I made homemade ricotta on tuesday too using this recipe
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-fresh-ricotta-316867/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Just one more day...
So i'm about a day and a half away from leaving for Yellowstone. I'm so exhausted that i'm not even psyched...I think slow weeks at work are more exhausting because i have to come up with shit to make me look like a worthwhile employee and someone worth saving from the chopping block. I've more or less packed. There are a few things i'm considering picking up for the pantry on wheels that is one of my suit cases. I already have a fruity trail mix, granola bars and milk boxes for breakfast, and some hard cheese. I'm pretty much set for clothes other than one or two items that require a washing. I have to scotchgard my boots...don't know if i'll get around to that...and guess what...it was snowing in the park this week.
I haven't really gone anywhere major in the past week but i have done a lot of cooking.... Wednesday's corn muffins were the first experiment. I had one ear of corn left that was cut off the cob and a box of jiffy lying around. I had some leftover cream that i subbed for the milk and added an egg and butter and baked them. They were gone pretty quick.
My dad's 30 years of service pin ceremony was Thursday morning and since i'd taken the time off i figured i'd use it to go thrifting! My aunt had some free time too and we hit Flamingo Plaza. One hour and 25 bux later i had a brand new sweater, another sweater, two cookbooks and another one of those jars to go with the other three. Thursday i also went to IKEA with Wendy and indulged in thier Macaroni and Cheese. I cannot in anyway replicate it so i always have some when i go there.
Friday i sauteed some asparagus in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder and made some blueberry muffins. Hands down they have to be the best sweet thing i've baked ever that wasn't a loaf of bread. I'm notorious for making baked goodies that taste a little off. I think i broke the trend. I used a recipe from the joy of cooking and package of blueberries that were almost past thier prime. Next time i'm going to sprikle sugar on top and avoid the toaster over to i don't end up with another enormous burn.
Saturday i worked OT so i wasn't home very much and was forced to eat out...nothing memorable either. I had some bland chicken chili at Macy's and half my mom's tuna melt. At least i had picked up a container of sushi at whole foods to fulfill my craving. Wendy called me and asked what i was up to when she got out of work and we canvassed one of our favorite goodwills. That was incredibly sucessful i walked out with 3 dresses, a shirt, a scarf and a basket for twenty bucks. Sunday Wendy had some old friends over and i made a chocolate loaf in the bread machine. I love my bread machine and my new cookbook! The loaf was great and it went well with the burritos, mac and cheese, cupcakes, and key lime pie!
I went home that night and made another loaf for Monday night. On Monday i went to Lydia's new place to watch 24 and i made cucumber sandwiches on egg bread. The previous occupant of that apartment happened to show up and had brought gorgonzola stuffed dates wrapped in bacon....I HAVE TO MAKE THEM!
Tuesday was clean out the fridge night and i made potato bread, cheesy mashed potatoes, sauteed kale with roasted sweet peppers and onions, chopped strawberries and tomatoes, and blached some peaches to freeze.
Wednesday i made this tasty pasta with baby broccoli and a walnut riotta paste, packed the last of my stuff and got my last minute things for the trip.
Tonight i'm giving in and getting chinese. I'm done cooking and i'm not getting a share so when i get back i'll be going through what i have left. I have some carrots, celery and onions that are going to be chopped and frozen for a soup base tonight and i'm done!
I wish i could play hooky tommorrow
I haven't really gone anywhere major in the past week but i have done a lot of cooking.... Wednesday's corn muffins were the first experiment. I had one ear of corn left that was cut off the cob and a box of jiffy lying around. I had some leftover cream that i subbed for the milk and added an egg and butter and baked them. They were gone pretty quick.
My dad's 30 years of service pin ceremony was Thursday morning and since i'd taken the time off i figured i'd use it to go thrifting! My aunt had some free time too and we hit Flamingo Plaza. One hour and 25 bux later i had a brand new sweater, another sweater, two cookbooks and another one of those jars to go with the other three. Thursday i also went to IKEA with Wendy and indulged in thier Macaroni and Cheese. I cannot in anyway replicate it so i always have some when i go there.
Friday i sauteed some asparagus in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder and made some blueberry muffins. Hands down they have to be the best sweet thing i've baked ever that wasn't a loaf of bread. I'm notorious for making baked goodies that taste a little off. I think i broke the trend. I used a recipe from the joy of cooking and package of blueberries that were almost past thier prime. Next time i'm going to sprikle sugar on top and avoid the toaster over to i don't end up with another enormous burn.
Saturday i worked OT so i wasn't home very much and was forced to eat out...nothing memorable either. I had some bland chicken chili at Macy's and half my mom's tuna melt. At least i had picked up a container of sushi at whole foods to fulfill my craving. Wendy called me and asked what i was up to when she got out of work and we canvassed one of our favorite goodwills. That was incredibly sucessful i walked out with 3 dresses, a shirt, a scarf and a basket for twenty bucks. Sunday Wendy had some old friends over and i made a chocolate loaf in the bread machine. I love my bread machine and my new cookbook! The loaf was great and it went well with the burritos, mac and cheese, cupcakes, and key lime pie!
I went home that night and made another loaf for Monday night. On Monday i went to Lydia's new place to watch 24 and i made cucumber sandwiches on egg bread. The previous occupant of that apartment happened to show up and had brought gorgonzola stuffed dates wrapped in bacon....I HAVE TO MAKE THEM!
Tuesday was clean out the fridge night and i made potato bread, cheesy mashed potatoes, sauteed kale with roasted sweet peppers and onions, chopped strawberries and tomatoes, and blached some peaches to freeze.
Wednesday i made this tasty pasta with baby broccoli and a walnut riotta paste, packed the last of my stuff and got my last minute things for the trip.
Tonight i'm giving in and getting chinese. I'm done cooking and i'm not getting a share so when i get back i'll be going through what i have left. I have some carrots, celery and onions that are going to be chopped and frozen for a soup base tonight and i'm done!
I wish i could play hooky tommorrow
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Missions....
I am the self proclaimed queen of the mission and it seems i am always on some sort of mission....
Monday's mission was soup. It was the perfect weather and not only had Wendy invited me over to cook it i had just picked up my share. I had some zuchini and yellow squash that were begging to be made and the rest of my basic soup fixins. When i had finally finished unpacking and putting away my share it had started to pour again. I decided to shower and see if it would let up. Of course it didn't do i resolved to wear rain friendly shoes and make a run for it, and as always, the rain slowed down when i got in the truck. I thought i was in the clear, but the next half hour was a torrential battle to get to Wendy's. In between sheets of rain i couldn't see the lane divisions in the under construction mess that is the poor excuse for a highway i am forced to travel on daily. I breathed a big sigh of relief when i made it though. Wendy had also left me her parking spot and after five minutes of raining i put my rain boots on and grabbed the food bag and laughed the whole way running in the rain. It was refreshing but kind of cold.
To make the soup:
1/2 head of garlic
1 large onion
Olive Oil
Large can of diced tomatoes
1 carton of Low Sodium broth
any veggies cooked or uncooked that you have lying around and need use and any spices other than salt that you think compliment the mix.
Sautee the garlic and onion until the onions are soft in olive oil at the bottom of your soup pot. If you have carrots or any other really hearty veggies that need to be softened you can sautee those for five minutes to soften them up. Toss in the broth and the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Toss in any uncooked veggies and lower the heat. This time i used the zucchini, and yellow squash. Let that simmer for about twenty minutes. Add salt and spices to taste. If you use low sodium broth get ready to resalt a few times.
After the simmer you can add any cooked veggies you have lying around. I happened to have corn on hand as well as some rutabaga and green beans. Those made it into the pot as well. After it has been spiced and flavored to your liking you can toss plain kettle or potatos on top for a crunchy addition if you didn't add potatos already. I think that speeds up the cooking time because potatoes take forever to cook. Leftover french fries do make a good addition to the soup because they are already cooked and are soft. The tomato base works well for a veggie soup and adds some complexity to the flavor. You can also garnish with lime, cilantro or sour cream depending on your taste preferences and combinations.
Tuesday's mission was to find the supplies that was lacking for JoAnn's birthday basket. I am making everyone a homemade basket for the next year (maybe longer depending on how it works out) for birthday gifts. JoAnn of course is the guinea pig, and she has already told me her preferences. I planned on flavored oil, bread, crackers, cereal, waffles, and whatever other creations come to mind before i hand it over. It will be chock full of homemade goodness! I needed the bottles for the oil and i have been aggresively searching for them but haven't had too much luck in finding empty bottles at thrift stores with good stoppers. I also needed a basket. Last night i went to my closest goodwills and found something else i needed!!! I found some Italian glass jars with the rubber gaskets that seal for my flour. I found three that were 2 dollars each and just needed new rubber. After the goodwills and a slight detour to make the final purse/sunglasses decision i went to the container store and found the gaskets, some bottles and clear bag for my yellowstone trip and the bottles for the oil. I haven't found any labels i like in particular so i'm going to get creative with what i got. I really like challenges like this and who knows....maybe i find another think to add to my dream business!
and btw...if someone shows me how to do links and stuff i could post pictures of the finds and final product and food stuffs!
Monday's mission was soup. It was the perfect weather and not only had Wendy invited me over to cook it i had just picked up my share. I had some zuchini and yellow squash that were begging to be made and the rest of my basic soup fixins. When i had finally finished unpacking and putting away my share it had started to pour again. I decided to shower and see if it would let up. Of course it didn't do i resolved to wear rain friendly shoes and make a run for it, and as always, the rain slowed down when i got in the truck. I thought i was in the clear, but the next half hour was a torrential battle to get to Wendy's. In between sheets of rain i couldn't see the lane divisions in the under construction mess that is the poor excuse for a highway i am forced to travel on daily. I breathed a big sigh of relief when i made it though. Wendy had also left me her parking spot and after five minutes of raining i put my rain boots on and grabbed the food bag and laughed the whole way running in the rain. It was refreshing but kind of cold.
To make the soup:
1/2 head of garlic
1 large onion
Olive Oil
Large can of diced tomatoes
1 carton of Low Sodium broth
any veggies cooked or uncooked that you have lying around and need use and any spices other than salt that you think compliment the mix.
Sautee the garlic and onion until the onions are soft in olive oil at the bottom of your soup pot. If you have carrots or any other really hearty veggies that need to be softened you can sautee those for five minutes to soften them up. Toss in the broth and the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Toss in any uncooked veggies and lower the heat. This time i used the zucchini, and yellow squash. Let that simmer for about twenty minutes. Add salt and spices to taste. If you use low sodium broth get ready to resalt a few times.
After the simmer you can add any cooked veggies you have lying around. I happened to have corn on hand as well as some rutabaga and green beans. Those made it into the pot as well. After it has been spiced and flavored to your liking you can toss plain kettle or potatos on top for a crunchy addition if you didn't add potatos already. I think that speeds up the cooking time because potatoes take forever to cook. Leftover french fries do make a good addition to the soup because they are already cooked and are soft. The tomato base works well for a veggie soup and adds some complexity to the flavor. You can also garnish with lime, cilantro or sour cream depending on your taste preferences and combinations.
Tuesday's mission was to find the supplies that was lacking for JoAnn's birthday basket. I am making everyone a homemade basket for the next year (maybe longer depending on how it works out) for birthday gifts. JoAnn of course is the guinea pig, and she has already told me her preferences. I planned on flavored oil, bread, crackers, cereal, waffles, and whatever other creations come to mind before i hand it over. It will be chock full of homemade goodness! I needed the bottles for the oil and i have been aggresively searching for them but haven't had too much luck in finding empty bottles at thrift stores with good stoppers. I also needed a basket. Last night i went to my closest goodwills and found something else i needed!!! I found some Italian glass jars with the rubber gaskets that seal for my flour. I found three that were 2 dollars each and just needed new rubber. After the goodwills and a slight detour to make the final purse/sunglasses decision i went to the container store and found the gaskets, some bottles and clear bag for my yellowstone trip and the bottles for the oil. I haven't found any labels i like in particular so i'm going to get creative with what i got. I really like challenges like this and who knows....maybe i find another think to add to my dream business!
and btw...if someone shows me how to do links and stuff i could post pictures of the finds and final product and food stuffs!
Lame attempts at getting drunk in a theme park....
So after i cooked up a storm and cleaned out the fridge i tried to eat it all and failed...miserably before i left on my trip. I was able to take the enchilada's to my mom's though and we added chicken and some more cheese and made them go down easier.
Because we didn't want to pay for the extra hotel night and leave late after work on Friday, we all agreed that we (being my mother and her friend Sunshine) would just wake up extremely early and leave the same day. After quibbling over the time we would wake up and leave on Saturday I said we should be on the road by 6 am. Sunshine was on time and we managed to leave twenty minutes late. Not bad considering how sluggish my mom can be in the morning. I didn't have to jump on the bed to wake her up...This time. On the road we did the cheap thing and brought gourmet coffee from home and pre-made sandwiches to save some money. We made it to the resort (the value ones...why pay when you're only there to sleep and shower and the money you save on parking justifys the fact you pay a little more to stay inside) by 9:30am and they let us check in early. At that point i realzied that i didn't have my ticket and that i would not be making it to be Viking of the Day. If you go to Epcot, the World's Showcase opens later and that title is bestowed on the individual that makes it first in line for the Norwary ride.
So back to my ticket dilemma. I had a 3 day play pass that i had bought back in December to use when my mother and i planned on returning in the Spring. Spring is here and i hadn't used any days on my pass and somehow pulled it out of my wallet. Anyone that knows me well enough knows that my disney passes are always there in case of Mickey emergency. I only had the damn receipt from when i bought it. I called guest relations from the room and they told me i'd have to go to the guest relations window at the maingate of the theme park i chose to go to. I left sunshine and mother behind so i could get that taken care of while they changed for the park. I saw a t-shirt i have to get the next time i'm there....it has a picture of the monorail on it and says what they say when the doors open. I thought it was hilarious...but then again i get off on cheap thrills. When i finally get the to the front of the line and the wonderful disney associate is helping me she tells me she can't find my pass. I didn't freak. Afterall...this is disney...they invented bending over backwards. She called the resort where i'd bought it and everything. In the end i ended up with a 3 day park hopper that doesn't expire and a fast pass for my group. I am a winner because now i'll get to use up my whole pass!!!!!!
So we finally get into the park and start to check out the flowers! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is one of those must see festivals. They were amazing. It wasn't just topiarys and plants arranged like characters....they used colored flowers and they continued to grow. It was beautiful! So after some wandering through the gardens it was time for our lunch reservation at Les Chef de France. That place is full of French man candy...i didn't even need to eat food. I was visually satisfied! I did have the Prix Fix lunch though and a Kir. The Kir was my first drink of the day and i think i will break down and replicate it at home. The French Onion Soup was great, especially with the endless bread! It was followed by Gruyere Mac and Cheese that was loaded with cream and nutmeg and will be challenge to replicate that rosemary topped perfection. Desert was profiteroles that i barely had room for! I do prefer them with cream but the vanilla ice cream was nice. We went back to the UK and i got some souveniers for those left at home and then wandered through Morroco. My mom and Sunshine enjoyed the music while i browsed the little shops. I wish that Morroco had more than just the belly dancing stuff and spices in the shop. I guess i'm greedy and want more.....
We then hit Japan. Anyone who has gone to Epcot with me knows that that lovely establishment is my weakness there...i bought more stuff for my friends and some little things for myself. I love my DOMO t-shirt....nuff said. I also had a glass of sake for the road. We then hit Italy which brought us sitting in the square basking in the sun and sipping Rosa Regale...i didn't have the requisite beer in germany or tequila shot in Mexico. I was getting looks already. I did get to have a yengling in China though....All exhausted we went back to the room and snacked...I had some delicious white cheddar cheetos for dinner!
The next day we hit scortching Animal Kingdom. Everest was amazing. That's one of my top 3 coasters. I want to go again when it's not so hot to be able to throughly enjoy the park. I didn't even have an ice cream float. We were all pretty sluggish for the day....we left early and that freed us up for dinner....so guess what...we went to Ohana in the Polynesian. It's family style all you can eat and ohana means delicious! That is probably the best shrimp i've ever had! And i will be going back!
Just before leaving on Monday morning my mom insisted on hitting the Victoria's Secret outlet in Orlando....I did some major damage...but i got the last of my favorite discontinued line. I have no reason to shop the semi-annual sale anymore.....
Because we didn't want to pay for the extra hotel night and leave late after work on Friday, we all agreed that we (being my mother and her friend Sunshine) would just wake up extremely early and leave the same day. After quibbling over the time we would wake up and leave on Saturday I said we should be on the road by 6 am. Sunshine was on time and we managed to leave twenty minutes late. Not bad considering how sluggish my mom can be in the morning. I didn't have to jump on the bed to wake her up...This time. On the road we did the cheap thing and brought gourmet coffee from home and pre-made sandwiches to save some money. We made it to the resort (the value ones...why pay when you're only there to sleep and shower and the money you save on parking justifys the fact you pay a little more to stay inside) by 9:30am and they let us check in early. At that point i realzied that i didn't have my ticket and that i would not be making it to be Viking of the Day. If you go to Epcot, the World's Showcase opens later and that title is bestowed on the individual that makes it first in line for the Norwary ride.
So back to my ticket dilemma. I had a 3 day play pass that i had bought back in December to use when my mother and i planned on returning in the Spring. Spring is here and i hadn't used any days on my pass and somehow pulled it out of my wallet. Anyone that knows me well enough knows that my disney passes are always there in case of Mickey emergency. I only had the damn receipt from when i bought it. I called guest relations from the room and they told me i'd have to go to the guest relations window at the maingate of the theme park i chose to go to. I left sunshine and mother behind so i could get that taken care of while they changed for the park. I saw a t-shirt i have to get the next time i'm there....it has a picture of the monorail on it and says what they say when the doors open. I thought it was hilarious...but then again i get off on cheap thrills. When i finally get the to the front of the line and the wonderful disney associate is helping me she tells me she can't find my pass. I didn't freak. Afterall...this is disney...they invented bending over backwards. She called the resort where i'd bought it and everything. In the end i ended up with a 3 day park hopper that doesn't expire and a fast pass for my group. I am a winner because now i'll get to use up my whole pass!!!!!!
So we finally get into the park and start to check out the flowers! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is one of those must see festivals. They were amazing. It wasn't just topiarys and plants arranged like characters....they used colored flowers and they continued to grow. It was beautiful! So after some wandering through the gardens it was time for our lunch reservation at Les Chef de France. That place is full of French man candy...i didn't even need to eat food. I was visually satisfied! I did have the Prix Fix lunch though and a Kir. The Kir was my first drink of the day and i think i will break down and replicate it at home. The French Onion Soup was great, especially with the endless bread! It was followed by Gruyere Mac and Cheese that was loaded with cream and nutmeg and will be challenge to replicate that rosemary topped perfection. Desert was profiteroles that i barely had room for! I do prefer them with cream but the vanilla ice cream was nice. We went back to the UK and i got some souveniers for those left at home and then wandered through Morroco. My mom and Sunshine enjoyed the music while i browsed the little shops. I wish that Morroco had more than just the belly dancing stuff and spices in the shop. I guess i'm greedy and want more.....
We then hit Japan. Anyone who has gone to Epcot with me knows that that lovely establishment is my weakness there...i bought more stuff for my friends and some little things for myself. I love my DOMO t-shirt....nuff said. I also had a glass of sake for the road. We then hit Italy which brought us sitting in the square basking in the sun and sipping Rosa Regale...i didn't have the requisite beer in germany or tequila shot in Mexico. I was getting looks already. I did get to have a yengling in China though....All exhausted we went back to the room and snacked...I had some delicious white cheddar cheetos for dinner!
The next day we hit scortching Animal Kingdom. Everest was amazing. That's one of my top 3 coasters. I want to go again when it's not so hot to be able to throughly enjoy the park. I didn't even have an ice cream float. We were all pretty sluggish for the day....we left early and that freed us up for dinner....so guess what...we went to Ohana in the Polynesian. It's family style all you can eat and ohana means delicious! That is probably the best shrimp i've ever had! And i will be going back!
Just before leaving on Monday morning my mom insisted on hitting the Victoria's Secret outlet in Orlando....I did some major damage...but i got the last of my favorite discontinued line. I have no reason to shop the semi-annual sale anymore.....
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Food Hangover Feast
Monday night brought me to chef allen's with Wendy to take advantage of our groupon. The food tasted great going down but i was attacked my MSG the next morning. I had to leave work early because i felt so horrible. Thank you food hangover.
In my quest to rid my refrigerator of more food before i leave for Mickeyland this weekend, I used some old bacon and leftover cream to make carbonara the Nigella way:
Ingredients
1 pound spaghetti
2 cups cubed pancetta rind removed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
4 eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground nutmeg
Directions
Put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta.
In another large pan that will fit the pasta later, cook the pancetta cubes in the oil until crispy but not crunchy. Pour over the white wine or vermouth and let it bubble away so that, after a few minutes, you have a small amount of salty winey syrup left. Take the pan off the heat.
In a bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan, cream, and pepper. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, but since you want it kept al dente start checking it 2 minutes before end of the recommended cooking time.
When the pasta is done, remove approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Put the pan with the bacon cubes back on the heat and add the drained pasta, tossing well to coat with the syrupy pancetta. Take the pan off the heat again and add the eggs and cheese mixture, swiftly tossing everything to mix. Thin with pasta water, if needed. Grind over some more pepper and grate over the nutmeg to serve.
It tasted mighty fine to me. I also helped myself to a nice quick cucumber sandwich on my own fresh bread by toasting and then spreading cream cheese over the top and then layering thinly sliced cucumber. I some leftover rutabagas that i had steamed and tossed those in the toaster oven with some of my rosemary oil. Those tasted like slightly sweet fries, but not quite like sweet potato fries. I also killed the last of my roma tomatoes in the toaster oven by roasting them since i took the little bugger out to use anyway.....
I love what roasting does to tomatoes!!!! It sets free this deliciously sweet flavor that hides waiting to come out. Canned tomatoes have so much salt that you never get to taste the sweetness when you use them. I recently discovered it. If you use them in a pasta dish and can't take the excessive sweetness you can just grate some fresh parmesan and the buttery sharpness mellows out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Its incredible what olive oil, salt and pepper and a little bit of heat can do to tomatoes!
In my quest to rid my refrigerator of more food before i leave for Mickeyland this weekend, I used some old bacon and leftover cream to make carbonara the Nigella way:
Ingredients
1 pound spaghetti
2 cups cubed pancetta rind removed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
4 eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground nutmeg
Directions
Put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta.
In another large pan that will fit the pasta later, cook the pancetta cubes in the oil until crispy but not crunchy. Pour over the white wine or vermouth and let it bubble away so that, after a few minutes, you have a small amount of salty winey syrup left. Take the pan off the heat.
In a bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan, cream, and pepper. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, but since you want it kept al dente start checking it 2 minutes before end of the recommended cooking time.
When the pasta is done, remove approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Put the pan with the bacon cubes back on the heat and add the drained pasta, tossing well to coat with the syrupy pancetta. Take the pan off the heat again and add the eggs and cheese mixture, swiftly tossing everything to mix. Thin with pasta water, if needed. Grind over some more pepper and grate over the nutmeg to serve.
It tasted mighty fine to me. I also helped myself to a nice quick cucumber sandwich on my own fresh bread by toasting and then spreading cream cheese over the top and then layering thinly sliced cucumber. I some leftover rutabagas that i had steamed and tossed those in the toaster oven with some of my rosemary oil. Those tasted like slightly sweet fries, but not quite like sweet potato fries. I also killed the last of my roma tomatoes in the toaster oven by roasting them since i took the little bugger out to use anyway.....
I love what roasting does to tomatoes!!!! It sets free this deliciously sweet flavor that hides waiting to come out. Canned tomatoes have so much salt that you never get to taste the sweetness when you use them. I recently discovered it. If you use them in a pasta dish and can't take the excessive sweetness you can just grate some fresh parmesan and the buttery sharpness mellows out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Its incredible what olive oil, salt and pepper and a little bit of heat can do to tomatoes!
Five Guys in my mouth...
So i caved and failed miserably on my first night of trying to not eat out. I had made a mental note to pack a sandwich for my adventures with Wendy. Of course i forgot in my rush to change and get to her mother's house so we could transport her lovely new handed down bar. When we finally got to her apartment and the lovely orange cat had serenaded us with his meows we decided on Five Guys to satisfy our hunger that evening. Although i broke...i broke for less than five dollars and an angry tummy. I think i am not made for mass produced restaurant food as much as i was before...or maybe because i refuse to waste any food whatsoever gorging myself on those fries was a very bad idea. Either way, my meal fueled my trip to Wal-Mart in South America with Wendy and Mata...and i only bought stuff i needed and it's all been put to use already!!!!!
Mother's Day the next day was significantly better foodwise...my cousin BBQ'd lots of charred animal flesh. Before that though i was cooking a feast for a small army in my kitchen. I made a loaf of egg bread which has been my breakfast for the week with fig preserves, roasted corn in the oven, and made sweet potato and kale enchiladas! I'm pretty amazed that enchiladas came out as well was they did since i made no attempt at trying them while i made them. I had seen a recipe for them and i had most of the ingredients and more that i added to make the recipe my own. I used it as a guidline so i'll post my own if anyone else would like to take a stab.
Sweet Potato and Kale enchiladas
2 large sweet potato
1 bunch of kale
1/2 green bell pepper
1/2 large yellow onion
6 cloves of garlic
Olive Oil
Salt
Juice of 1 lime
1 can of enhilada sauce
20 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Roasted sweet peppers (optional)
Chopped scallions (optional)
Cilantro (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Dice and boil until soft the two sweet potatoes and set aside. Cut the kale off the stems, rinse to remove grit, and shread. Warm the oil and toss in the minced garlic and slicd onion and sautee until the onion softens. Toss in the peppers and soften those as well. Add the kale and sautee until it becomes tender. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and toss. Toss in the sweet potatoes, mashing slightly with a wooden spoon followed by the roasted peppers. Season with salt if necessary.
Warm up the tortillas in the microwave and spray down a baking sheet with olive oil. Fill and roll up the tortillas with the potato and kale mixture and place in the pan. After all of the mix has been used pour the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly at 350. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and green onions if you wish and enjoy!
It was susprisingly good to the point that someone asked to try some in the lunch room at work. My masterpiece!!!!!
The enchilada sauce hides the veggie goodness and the cheese makes it bad enough to forget that you're eating lots of really good vegetables!!!!
Mother's Day the next day was significantly better foodwise...my cousin BBQ'd lots of charred animal flesh. Before that though i was cooking a feast for a small army in my kitchen. I made a loaf of egg bread which has been my breakfast for the week with fig preserves, roasted corn in the oven, and made sweet potato and kale enchiladas! I'm pretty amazed that enchiladas came out as well was they did since i made no attempt at trying them while i made them. I had seen a recipe for them and i had most of the ingredients and more that i added to make the recipe my own. I used it as a guidline so i'll post my own if anyone else would like to take a stab.
Sweet Potato and Kale enchiladas
2 large sweet potato
1 bunch of kale
1/2 green bell pepper
1/2 large yellow onion
6 cloves of garlic
Olive Oil
Salt
Juice of 1 lime
1 can of enhilada sauce
20 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Roasted sweet peppers (optional)
Chopped scallions (optional)
Cilantro (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Dice and boil until soft the two sweet potatoes and set aside. Cut the kale off the stems, rinse to remove grit, and shread. Warm the oil and toss in the minced garlic and slicd onion and sautee until the onion softens. Toss in the peppers and soften those as well. Add the kale and sautee until it becomes tender. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and toss. Toss in the sweet potatoes, mashing slightly with a wooden spoon followed by the roasted peppers. Season with salt if necessary.
Warm up the tortillas in the microwave and spray down a baking sheet with olive oil. Fill and roll up the tortillas with the potato and kale mixture and place in the pan. After all of the mix has been used pour the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly at 350. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and green onions if you wish and enjoy!
It was susprisingly good to the point that someone asked to try some in the lunch room at work. My masterpiece!!!!!
The enchilada sauce hides the veggie goodness and the cheese makes it bad enough to forget that you're eating lots of really good vegetables!!!!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Setting even loftier goals...
So i somehow decided that i'm going to not go out to eat or go grocery shopping for the month of May and clear out the cupboard. I'm not going to stop the share though. Since the move is finally moving forward and i am going to be gone for most of the rest of the weekends this month i figured it'd be the perfect opportunity. I will not completely cut myself off from the gorcery store though. I will venture out if i really need something. By doing this i will also be freeing up some money for my trips to be used for feeding myself on those trips. Why would i go to epcot and deprive myself?!?!?!?!?!
Anyway...this week i have been slightly lazy. I only steamed some carrots, green beans and rutabagas. I made a delicious cinco de mayo meal though for poor crippled Lydia. I cleaned out the cupboard and fridge with some tasty mole tacos. I marinated the chicken in some italian dressing and boiled it before i shredded it. Then i prepared the mole sauce with slighty less liquid to thicken it up. I also prepared a black bean and corn salsa, some mexican rice, chopped cilantro, scallions and sour cream all for the topping pleasure of some tasty white corn tortillas. i also made my quick and easy bean dip which is: can of refried beans and cream cheese layer on top in the microwave for two minutes then topped with salsa and sour cream.
My last supper so to speak was Thursday night Prime Rib at Fox's. Totally worth it and an amazing compliment to White Russians. There are some other exclusions. I am not turning down a free dinner. Anything that was pre paid counts as well so i'm not totally being deprived. The difference is that when it comes to my own sustinence, i am confined to the refrigerator and cupboard. I think it's time for a new loaf of bread!
Anyway...this week i have been slightly lazy. I only steamed some carrots, green beans and rutabagas. I made a delicious cinco de mayo meal though for poor crippled Lydia. I cleaned out the cupboard and fridge with some tasty mole tacos. I marinated the chicken in some italian dressing and boiled it before i shredded it. Then i prepared the mole sauce with slighty less liquid to thicken it up. I also prepared a black bean and corn salsa, some mexican rice, chopped cilantro, scallions and sour cream all for the topping pleasure of some tasty white corn tortillas. i also made my quick and easy bean dip which is: can of refried beans and cream cheese layer on top in the microwave for two minutes then topped with salsa and sour cream.
My last supper so to speak was Thursday night Prime Rib at Fox's. Totally worth it and an amazing compliment to White Russians. There are some other exclusions. I am not turning down a free dinner. Anything that was pre paid counts as well so i'm not totally being deprived. The difference is that when it comes to my own sustinence, i am confined to the refrigerator and cupboard. I think it's time for a new loaf of bread!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Avoiding AOS...but not the recovery activities!
So when the weekend finally rolls around i always embrace it and what it has to offer me....This weekend i was graced by the lovely Jo Ann for a lunch date at the best place for a cheap and filling sushi lunch on the beach, Hiro Express. She will wax poetic about this spinach salad that they have and i was finally able to try it. It is called oshitashi and is just cold spinach salad with sesame dressing. I know i'll be pestering them to make it specially for me. I got my usual: tuna roll, salmon skin roll, and salmon cream cheese (which i had later at the real Hiro in NMB). We still had time left and ventured into starbucks and had free (yes they gave something away for free) frap samples that i did a better job of wearing than drinking. That night i checked out Kick Ass with an old friend from high school and it really did Kick Ass (sorry for the cliche).
Saturday i helped monger move lydia up to the third floor. I think that reminded everyone that we're not 21 anymore. I just hope that the next get to know your neighbors party is not on third floor.....My personal reward for this was a few Vodka Tonics at my favorite dive bar, Harvey's by the Bay. Its tucked away in an American Legion, but it's not that divey anymore. It was taken over by people watching the mayweather fight and some ghetto prom. we were lucky enough to get there early and enjoy the atmosphere until it was spoiled and we were forced to move outside. The portabello pizza with arugula was delicious from Andiamo though....Somehow i wasn't ready to call it a night at 11 and headed to my old friend from high school's favorite dive bar Billy's Pub Too. I never got the memo how awesome this place was because it had an electronic jukebox that played what i wanted to listen to without me feeing it! The fact that my friend and his companions kept treating me to booze didn't hurt either...Needless to say i had to sleep for a bit in front of my dad's so i wouldn't snooze out on my way home.
I woke up around 11 after Mata dragged me out of bed and we headed out for Crandon park. I was in charge of the burger and grabbed whatever looked the most sirliony and happened to hit the jackpot. GFS will now be my go to for parties and there is no memebership fee! BabyFeet grilled up some mean burgers! The hot dogs were great too! I spent the day eating burnt hot dogs, white cheddar cheetos and hamburgers and napping. The only thing that sucked was that Lydia killed her ankle. Now she's waiting on a specialist to see if it is in fact broken.....
Monday i got my new share....let's see what's cooking this week. If i survive.
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO EVERYONE!
Saturday i helped monger move lydia up to the third floor. I think that reminded everyone that we're not 21 anymore. I just hope that the next get to know your neighbors party is not on third floor.....My personal reward for this was a few Vodka Tonics at my favorite dive bar, Harvey's by the Bay. Its tucked away in an American Legion, but it's not that divey anymore. It was taken over by people watching the mayweather fight and some ghetto prom. we were lucky enough to get there early and enjoy the atmosphere until it was spoiled and we were forced to move outside. The portabello pizza with arugula was delicious from Andiamo though....Somehow i wasn't ready to call it a night at 11 and headed to my old friend from high school's favorite dive bar Billy's Pub Too. I never got the memo how awesome this place was because it had an electronic jukebox that played what i wanted to listen to without me feeing it! The fact that my friend and his companions kept treating me to booze didn't hurt either...Needless to say i had to sleep for a bit in front of my dad's so i wouldn't snooze out on my way home.
I woke up around 11 after Mata dragged me out of bed and we headed out for Crandon park. I was in charge of the burger and grabbed whatever looked the most sirliony and happened to hit the jackpot. GFS will now be my go to for parties and there is no memebership fee! BabyFeet grilled up some mean burgers! The hot dogs were great too! I spent the day eating burnt hot dogs, white cheddar cheetos and hamburgers and napping. The only thing that sucked was that Lydia killed her ankle. Now she's waiting on a specialist to see if it is in fact broken.....
Monday i got my new share....let's see what's cooking this week. If i survive.
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO EVERYONE!
Vacation can't come fast enough....
To my loyal three readers...so sorry that i haven't updated but because no one in my office can come to work i can't steal away time to update....
Thank god i'm going to Disney in two weeks...i plan to stroll drunkenly at epcot and do my trip around the world through my belly. I don't think i would have made it all the way to Yellowstone. Best trip for your budget...someone else pays.
And now back to the cheap Miami misadventures. The last time i left off it was Swamp Stomp Weekend...or for those who know picklisms and don't waste beer it was Swamp Stamp. As i was posting the last few blogs i was at Wendy's apartment enjoying the smells of dinner wafting over. She made a delicious skirt steak marinated in Italian dressing (great marinade for the budget conscious because it has the acid/oil combo with GARLIC), garlic carrots and salad. After that i had to shuttle off to Lydia's so i could wake up before the sun was even considering its appearance to work some overtime. Monger and i are willing to give up some of our Saturdays in exchange for oddles of vacation time. The thing is that i didn't realize i'd be filing and risking my life on the top of some rikety ladder filing....he of course photodocumented the scene shortly before my 4 inch stack took a tumble. After i had done my time we took off for the deliciousness of Casola's. I had thier Turkey Croissant. I haven't had the ones from France but i can tell you that in my mind those are the best thing i know.
After a much needed nap i went back to Lydia's to head off for The Bayside Hut out on Virginia Key. Monger and myself decided it would be wise to fill up a cooler with beer of our own and pre-game in the parking lot. Wendy and company were late anyway so it gave us plenty of time. We were out there for almost two hours so by the time we went in we were all in a happy place. I even missed the tent with the free Black and Mild's!!!!! The cheap ten dollar entrance was totally worth it to see JUKE. They always make my saturday night. The two dollar PBR's helped too...I danced and sang and had a great night that was capped off with more Casola's. This time it was in the form of hangover killer giant pizza slice!!!!
Sunday i woke up feeling like a million bucks and conned my mother into going to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden for thier Garden Festival. I needed some herbs that i was still missing and as members my mom and i get in for free. This is another one of the city's hidden jewels. The membership fee is totally reasonable and you get entrance into all of thier festivals and special events just for members, like seeing the garden at night during the winter. For less than fifteen bucks i walked away with honey from the keys, a sage plant and some delicious conch fritters in my belly. I also picked up some cards from local organic gardening resources!
I was trying to play the rest of the coming week on the cheap so i made a vegetable curry with some curry paste i had lying around and tossed in shrimp that i had bought earlier that day, cashews i had, and from my share carrots, kale, onion, green pepper and sweet potato. It was pretty delicious once i got passed the burning off my tongue part....That was my lunch for a few days with some brown rice. I also steamed the giant head of broccoli and tossed it in with some of the leftover roasted tomatoes from the previous share (drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper and tossed in the oven until bubbly), heavy cream, fresh grated parmesan and pasta. The sweetness of the tomatoes was perfectly balanced by the parmesan and the cream covered the broccoli enough to make it tolerable. i am pretty over broccoli at this point.
The homemade highlight of the week was actually a Nigella Lawson recipe. I have several of her cookbooks that i turn to for inspiration occasionally. She has an amazing carbonara receipe that i always turn to when i need something salty and cheesy. I had also seen a receipe for pasta with peas, cream and ham that i had to try. With the peas from my share i made this that i am still craving this week!
Pasta with peas, cream and ham
taken from FEAST by Nigella Lawson
200 g farfalle or other short pasta
100 g frozen petits pois
150 ml double cream
150 g diced ham
2 tbsp grated parmesan
Cook the pasta according to packet instructions in plenty of salted boiling water, and then after 5 minutes add the peas to the pasta water.
When the pasta is cooked, drain well with the peas. Put the dry pan back on the heat with the cream, ham and parmesan and warm it through. Add the pasta and peas back to the pan, tossing everything together well.
Thank god i'm going to Disney in two weeks...i plan to stroll drunkenly at epcot and do my trip around the world through my belly. I don't think i would have made it all the way to Yellowstone. Best trip for your budget...someone else pays.
And now back to the cheap Miami misadventures. The last time i left off it was Swamp Stomp Weekend...or for those who know picklisms and don't waste beer it was Swamp Stamp. As i was posting the last few blogs i was at Wendy's apartment enjoying the smells of dinner wafting over. She made a delicious skirt steak marinated in Italian dressing (great marinade for the budget conscious because it has the acid/oil combo with GARLIC), garlic carrots and salad. After that i had to shuttle off to Lydia's so i could wake up before the sun was even considering its appearance to work some overtime. Monger and i are willing to give up some of our Saturdays in exchange for oddles of vacation time. The thing is that i didn't realize i'd be filing and risking my life on the top of some rikety ladder filing....he of course photodocumented the scene shortly before my 4 inch stack took a tumble. After i had done my time we took off for the deliciousness of Casola's. I had thier Turkey Croissant. I haven't had the ones from France but i can tell you that in my mind those are the best thing i know.
After a much needed nap i went back to Lydia's to head off for The Bayside Hut out on Virginia Key. Monger and myself decided it would be wise to fill up a cooler with beer of our own and pre-game in the parking lot. Wendy and company were late anyway so it gave us plenty of time. We were out there for almost two hours so by the time we went in we were all in a happy place. I even missed the tent with the free Black and Mild's!!!!! The cheap ten dollar entrance was totally worth it to see JUKE. They always make my saturday night. The two dollar PBR's helped too...I danced and sang and had a great night that was capped off with more Casola's. This time it was in the form of hangover killer giant pizza slice!!!!
Sunday i woke up feeling like a million bucks and conned my mother into going to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden for thier Garden Festival. I needed some herbs that i was still missing and as members my mom and i get in for free. This is another one of the city's hidden jewels. The membership fee is totally reasonable and you get entrance into all of thier festivals and special events just for members, like seeing the garden at night during the winter. For less than fifteen bucks i walked away with honey from the keys, a sage plant and some delicious conch fritters in my belly. I also picked up some cards from local organic gardening resources!
I was trying to play the rest of the coming week on the cheap so i made a vegetable curry with some curry paste i had lying around and tossed in shrimp that i had bought earlier that day, cashews i had, and from my share carrots, kale, onion, green pepper and sweet potato. It was pretty delicious once i got passed the burning off my tongue part....That was my lunch for a few days with some brown rice. I also steamed the giant head of broccoli and tossed it in with some of the leftover roasted tomatoes from the previous share (drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper and tossed in the oven until bubbly), heavy cream, fresh grated parmesan and pasta. The sweetness of the tomatoes was perfectly balanced by the parmesan and the cream covered the broccoli enough to make it tolerable. i am pretty over broccoli at this point.
The homemade highlight of the week was actually a Nigella Lawson recipe. I have several of her cookbooks that i turn to for inspiration occasionally. She has an amazing carbonara receipe that i always turn to when i need something salty and cheesy. I had also seen a receipe for pasta with peas, cream and ham that i had to try. With the peas from my share i made this that i am still craving this week!
Pasta with peas, cream and ham
taken from FEAST by Nigella Lawson
200 g farfalle or other short pasta
100 g frozen petits pois
150 ml double cream
150 g diced ham
2 tbsp grated parmesan
Cook the pasta according to packet instructions in plenty of salted boiling water, and then after 5 minutes add the peas to the pasta water.
When the pasta is cooked, drain well with the peas. Put the dry pan back on the heat with the cream, ham and parmesan and warm it through. Add the pasta and peas back to the pan, tossing everything together well.
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