greatest cell phone.
13.Be kinder to your parents. Don’t give them such a hard way to go. Sometimes they actually do know what they are talking about.
14.Do your best in school. Believe it or not, it really does matter later in life even if you don’t think so at the time.
15.The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” isn’t always true.
16.Be thankful for what you have rather than jealous of what you don’t.
17.When your elders say “if only I knew then what I know now.” And then proceed to give you advice of what you should do…you might want to actually listen…because generally they are right.
18.Remember, that everyone is someone’s daughter, son, mother, or father. So even the bad people in the world is someone special to someone.
19.Never settle in life. You can do anything you put your mind to.
20.Never stop dreaming.
21.The ‘love’ that you see all your friends having in high school for their boyfriends and girlfriends really isn’t love…it’s some other thing entirely. You don’t really know what love is at such a young age.
22.There is nothing wrong with giving a homeless person some money. 9 out of 10 might just use it to buy alcohol…but that 1 person might really need it.
23.Don’t ever be a cynic.
24.If you’re truly passionate about the work you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
25.You can’t save all the homeless animals…even though you’ll want to.
26.It’s very easy to be really bad with money, so try and keep a handle on yourself. That whole “credit rating” thing really is true!
27.Learn to cook from your mother…even if she doesn’t want you in the kitchen getting in the way! Her recipes are priceless and no one makes food like she does!
28.If you’re sick…go to the doctor…don’t put it off.
29.Dare to be different. Don’t be like everyone else…even if people look at you funny!
30.When you think you’re fat…you’re not. When you get older you’d kill to be the size you are now!
31.College really is important. You can be successful without, but go while you’re younger. Its much harder the older you get.
32.Negativity breeds negativity. Try and stay positive.
33.It really is OK to say no at times.
34.It’s okay to be sensitive.
35.Fad diets are called that for a reason. And they never work longterm.
36.Don’t try to be something you’re not, just for the sake of pleasing someone.
37.Take care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily. You’ll thank me later!
38.Never be afraid to try new foods. Try it, you’ll like it!
39.Internet dating isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
40.Give blood more…people need it!
41.Telling the truth, while it may hurt someone is better than a lie any day!
42.It’s okay at times to be a little naïve…but don’t believe everything people tell you.
43.If you’re going to move, move some place warm!
44.Use your God given talents. He gave them to you for a reason!
45.Don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth the risk.
46.Hatred only makes you more miserable…and tired. It takes a lot out of you to hate someone!
47.Go to church more than just Christmas and Easter.
48.The sanctity of marriage is special, and should be valued. Don’t ever let anyone say that marriages can’t last.
49.Try to learn to have patience. It’s hard but very needed.
50.Rather than dreading having to go out in the cold to go to the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve service…enjoy it. You’ll really appreciate it when you’re older.
51.Watch less TV – there’s more to life.
52.Go to more concerts. You love music! Nothing can top a live performance!
53.The world doesn’t revolve around you! Hard to believe…I know!
54.Be more open minded. You might actually like a movie you refuse to watch!
55.Just because it’s “new” and “shiny” doesn’t mean you have to buy it!
56.Take care of the things you have.
57.Don’t ever do drugs (your older self never did and isn’t missing a thing).
58.Don’t ever start smoking – Quitting is a real pain. It will make you grumpy and irritable…and no one wants that…plus it really makes you stink!!
59.Don’t be so opinionated.
60.Never judge
61.Never say never because you just don’t know!
62.Dream Big!
63 Someday someone is going to tell you something about yourself and you’ll get mad, and it will hurt, and sting…but remember…the truth hurts. Instead of getting mad, absorb what was said and try to fix it
100 Things I’d tell my younger self if I could go back in time…
1. Don’t take yourself so seriously
2. Laugh at yourself
3. When something upsetting happens, ask yourself “will this really matter in five years from now?”
4. Don’t get down when “you’re the only girl in High School without a boyfriend. The right one will come along when you’re 31.”
5. Don’t get married to get married. Get married because you’re madly in love.
6. Don’t be in a rush to grow up. Being a grown up comes with responsibilities – Work, Bills, more bills.
7. Write in a journal about your day…because a time will come when you won’t remember.
8. Remember…it’s okay to be empathetic and a bleeding heart.
9. Volunteer and help others…it will make you feel better about yourself.
10.When things are going wrong in your life, and you think that nothing worse cold happen…be thankful for all the good you do have in your life because someone out there has it much much worse.
11.Don’t let the comments of a bully effect who you think of yourself. You are wonderful just the way you are.
12.Remember…when you see something cool that you absolutely must have…restrain yourself because once you get it something even cooler will come along – this generally happens as soon as you buy the latest and greatest cell phone.
13.Be kinder to your parents. Don’t give them such a hard way to go. Sometimes they actually do know what they are talking about.
14.Do your best in school. Believe it or not, it really does matter later in life even if you don’t think so at the time.
15.The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” isn’t always true.
16.Be thankful for what you have rather than jealous of what you don’t.
17.When your elders say “if only I knew then what I know now.” And then proceed to give you advice of what you should do…you might want to actually listen…because generally they are right.
18.Remember, that everyone is someone’s daughter, son, mother, or father. So even the bad people in the world is someone special to someone.
19.Never settle in life. You can do anything you put your mind to.
20.Never stop dreaming.
21.The ‘love’ that you see all your friends having in high school for their boyfriends and girlfriends really isn’t love…it’s some other thing entirely. You don’t really know what love is at such a young age.
22.There is nothing wrong with giving a homeless person some money. 9 out of 10 might just use it to buy alcohol…but that 1 person might really need it.
23.Don’t ever be a cynic.
24.If you’re truly passionate about the work you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
25.You can’t save all the homeless animals…even though you’ll want to.
26.It’s very easy to be really bad with money, so try and keep a handle on yourself. That whole “credit rating” thing really is true!
27.Learn to cook from your mother…even if she doesn’t want you in the kitchen getting in the way! Her recipes are priceless and no one makes food like she does!
28.If you’re sick…go to the doctor…don’t put it off.
29.Dare to be different. Don’t be like everyone else…even if people look at you funny!
30.When you think you’re fat…you’re not. When you get older you’d kill to be the size you are now!
31.College really is important. You can be successful without, but go while you’re younger. Its much harder the older you get.
32.Negativity breeds negativity. Try and stay positive.
33.It really is OK to say no at times.
34.It’s okay to be sensitive.
35.Fad diets are called that for a reason. And they never work longterm.
36.Don’t try to be something you’re not, just for the sake of pleasing someone.
37.Take care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily. You’ll thank me later!
38.Never be afraid to try new foods. Try it, you’ll like it!
39.Internet dating isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
40.Give blood more…people need it!
41.Telling the truth, while it may hurt someone is better than a lie any day!
42.It’s okay at times to be a little naïve…but don’t believe everything people tell you.
43.If you’re going to move, move some place warm!
44.Use your God given talents. He gave them to you for a reason!
45.Don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth the risk.
46.Hatred only makes you more miserable…and tired. It takes a lot out of you to hate someone!
47.Go to church more than just Christmas and Easter.
48.The sanctity of marriage is special, and should be valued. Don’t ever let anyone say that marriages can’t last.
49.Try to learn to have patience. It’s hard but very needed.
50.Rather than dreading having to go out in the cold to go to the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve service…enjoy it. You’ll really appreciate it when you’re older.
51.Watch less TV – there’s more to life.
52.Go to more concerts. You love music! Nothing can top a live performance!
53.The world doesn’t revolve around you! Hard to believe…I know!
54.Be more open minded. You might actually like a movie you refuse to watch!
55.Just because it’s “new” and “shiny” doesn’t mean you have to buy it!
56.Take care of the things you have.
57.Don’t ever do drugs (your older self never did and isn’t missing a thing).
58.Don’t ever start smoking – Quitting is a real pain. It will make you grumpy and irritable…and no one wants that…plus it really makes you stink!!
59.Don’t be so opinionated.
60.Never judge
61.Never say never because you just don’t know!
62.Dream Big!
63 Someday someone is going to tell you something about yourself and you’ll get mad, and it will hurt, and sting…but remember…the truth hurts. Instead of getting mad, absorb what was said and try to fix it
Friday, November 5, 2010
Weekend plans...
So yeah...remember that one time I said I was going to blog every day in November?? Well needless to say...that went over like a lead balloon.
Anyway...I am so excited for this weekend. My bestie, and a new found friend/co-worker and I are going on a mini-weekend girls trip. We're heading to Cincinnati tonight and staying in a hotel...which I got for $33. Yes folks...that's right. I'm cheap. I think as it stands anyway we're going to try Terry's Turf Club for dinner. It was featured on my favorite show - Diners, Drive-In's, and Dive's. Here's a link to the clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WESHHxN8ObM It looks yummy. I also have been corresponding with a food blogger in Cinci and she says it's awesome!! After dinner it's wine and movies in the hotel. Juno is a pick, and who knows what else. I'm so excited!!
Tomorrow is the real reason for this excursion. Off to Ikea we go. Granted I'm only going for a pillow but I know there will be so much more there for me. I can't wait. And I'm so lucky that I have such an amazing boyfriend...that not only encourages me to do stuff with my friends...but he gave me money. How awesome is he???
I'll be taking a ton of pictures so I'll have a follow up blog with those.
Have a great weekend!
Anyway...I am so excited for this weekend. My bestie, and a new found friend/co-worker and I are going on a mini-weekend girls trip. We're heading to Cincinnati tonight and staying in a hotel...which I got for $33. Yes folks...that's right. I'm cheap. I think as it stands anyway we're going to try Terry's Turf Club for dinner. It was featured on my favorite show - Diners, Drive-In's, and Dive's. Here's a link to the clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WESHHxN8ObM It looks yummy. I also have been corresponding with a food blogger in Cinci and she says it's awesome!! After dinner it's wine and movies in the hotel. Juno is a pick, and who knows what else. I'm so excited!!
Tomorrow is the real reason for this excursion. Off to Ikea we go. Granted I'm only going for a pillow but I know there will be so much more there for me. I can't wait. And I'm so lucky that I have such an amazing boyfriend...that not only encourages me to do stuff with my friends...but he gave me money. How awesome is he???
I'll be taking a ton of pictures so I'll have a follow up blog with those.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, October 29, 2010
NaBloPoMo
Okay, I'm doing it. I'm committing myself to the WHOLE month of November. We'll see anyway.
Stay Tuned!!
Stay Tuned!!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Madison Makeover - 10-2-10 (15 photos), by Sarah Stallard
I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos
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