tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66187403172446521992024-03-05T23:56:08.120-08:00Music to FoodMusic for the cook in all of us...or cooking for the music lover in all of us.Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-75619716813643984562012-02-10T07:34:00.000-08:002012-02-10T08:34:34.351-08:00a break from blogging, not from cookingOK, so life has apparently gotten in the way of blogging (as well as the format of blogger), but here are a few pictures for you guys of a meal that I made the other week. I've actually been cooking a lot, but taking the time to take the photos while cooking is just something I've neglected to do.<br /><br />Then blogger takes way too long to create posts with pictures, so that's been another reason this has been on the back burner. Excuses, excuses...<br /><br />First, here's some music I was listening to while cooking. Robert Earl Keen<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JM_eK2mFogk" allowfullscreen="" width="420" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><br /><br />So I got the recipe here:<br /><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pork_schnitzel/">http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pork_schnitzel/</a><br /><br />I also made sauteed bell peppers and herb pita bread with cheese.<br />Here's what I started with:<br />Panko, cheese, bell peppers, pork, egg, garlic herb pita (Thank you H.E.B.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9HZ3dd-48Bacn9xXsZdNmW9SObl2Mxt_ZeYFDWSsGd_AcSb2m7cJK02I9RsWeXqWkzbSL3zjNJQKl2V3k7jovEXQIGeYDdowPIvBk8x4srD-H8RxSJsFON9W8vY4mu4qYAWGt2zGO2Y/s1600/IMG_2898.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9HZ3dd-48Bacn9xXsZdNmW9SObl2Mxt_ZeYFDWSsGd_AcSb2m7cJK02I9RsWeXqWkzbSL3zjNJQKl2V3k7jovEXQIGeYDdowPIvBk8x4srD-H8RxSJsFON9W8vY4mu4qYAWGt2zGO2Y/s320/IMG_2898.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707534136716921778" border="0" /></a><br />Chop the bell peppers first. This will take longer than you think. Then saute them with a little olive oil and onions if you like the flavor onions add (I do). I also add chopped garlic, salt, pepper, basil and sometimes oregano.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXKcnKdi4MbJl8qu1Mmj9cdIf51ZDnG6-f-zdBBRrH3C4dB6pdeK4keaatLthzhIfQJnQA9R4k6pbNVpEcqs-FppM75gqYngQojV8TViQJorj6UAiofysSq-OxZ-el7m7UKzoJQ7Xp6Q/s1600/IMG_2901.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXKcnKdi4MbJl8qu1Mmj9cdIf51ZDnG6-f-zdBBRrH3C4dB6pdeK4keaatLthzhIfQJnQA9R4k6pbNVpEcqs-FppM75gqYngQojV8TViQJorj6UAiofysSq-OxZ-el7m7UKzoJQ7Xp6Q/s320/IMG_2901.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707540574601066194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqRsX7e6tnnFwwru6sTO1YcMVDsMC4le8ZW24j5BPicIACgOKPh4f0vNg8rldZIcaqDfWwjzH13vnkAhl94kBM7eQkPDEpkHnY44pX1LlIrBg06XSNiM6A2zgS_WJjoeaDyFB_nkKxnI/s1600/IMG_2903.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqRsX7e6tnnFwwru6sTO1YcMVDsMC4le8ZW24j5BPicIACgOKPh4f0vNg8rldZIcaqDfWwjzH13vnkAhl94kBM7eQkPDEpkHnY44pX1LlIrBg06XSNiM6A2zgS_WJjoeaDyFB_nkKxnI/s320/IMG_2903.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707534156659215346" border="0" /></a>Once those get going, start getting your breading together for your pork. Line it up with a plate waiting for the battered pork. Flour mixture, eggs, Panko break crumb mixture. I think next time I might use corn starch in the flour mixture. I've seen this work really well with chicken.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Once they're all covered in bread crumb goodness, put some butter or olive oil in the pan (or both actually) and get the pan really hot. When you flick water into it, it should pop.<br />Put those little guys in there. By the way, keep the bell peppers sauteing on another pan/burner. They're probably not done yet. If they are to your liking, just put it on low to keep them warm.<br /><br />These thin slices of pork really don't take long to cook at all. I think I did mine for 2-3 minutes per side since they were so thin. The breadcrumbs don't get a full chance to brown if you don't cook them long enough though, so maybe get thicker slices so you can cook them for about 5 minutes per side.<br />Then...you're done with the pork...here's what you get...<br />Golden deliciousness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewc_70ahiGxCmZHVLFXKaPtYp52MqvvDRp6z1E4A__AByitpOZnY9j75R4HT4LsNrf_sUOzoEKyWkGPYqhE5WlVJEo8W6ZICI1LILoRso8w0c3g28dJ52EeBF3Or2UgrJu6KhY1ioftk/s1600/IMG_2907.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewc_70ahiGxCmZHVLFXKaPtYp52MqvvDRp6z1E4A__AByitpOZnY9j75R4HT4LsNrf_sUOzoEKyWkGPYqhE5WlVJEo8W6ZICI1LILoRso8w0c3g28dJ52EeBF3Or2UgrJu6KhY1ioftk/s320/IMG_2907.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707534160587623074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While you keep working on those, put your oven on broil for the bread. I put an Italian blend of cheese on the flat breads, but you could use whatever is most melt-able and tastes good to you. Once the oven is preheated, put those babies in there for just 2 - 3 minutes. Check them every now and then until the cheese is melted and looks kind of like this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8NTXO9-RuIIRRt8IVW7P1jJNrbTM1CpJ2QvlLaOrgfAvbAbQuXGyO2co3G6R7-Dgq_zosPlIh5HkZD9fqvzimtwA4TjczFIR3SrfPHCYp4KGXyoqHZYMsKMVysMspl9S1JtfDeSlrgw/s1600/IMG_2909.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8NTXO9-RuIIRRt8IVW7P1jJNrbTM1CpJ2QvlLaOrgfAvbAbQuXGyO2co3G6R7-Dgq_zosPlIh5HkZD9fqvzimtwA4TjczFIR3SrfPHCYp4KGXyoqHZYMsKMVysMspl9S1JtfDeSlrgw/s320/IMG_2909.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707540235863221202" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I pile the bell peppers on here and eat it like an open faced bell pepper pizza/sandwich thing. YUM.<br /><br />Now for the sauce. I didn't have all the ingredients that this recipe called for, but I usually don't use recipes anyway. Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen.<br />For the Chicken Stock, I actually used Turkey stock that we canned from last Thanksgiving. I had done a Maple Glazed Turkey with Sage Butter wrapped in Bacon. Yup, Bacon Maple and Sage. I make it every year now, so here's the post about it from <a href="http://musictofood.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html">Thanksgiving 2010</a> (MAN...a LONG time ago).<br />Anyway, I used that stock to deglaze the pan. Then, since I didn't have sour cream, I mixed plain Greek yogurt with cream cheese and dill. Once I got that mixed together, I tossed it in the pan with the bacon maple sage turkey stock. Here's what we ended up with.<br /><br />Drool.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOR1itfTMRdNS8CWvJmSrT6DMmqYnsN35PM-j7DchDYbW0pGkVffukX300_8GRUntwx3noRXZPPlbH5NJzD4jYJvbZkijwGDwcti0bumCtP8qMonP46_6AujolnHnDWSyVgpJQxvJHAWc/s1600/IMG_2911.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOR1itfTMRdNS8CWvJmSrT6DMmqYnsN35PM-j7DchDYbW0pGkVffukX300_8GRUntwx3noRXZPPlbH5NJzD4jYJvbZkijwGDwcti0bumCtP8qMonP46_6AujolnHnDWSyVgpJQxvJHAWc/s320/IMG_2911.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707539140716716130" border="0" /></a><br />You can put the sauce on top of the pork, or make a little bed of it for the pork to lay on (or both).<br /><br />I paired it with Robert Monteverdi Pinot Grigio and it was awesome. I'm normally not a huge white wine fan, but this was excellent. It's fairly sweet, but not so sweet that this dry red wine lover couldn't handle it.<br /><br />Here's another picture for you. YUM.<br />As a side note: refrigerate the sauce it you can use it as a chip dip, bagel spread or reheat it for your cream dill sauce again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOEL8upc_YK_BNW4a1rQsDgoVIuIRylREFMJnu6HXBB0dJCBUqThSykwNQvwgnnc5U73U32lfMZ5M_pKuMqBVg4bsKRG-7Ze_y3V5niNTSrYcU9YZQWo0eep5wooXlUXnHKZGryql0KY/s1600/IMG_2912.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOEL8upc_YK_BNW4a1rQsDgoVIuIRylREFMJnu6HXBB0dJCBUqThSykwNQvwgnnc5U73U32lfMZ5M_pKuMqBVg4bsKRG-7Ze_y3V5niNTSrYcU9YZQWo0eep5wooXlUXnHKZGryql0KY/s320/IMG_2912.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707542748017457074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQj9SmFm9VlqqGdm-vHzfqJAvhQxHbdd0_Vd_bLg8FSgRBlbSdeS87TgRvwa18sLZ_IJRFBuEauzS4saOql6dGU1SSf-wJpEwZfqMbX7EG27r_u0IJry4_WPkY_ymhVmR-qbPMjCn3p4/s1600/IMG_2912.jpg"><br /></a>Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-82077406335518687762011-04-19T10:46:00.000-07:002011-04-20T11:13:07.660-07:00Appetizer of my life...Ok, so it wasn't really a "dinner party" but it counts. It was me cooking and two of my girl friends coming over to hang out and help cook and eat. I'm just going to talk about the appetizer for right now...<br /><br />Here's some music to get you started though. This was the perfect pairing for the night:<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zvSBDxE_M1E" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /><br />So, to start off, I purchased some black forest prosciutto to wrap around asparagus. I got the black forest one since it was smokier than the westphalian prosciutto.<br />Basically, trim the end of the asparagus, wrap the proschiutto around it and then put it in the oven at 425ish for about 20 minutes. Turn half way through.<br /><br />You get this: and this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nrSsnab2VPzpUKb6pNZ1jFMm2hZ0Cbj2ydyyqfamSw1WeLJoFio-kiA32_ujT_hCqbVEmIKFjIyu4UjBpiTiFzV4Avjq41hnnfEoqPfMMxWRvNcbOgKcXb1ZFIXAKMyTf9j0IpodXAk/s1600/IMG_1856.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nrSsnab2VPzpUKb6pNZ1jFMm2hZ0Cbj2ydyyqfamSw1WeLJoFio-kiA32_ujT_hCqbVEmIKFjIyu4UjBpiTiFzV4Avjq41hnnfEoqPfMMxWRvNcbOgKcXb1ZFIXAKMyTf9j0IpodXAk/s320/IMG_1856.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597354533310754722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWTypi97tWO3vlQXi0HxtqizO6V22XB6ewJWNLLEzOI7-seO0RKLtwN3vSwv6IWx3OLfICCat2lPlj0U3cHtZiJcXi9_z-J9fMB4yTPcCz3MqvqTsM-lTXY2SHi7qTw0lcg9ahYUtaN4/s1600/IMG_1857.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWTypi97tWO3vlQXi0HxtqizO6V22XB6ewJWNLLEzOI7-seO0RKLtwN3vSwv6IWx3OLfICCat2lPlj0U3cHtZiJcXi9_z-J9fMB4yTPcCz3MqvqTsM-lTXY2SHi7qTw0lcg9ahYUtaN4/s320/IMG_1857.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597354545288612722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then for the hollondaise sauce.<br />Take 4 egg yolks and scramble them up.<br />put them over LOW heat and stir continuously with a whisk. Do NOT let them scramble.<br />You know that they are ready for the butter when you run the whisk across the bottom of the pan and you can see the pan for a second or so.<br />Then slowly add 2 sticks of butter 2 tablespoons at a time letting each addition melt completely before you add more. Stir constantly with the whisk.<br />...yup...that's right...2 whole sticks.<br />Then add a 2 tables spoons of lemon juice and little bit of cayenne pepper to your liking and call it good.<br />Then drizzle that on top of the asparagus or just dip the asparagus straight in...YUM.<br /><br />Here's what you get. Pair it with some good cheeses and I chose Francis Ford Coppola Malbec wine. YUM...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBtylxh9j3OA3zXUyLWYkN_reF3-OQfhRwKfAJXRSgd0GNOkgQSeM8ochaAjr91wCbaaTJ_tcbRUMKFmjQZcMAOKZ2vdXWSOWKq7m1B0B2jdLbPGIRYxIftZ8huGQyhVwEJA5J4_7TPA/s1600/IMG_1859.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBtylxh9j3OA3zXUyLWYkN_reF3-OQfhRwKfAJXRSgd0GNOkgQSeM8ochaAjr91wCbaaTJ_tcbRUMKFmjQZcMAOKZ2vdXWSOWKq7m1B0B2jdLbPGIRYxIftZ8huGQyhVwEJA5J4_7TPA/s320/IMG_1859.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597356822283342642" border="0" /></a>Nom nom nom...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRpTNp8UmYikbwHfgLSlQKKw0d1H4V5_Yp8T_w6ug99XPnZNI2WDYDHoIUVhmWhuwHxMEXTzJV7M1KGDNo-tcwmRXAjkSkKy76YvdeDgpL4RWsX7XI7zsj7E8Li4pFIVD1SwrCtxfKYk/s1600/IMG_1860.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRpTNp8UmYikbwHfgLSlQKKw0d1H4V5_Yp8T_w6ug99XPnZNI2WDYDHoIUVhmWhuwHxMEXTzJV7M1KGDNo-tcwmRXAjkSkKy76YvdeDgpL4RWsX7XI7zsj7E8Li4pFIVD1SwrCtxfKYk/s320/IMG_1860.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597356829409242578" border="0" /></a>Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-46383935267023093912011-03-22T12:31:00.000-07:002011-03-28T08:25:44.480-07:00road trip relaxationI didn't cook much last week, but I did take time to enjoy some fantastic food out of town. Then I enjoyed driving back down I10 after a weekend of food, beer, friends, shotguns, and baseball...oh yeah. <br /><br />I didn't take pictures of <a href="http://damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com/wordpress/">Moon Tower Inn</a>, but it had hotdogs made with your choice of meat: beef, venison, bison, boar, rabbit, lamb...you name it. Then you top it with your choice of any number of toppings from saurkraut to feta cheese...and the bun is made from a pretzel dough. Great with a good cold beer. Plus, their URL is "damngoodfoodcoldassbeer" I mean...really...how can you go wrong?<br /><br />...but the pictures that I took were of some of my favorite food at one of my favorite restaurants<br /><br />First, let me give you some music to listen to as you read...<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qf40fITaxss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />The restaurant I went to:<br /><a href="http://www.mi-luna.net/">Mi Luna</a><br />The menu and wine menu are a little out of date with slightly different prices and descriptions, but it's pretty much the same.<br /><br />Here's the entire meal...<br />from above...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHHNvKL9vDLOIkmGvRch6E6xs1M2kB-vXgdUKZhgilmt05kkbZI6GuoKQxWaFf4FwuyHLPAcreR274TgofMehZrD-mpLA4HmrQkdX0KMeZ-GHG6uynwHYAMGPLkgimM-uac93mXGkXys/s1600/IMG_1805.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHHNvKL9vDLOIkmGvRch6E6xs1M2kB-vXgdUKZhgilmt05kkbZI6GuoKQxWaFf4FwuyHLPAcreR274TgofMehZrD-mpLA4HmrQkdX0KMeZ-GHG6uynwHYAMGPLkgimM-uac93mXGkXys/s320/IMG_1805.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587338839819210306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />and from my perspective...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43gG_PpdixgXeKy3AeJU0TZ1tYM6YczSPPR0vlRbZnTKrrqLMnH0d-DRmlbYGahEY0rSL7PiwdNWMg7J83GWFq01BunxPNyZwtZ4NujXO6iBuAWZma3V3kNiZIINr4_9plkIsrBsskvI/s1600/IMG_1803.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43gG_PpdixgXeKy3AeJU0TZ1tYM6YczSPPR0vlRbZnTKrrqLMnH0d-DRmlbYGahEY0rSL7PiwdNWMg7J83GWFq01BunxPNyZwtZ4NujXO6iBuAWZma3V3kNiZIINr4_9plkIsrBsskvI/s320/IMG_1803.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587339074788773842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, what do we have here?<br /><br />Let's break it down...<br /><br />queso de cabre montanes<br />(baked goat cheese with tomato basil sauce and toast)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbWL6Ju54UgQ1yycq8ahm6Kn6ei0hwRLPWYpHzF-yEXMwwiZYOrcPnE_OxPEuE88cy1Epr7uSFGWU3vwZitcGKIhedpc_JGumF4cSjliZ2EakF7jGqZfSUvYLIeY-bXVfeVaI4jW8OEI/s1600/IMG_1800.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbWL6Ju54UgQ1yycq8ahm6Kn6ei0hwRLPWYpHzF-yEXMwwiZYOrcPnE_OxPEuE88cy1Epr7uSFGWU3vwZitcGKIhedpc_JGumF4cSjliZ2EakF7jGqZfSUvYLIeY-bXVfeVaI4jW8OEI/s320/IMG_1800.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587342057366782850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46KnKCz3HgKArNkm5YVDPVm79l4QWLjSbmzSnaxRCVTOWLG5-6zFeJQcRPM5lP32zgHh2CdQyAUUiV3fSKjnHmyt0PbViwZZQ26PStlpPFnQMPXPmDMpBQ84B7eaGYO79eDNR6Ut8wh4/s1600/IMG_1801.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46KnKCz3HgKArNkm5YVDPVm79l4QWLjSbmzSnaxRCVTOWLG5-6zFeJQcRPM5lP32zgHh2CdQyAUUiV3fSKjnHmyt0PbViwZZQ26PStlpPFnQMPXPmDMpBQ84B7eaGYO79eDNR6Ut8wh4/s320/IMG_1801.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587342272573449858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then we have pinchos de carne<br />basically beef, bell peppers and onions on a skewer with saffron rice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7eKNtXIkBPcVutay1C9r4ab_fqsxqrO_KMmft2AXDopMyvk9PQLXA0p3V1gZfNB0UZHrdsfVwFVo7erH2NOsRQC5yWMEtI7emE933dLzJz4XVtL9dqWUbXj-iYzd4N1YSBj1cjaM5yc/s1600/IMG_1799.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7eKNtXIkBPcVutay1C9r4ab_fqsxqrO_KMmft2AXDopMyvk9PQLXA0p3V1gZfNB0UZHrdsfVwFVo7erH2NOsRQC5yWMEtI7emE933dLzJz4XVtL9dqWUbXj-iYzd4N1YSBj1cjaM5yc/s320/IMG_1799.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587342687534979506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbYCQejBhy1sPRb-PE68oixjK372YPe2mwitg18VJCGCOKqXvCV1DvsgsrmNjzqndyfM-0xvXMAmkdvvWrB4rGXt5Lysd7VVWFa8QjTK46Ff9JPyNuWkgaXSeJGhFcRBs4jkV0qqZ91k/s1600/IMG_1797.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbYCQejBhy1sPRb-PE68oixjK372YPe2mwitg18VJCGCOKqXvCV1DvsgsrmNjzqndyfM-0xvXMAmkdvvWrB4rGXt5Lysd7VVWFa8QjTK46Ff9JPyNuWkgaXSeJGhFcRBs4jkV0qqZ91k/s320/IMG_1797.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587342863226243266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...and croquetas de pollo<br />(shredded chicken and saffron rice...in a ball...soooo yummy)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRKBNRzHWWZ_SRZWg5AGGZ-TX7zIaxF03FGx1ZgYMP1txfoqa3UjR0P_yFwQ7m5R3p11T2_N90XYKjKaev5rl-vUS7EIbL_K5TLxeWwE930AnFE0leqRNhbvlO9ySX4oSu3Wq-gOtzFQ/s1600/IMG_1798.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRKBNRzHWWZ_SRZWg5AGGZ-TX7zIaxF03FGx1ZgYMP1txfoqa3UjR0P_yFwQ7m5R3p11T2_N90XYKjKaev5rl-vUS7EIbL_K5TLxeWwE930AnFE0leqRNhbvlO9ySX4oSu3Wq-gOtzFQ/s320/IMG_1798.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587343295668490146" border="0" /></a>and here's the inside...it looks a little strange, but oohhhh soooo tasty...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeKc0xvhOYnT3Pl1HRmJPqPADd-GKNnf8dh9d8IsoXd96audXRH32xrXaWZom3B5YRUu90xdVmkAk4cwwUV3NTK_wL21VJSQadJfrAH_mE9tftNHW5zHkngJXqVnPZpaDmMPmJUcxK-I/s1600/IMG_1806.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeKc0xvhOYnT3Pl1HRmJPqPADd-GKNnf8dh9d8IsoXd96audXRH32xrXaWZom3B5YRUu90xdVmkAk4cwwUV3NTK_wL21VJSQadJfrAH_mE9tftNHW5zHkngJXqVnPZpaDmMPmJUcxK-I/s320/IMG_1806.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587343494943764354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I had a couple different red wines. I started with Araucano Pino Noir, which was light enough to drink while waiting for the food and then switched to <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Diseño Malbec</strong> which was dark, rich and sat just heavy enough on my tongue.<br /><br />Later, I walked to the frozen yogurt shop and had vanilla yogurt (I'm sure it was vanilla bean or something, but I don't remember) and fresh blackberries...<br />Go ahead...<br />drool...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PV2IYW5xbg27rElNbczkeVjyFMLP0dln0J2SMYka2az-9gDRf08i7CWkpF7gB1bP9NLIlpge4FcwOohSkRPjsbxgfXUcsJtax0totTNpkcgvJ4yer9S82clz0Esa4U93fePNS7DzoSY/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PV2IYW5xbg27rElNbczkeVjyFMLP0dln0J2SMYka2az-9gDRf08i7CWkpF7gB1bP9NLIlpge4FcwOohSkRPjsbxgfXUcsJtax0totTNpkcgvJ4yer9S82clz0Esa4U93fePNS7DzoSY/s320/IMG_1808.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587344955340943714" border="0" /></a>Now wipe the drool off your keyboard and get back to work...Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-71322016286244784422011-03-11T10:02:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:45:37.497-08:00comfort music and foodWell, it's been a long few weeks with crazy work schedules and friend commitments, which means I need some "me" time. This means cooking a comforting meal and listening to some blues. I find it very comforting to turn off my TV, talk radio, news, etc. and just let myself be in the moment with my music. It calms me and clears the clutter out of my head. :)<br /><br />Go ahead and press play while you read.<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/82hGTS-Q6xI" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /><br /><br />So, I made my twist on meatloaf (something I never really loved as a child, except as meatloaf sandwiches for leftovers).<br /><br />My first twist on this is that I use ground turkey, tomato sauce (no ketchup), and lots of italian seasonings (garlic, basil, oregano typically). My next twist is that I put the turkey in a cupcake pan so that you get individually portioned turkey patties of sorts. I also stuff the inside with some sort of cheese.<br /><br />I ate that with some orzo and a nice salad...yummy.<br /><br />So, the ingredients:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwW-u6hSAMrXIeD2qr5YKWSIIM3zuZTqSda3oGUJX50IDcrQ6cAbYeRtldYvOR3bZFHobfLW-6qBnwNJ30IUR6LWDLB-WyvnT-p2GtPTwaoypdjFdKMxOCq2H7BY9QQeFk8MnR1Cxx38/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwW-u6hSAMrXIeD2qr5YKWSIIM3zuZTqSda3oGUJX50IDcrQ6cAbYeRtldYvOR3bZFHobfLW-6qBnwNJ30IUR6LWDLB-WyvnT-p2GtPTwaoypdjFdKMxOCq2H7BY9QQeFk8MnR1Cxx38/s320/IMG_1760.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582891780997251026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />First, make your basic meatloaf recipe with your ground meat, a couple eggs (I only used 2), some bread crumbs and some onions. Then put in 1/2 a can of tomato sauce and 1/2 a can of crushed tomatoes. I like the texture of crushed tomatoes, but don't like huge chunks.<br /><br />Mix in however much garlic you really like. I got lazy and used pre-chopped garlic last night. I put a couple Tablespoons in, but I love garlic.<br /><br />If you'd like extra cheeziness, add in some parmesan.<br />Put in plenty of your favorite seasonings. I used basil, oregano, a pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper. I typically don't use much salt when I cook.<br /><br />Note: you could use the ground turkey that's already "italian seasoned," but the sodium levels are kind of crazy.<br /><br />Sorry there aren't many great pictures. The process of meatloaf isn't all that photogenic.<br /><br /><br />Put the meat in the muffin pans (after spraying really well with your favorite non-stick spray). My mom got me an olive oil sprayer for Christmas and I love it. You refill it with olive oil and pump it a few times before each use. Awesome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8W_65JlYq03Yb6ktUjeX-2MctM182Eizs36u8nG8bJb1yf9O8BXWgRhYTXsjV0FvW738U7kqkq_gs2vjztF7vkyf2gNO1UNGb-9KW90eskygwAYM_0bZO5ZBWDRjCbHVXOijQUDIzlQ/s1600/IMG_1762.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8W_65JlYq03Yb6ktUjeX-2MctM182Eizs36u8nG8bJb1yf9O8BXWgRhYTXsjV0FvW738U7kqkq_gs2vjztF7vkyf2gNO1UNGb-9KW90eskygwAYM_0bZO5ZBWDRjCbHVXOijQUDIzlQ/s320/IMG_1762.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582893103510864226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Once the meat is in the muffin pan, choose your favorite cheese for the filling. I like to use one that gets nice and gooey. I chose mozzarella pearls.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFDYAP2mcEdJqN0a7-vcRMxPr1aQd2vx5PjXkD8ZlvYi0JzDNjcH-ffbK8y6eq5l1Igcvw4VbPBQyt-uhyphenhyphenXYkX5lVLpWVz5cc2VwArligmu0GQ8ZxEy6mntTQ28fWGh9MrjVnXhwx-GI/s1600/IMG_1764.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFDYAP2mcEdJqN0a7-vcRMxPr1aQd2vx5PjXkD8ZlvYi0JzDNjcH-ffbK8y6eq5l1Igcvw4VbPBQyt-uhyphenhyphenXYkX5lVLpWVz5cc2VwArligmu0GQ8ZxEy6mntTQ28fWGh9MrjVnXhwx-GI/s320/IMG_1764.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582893891958544386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Put a few of those in the center of each turkey muffin (I don't have a good term for this yet).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPVloNrmvQix72rOvUafNCfmwG31XuGCfD2N66ldHGl6LtI7GSf0OMT_SJiQ3tt6u2Kbm57_QLhAf0ZB1PQZxx5dQJ7uTzktra1NEOT8x6caFlEE2J0ob33-WLeza1hJDPCBOUqtdqhM/s1600/IMG_1765.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPVloNrmvQix72rOvUafNCfmwG31XuGCfD2N66ldHGl6LtI7GSf0OMT_SJiQ3tt6u2Kbm57_QLhAf0ZB1PQZxx5dQJ7uTzktra1NEOT8x6caFlEE2J0ob33-WLeza1hJDPCBOUqtdqhM/s320/IMG_1765.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582895234341115746" border="0" /></a>Then cover with more turkey and put in the oven at 350 for about half an hour.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sI8VfH28k2Kwi9MvP1Cq-AD4jjbD-OAaiMlnjv-uTstOQXUSjTr1BgXlZ8mE55NAGRwg8BPJsj0sdLCwWydkRMg_ntO-hOF3iM1Cd8Zh8ZvDxwtP8PrLYbdyLRQIm0fGtCQYp1Hbgug/s1600/IMG_1767.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sI8VfH28k2Kwi9MvP1Cq-AD4jjbD-OAaiMlnjv-uTstOQXUSjTr1BgXlZ8mE55NAGRwg8BPJsj0sdLCwWydkRMg_ntO-hOF3iM1Cd8Zh8ZvDxwtP8PrLYbdyLRQIm0fGtCQYp1Hbgug/s320/IMG_1767.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582895567058817026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />While that is going, go ahead and make yourself a salad.<br />Here's what mine looked like:<br />Field greens, avocado and asiago cheese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1m1A_V5neAc0hNldrGhmDIHhRoYuv-KUioxw7l2ZHSkwY3UAUUCoFWDPqE3LmTVU3EM1mUNKHrCfGNA59u72DZ6pyOZYoEifNUW3RJjehsw7Kdmk8pkLIKQ51YwgoUPkhyphenhyphenJusQMLzs7w/s1600/IMG_1768.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1m1A_V5neAc0hNldrGhmDIHhRoYuv-KUioxw7l2ZHSkwY3UAUUCoFWDPqE3LmTVU3EM1mUNKHrCfGNA59u72DZ6pyOZYoEifNUW3RJjehsw7Kdmk8pkLIKQ51YwgoUPkhyphenhyphenJusQMLzs7w/s320/IMG_1768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582896642719281714" border="0" /></a><br />Then I cooked my orzo.<br />Basically, cook a couple cups of orzo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbx58nU9tHeJ93sVyHvDNqHU1QJfOWj70vuWIVdYbrBWGPg1Gi5TjA0NCRcGSXsf0H5Rs1dOmqOFJTDmU0i3p4G6w66Bv0Jghcu6eijyX17yVJmnLlxQ0puIXQvujxAVtCgFiUsJsJg8/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1514.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbx58nU9tHeJ93sVyHvDNqHU1QJfOWj70vuWIVdYbrBWGPg1Gi5TjA0NCRcGSXsf0H5Rs1dOmqOFJTDmU0i3p4G6w66Bv0Jghcu6eijyX17yVJmnLlxQ0puIXQvujxAVtCgFiUsJsJg8/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1514.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582898834105388146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Add in the remaining tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, a bunch of garlic, basil and oregano and a HEAP of parmesan cheese. You can also add some red wine if you'd like. I do that if it's too salty. If it's too sweet, then I add more salt and pepper. Just keep tasting until it's good (or until you're full and can't eat any for the meal anyway...hah!) Trust me. This stuff is addictive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-JA3MfPvvt1Ui3dGKfckRcK61LZUER2XnLLCTI4mjVCnYaUl1JROLG8ZD4L2OqoEK_-sAKQgEH8CmEixwXYqi0evtUExVgGEwKUgx12g2KoIvp2t7oFlRJM53Q6AFqKq-geJTgYevUg/s1600/IMG_1774.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-JA3MfPvvt1Ui3dGKfckRcK61LZUER2XnLLCTI4mjVCnYaUl1JROLG8ZD4L2OqoEK_-sAKQgEH8CmEixwXYqi0evtUExVgGEwKUgx12g2KoIvp2t7oFlRJM53Q6AFqKq-geJTgYevUg/s320/IMG_1774.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582898846633659266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The turkey should come out looking like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cUzmWGQo-REEF3hXMQCx15XYfblSeG1-bdOUt36L6ROxOZf01dfklTV7c-XTNmPRl9EfeDKFWIWyBiNEkCDy2UguqXD23hQo0jGj4DsBsC5fMRngKH3PJCssc9S4Nb0LfwbSeyQbBuY/s1600/IMG_1777.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cUzmWGQo-REEF3hXMQCx15XYfblSeG1-bdOUt36L6ROxOZf01dfklTV7c-XTNmPRl9EfeDKFWIWyBiNEkCDy2UguqXD23hQo0jGj4DsBsC5fMRngKH3PJCssc9S4Nb0LfwbSeyQbBuY/s320/IMG_1777.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582900713301300626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyQd3Qpt-UissM9W9p0NigWb7CA5bydDVCr5n9kHh8gLYZRzPszmCTK0L11OcVxIjQdWpAsHjtDwXPSYAN5CtkRQCygHHCaEnL6IaSRhginN8lRnnFTR3fxleDXmIVUliw97vVwRVu8Y/s1600/IMG_1786.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyQd3Qpt-UissM9W9p0NigWb7CA5bydDVCr5n9kHh8gLYZRzPszmCTK0L11OcVxIjQdWpAsHjtDwXPSYAN5CtkRQCygHHCaEnL6IaSRhginN8lRnnFTR3fxleDXmIVUliw97vVwRVu8Y/s320/IMG_1786.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582902837225159682" border="0" /></a>... and the wine I chose was one I picked up a a small wine shop in Gruene, TX called <a href="http://www.grapevineingruene.com/">The Grapevine.</a><br />I like how light and smooth this wine is. It's definitely not a "sweet" wine, but it just sits easy in your mouth and is smooth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, here are my plates at the end of the evening:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wl8JR3tX3fMQoe0MjoDDSyPMZtTsphKqdPfouECGjc7nfuFctfGY6h4oZgxlrRNth1VJ_S2IN0fMaYE7cFZ52e8SQiu55w5Eoc7C7ef5DQsc0EbrYXdMGcNpBQifRwWilG55uyQ9UBU/s1600/IMG_1783.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wl8JR3tX3fMQoe0MjoDDSyPMZtTsphKqdPfouECGjc7nfuFctfGY6h4oZgxlrRNth1VJ_S2IN0fMaYE7cFZ52e8SQiu55w5Eoc7C7ef5DQsc0EbrYXdMGcNpBQifRwWilG55uyQ9UBU/s320/IMG_1783.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582900313457428034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lastly...to wrap up the evening with some cheer...here's Ray living it up, man. Oh, and if you go to the actual YouTube video, you'll see a comment from someone stating the following "Talk about no talent, rippin off Kayne like dat." I'm a little sad and highly disturbed that someone would think that Ray Charles ripped off Kanye. I'm hoping the post was a joke.<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3IQBKWdXnqU" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe>Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-42531508059148159702011-03-02T10:40:00.000-08:002011-03-02T15:26:24.171-08:00Honey, Lime and Cilantro...yumSo, I like to incorporate a few recipes together to create my meals. This is how I created the most recent one last night.<br /><br />The menu:<br />Honey, cilantro, lime glaze on salmon<br />Saffron and garlic mashed potatoes<br />Green beans with bacon, onions, and almonds.<br /><br />Here's how you start...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdnt4B9-eomTyx8j0J38CUZ9OMYQqjDVF-f9DLXx9BSl4K7tMo54Nox4z9dWbmACVsZg_BUovbqrZUH9UGgpZcLFM3XhkCEbV1DyNdLAxWXUUsuuYns1dVhzZ5j-zTXPjkyzNXaHQ1_w/s1600/IMG_1713.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdnt4B9-eomTyx8j0J38CUZ9OMYQqjDVF-f9DLXx9BSl4K7tMo54Nox4z9dWbmACVsZg_BUovbqrZUH9UGgpZcLFM3XhkCEbV1DyNdLAxWXUUsuuYns1dVhzZ5j-zTXPjkyzNXaHQ1_w/s320/IMG_1713.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579554949352894242" border="0" /></a>Peel the potatoes (although I like some skins).<br />Snap the ends off the green beans<br />...and start a couple pots of water boiling.<br /><br />Put the beans in one pot and potatoes in another.<br /><br />For the salmon glaze, heat up some honey in a pot, add lime juice and 1 bunch of cilantro.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iHvXqvQHI0TlfZhFTak4AyioNoDb2fwrDHm-4pY97hmkGVCwcYxHQCGFYA23IZhgkkbbPhq-tza7ZA9XLrZzWNILqtYkWx9ysvwjfUO-QYIHtOn8saTsvgFCADbnu_at82yi47D-iVs/s1600/IMG_1714.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iHvXqvQHI0TlfZhFTak4AyioNoDb2fwrDHm-4pY97hmkGVCwcYxHQCGFYA23IZhgkkbbPhq-tza7ZA9XLrZzWNILqtYkWx9ysvwjfUO-QYIHtOn8saTsvgFCADbnu_at82yi47D-iVs/s320/IMG_1714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579555443813923170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Preheat the oven to 425 to 450 for the salmon.<br />Brush the glaze on the salmon.<br />Don't put the salmon in the oven for a few minutes. You don't want the potatoes to be hard still when the salmon is done (and salmon cooks fast).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfqlAw4bOKJX4WxmOXeZvLwJUU4P-7Wo51rnkgwqTg8vzbvul7T18jsLb6nblTDyhpprpvGCUt90qNA53EvcgYdJ21thR-MCXAGAknH7Z18xzwzG0dFxNPbGRyfn6tC7cIXioEPcdkAQ/s1600/IMG_1715.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfqlAw4bOKJX4WxmOXeZvLwJUU4P-7Wo51rnkgwqTg8vzbvul7T18jsLb6nblTDyhpprpvGCUt90qNA53EvcgYdJ21thR-MCXAGAknH7Z18xzwzG0dFxNPbGRyfn6tC7cIXioEPcdkAQ/s320/IMG_1715.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579556152590043186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the mean time, cut some garlic and add it, along with saffron to milk.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3vnlDfUrIefjTfqyWf2C3QThqeMAzVwVpSXTRXsFuP1FT721d6LfYMQKr1g-UKH8D8A-4PQFW2n7wLewBR0lCSXw3JWRc30W4GBL1eH6Fjv9fKII3VGigtwGuvla1WIg4czMPkX7JTU/s1600/IMG_1716.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3vnlDfUrIefjTfqyWf2C3QThqeMAzVwVpSXTRXsFuP1FT721d6LfYMQKr1g-UKH8D8A-4PQFW2n7wLewBR0lCSXw3JWRc30W4GBL1eH6Fjv9fKII3VGigtwGuvla1WIg4czMPkX7JTU/s320/IMG_1716.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579556606859351234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5AYNP9MyRq_1nvm1ioUCallXVAt9qsuaX9dxok6g9p_kGtvnhjpqLJJqU92_85Mftebrb7cBXLKtsXgddlc6SJB3go-MMohdGhHtPrJeT3F6e4ydSZNvn-gZsS0y1DLrS1DTPS2lAY8/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5AYNP9MyRq_1nvm1ioUCallXVAt9qsuaX9dxok6g9p_kGtvnhjpqLJJqU92_85Mftebrb7cBXLKtsXgddlc6SJB3go-MMohdGhHtPrJeT3F6e4ydSZNvn-gZsS0y1DLrS1DTPS2lAY8/s320/IMG_1718.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579556895820722194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As the saffron steeps in the milk, check to see if the green beans are fairly tender. If they are how you want them, go ahead and chop up the bacon (I cut off a lot of the fat).<br /><br />Put the bacon in a pan and cook on medium.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJtqyjoe6zUzgKrkUsdjHA8h2UG6k6a3lOX17ma1gWkoBnxC0_cpz8bzZWsfiKaEi1uA-UDihsZspGbUU4-9zRVqXh13qAmBHnNQq8lFXPel3fqTHloELgot5AeAS5tzrhNWnJ6pspPM/s1600/IMG_1720.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJtqyjoe6zUzgKrkUsdjHA8h2UG6k6a3lOX17ma1gWkoBnxC0_cpz8bzZWsfiKaEi1uA-UDihsZspGbUU4-9zRVqXh13qAmBHnNQq8lFXPel3fqTHloELgot5AeAS5tzrhNWnJ6pspPM/s320/IMG_1720.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579557820916524882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6AWmPKDwbjcQS4zlnW75tkzvVDhS4fZMKHFeM6SgLY5fcd8COn0ktfPVsa1j0qR1_X5aCjTgICHisG5FmkdyXlWy5qja3wVS3zwgka6zZcwYnRAxGA93SbidPA0iB0N36jv-hicFW8Q/s1600/IMG_1722.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6AWmPKDwbjcQS4zlnW75tkzvVDhS4fZMKHFeM6SgLY5fcd8COn0ktfPVsa1j0qR1_X5aCjTgICHisG5FmkdyXlWy5qja3wVS3zwgka6zZcwYnRAxGA93SbidPA0iB0N36jv-hicFW8Q/s320/IMG_1722.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579558089896089682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Put the salmon in the oven for about 10 minutes.<br />Then turn it up to a broil for another 2 minutes<br /><br />Now...back to the green beans.<br />Add onions to the bacon and let cook a little bit (until the onions get pretty clear).<br />Then pile on the green beans.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfSYtp9JKbt3i4_VtbdfuMnJ1ZCOD7LxsYyjdzZOv5spwu5L_z1bdEFNawTgaNh2yckttwqsxw6GupBztLmnCbDZPhVUV3se8DkdHfpftmMQRb9BrYQZPU1wLSCuBnfi8plSJf1uOoBQ/s1600/IMG_1723.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfSYtp9JKbt3i4_VtbdfuMnJ1ZCOD7LxsYyjdzZOv5spwu5L_z1bdEFNawTgaNh2yckttwqsxw6GupBztLmnCbDZPhVUV3se8DkdHfpftmMQRb9BrYQZPU1wLSCuBnfi8plSJf1uOoBQ/s320/IMG_1723.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579558780111213522" border="0" /></a>After the green beans have started to soak in those flavors, top with some almond <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfNLFM_voSt7UAiFUKaZbA0M2DInHESbHyICuQZyGVWIbZPuA5Q3IKZxRpa_HEZLPg0xpxXkcgC8etVtRPpfpwlBwqaftdwFrXMOO0gqxPm1-AkPCaepkyMDQlfDMvq6zzsBcWy9gevg/s1600/IMG_1725.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfNLFM_voSt7UAiFUKaZbA0M2DInHESbHyICuQZyGVWIbZPuA5Q3IKZxRpa_HEZLPg0xpxXkcgC8etVtRPpfpwlBwqaftdwFrXMOO0gqxPm1-AkPCaepkyMDQlfDMvq6zzsBcWy9gevg/s320/IMG_1725.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579559153056240466" border="0" /></a>slivers...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />OK...for the complete meal, drain the potatoes and then mash in the saffron garlic milk. You can add cheese if you'd like too.<br /><br /><br /><br />Here's the plate a few times for you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK25p5b6DeMRWPLEkLUDs7STH3Y1QYJQayYJ7GvD6WqPpi_X1Q4xb-29GVJunnUojuhlfLcwpjIn_ep5vE3xcVKF-jw0QwUI8O383HRItTcO2CHmkh1s-jhpXEOCAmSqjjyNDsMvaKdfg/s1600/IMG_1732.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK25p5b6DeMRWPLEkLUDs7STH3Y1QYJQayYJ7GvD6WqPpi_X1Q4xb-29GVJunnUojuhlfLcwpjIn_ep5vE3xcVKF-jw0QwUI8O383HRItTcO2CHmkh1s-jhpXEOCAmSqjjyNDsMvaKdfg/s320/IMG_1732.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579560176901334386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxau7ehg_E0Q9SrwvSIqqGsIRLNKf1zwKi4gAWW43Cy_KR16AAE9gFzHF_CtFCfYtfSE3qWNetyrTQu4KoiRhCoRuXhQNZj194HMQCbpC5p3gu0pIvmkyz2Gmj3vx-sx4HJXBCWCPQUi0/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxau7ehg_E0Q9SrwvSIqqGsIRLNKf1zwKi4gAWW43Cy_KR16AAE9gFzHF_CtFCfYtfSE3qWNetyrTQu4KoiRhCoRuXhQNZj194HMQCbpC5p3gu0pIvmkyz2Gmj3vx-sx4HJXBCWCPQUi0/s320/IMG_1726.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579622160299749474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_yjzbcfnhyphenhyphenMDjVN9bVpSNM6zi_opCAajDs2-Kd3vOihyphenhyphenIwxc-F5GfdxuSUYXnfYFuUBqWtte7Dsa0m8EjGDp8IodiNAcSBtvB13CWS3zUYmI4RiHMU8DY6dmkR8YxJe30IajhhFqUoM/s1600/IMG_1729.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_yjzbcfnhyphenhyphenMDjVN9bVpSNM6zi_opCAajDs2-Kd3vOihyphenhyphenIwxc-F5GfdxuSUYXnfYFuUBqWtte7Dsa0m8EjGDp8IodiNAcSBtvB13CWS3zUYmI4RiHMU8DY6dmkR8YxJe30IajhhFqUoM/s320/IMG_1729.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579559839896114498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJZzn-5KZcj0qZcE1UVhgIc2onkvVraj7262utfUvzlkPG5qnL_rbM9dy_q0zRMELV0CUFV2TF2RR1ZhYwG859ro5rI3g4i6xYiDKGKLG9qYKRYu2h9agScYvsC-lCo7_XcUqeShsHag/s1600/IMG_1735.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJZzn-5KZcj0qZcE1UVhgIc2onkvVraj7262utfUvzlkPG5qnL_rbM9dy_q0zRMELV0CUFV2TF2RR1ZhYwG859ro5rI3g4i6xYiDKGKLG9qYKRYu2h9agScYvsC-lCo7_XcUqeShsHag/s320/IMG_1735.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579622662139331490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I chose a white wine, but honestly, it did not pair well with the meal... It was a Fetzer Gewurztraminer, which tasted a little too much of pears for some reason.<br /><br />The music for the evening was <a href="http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7735463">Afro Celt Sound System, Volume 1</a>.<br /><br />One of my favorite songs... I'm going to try to embed something here...let's see if it works!<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GTTDsD9DDBc" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe>Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-71005687778501466872011-03-01T12:39:00.001-08:002011-03-01T12:48:31.318-08:00Planning...OK, so I've been a little under the weather and haven't done much cooking. This week, I'm making up for it.<br /><br />Here's what you get to look forward to:<br /><br />Tonight:<br />Salmon with cilantro, honey, lime, garlic marinade.<br />Green Beans with sauteed onions and almonds on top.<br />Saffron and Garlic Mashed potatoes<br />Note: I've gathered that the way to bring out the saffron flavor is to let it steep in a liquid...like the milk that I'll use in the mashed potatoes. I'm going to test this tonight.<br />some sort of salad...<br /><br /><br />Thursday:<br />Little turkey mini meatloafs filled with cheese...I don't know what to call these things other than delicious. I created them one night when I was feeling inventive and now they are a great standby.<br />Basically, you make turkey meatloaf mixture, but put it in muffin pans. Fill the muffin pan half way, put whatever cheese in the middle and then pile on more of the turkey meatloaf stuff (with tomato sauce and a bunch of italian seasonings). These end up tasting kind of like chicken parmesan, without the breading and frying. There are breadcrumbs in the mixture though...<br />Orzo with garlic, basil, oregano, parmesan cheese, and a little bit of red wine. My friends seem to love this stuff. I think it's all the cheese.<br />Green salad...not sure what I'll put on it yet.<br /><br /><br />Saturday:<br />My experimentation day...<br />I've been missing my favorite restaurant in Houston and the delicious tapas there, so I'm going to attempt to make a few of my own. Stay tuned for details.<br /><br />If you have suggestions for beer or wine pairings, please let me know. Tapas on Saturday will definitely be paired with wine.Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-50492294692521337042011-02-21T16:29:00.000-08:002011-02-21T17:33:47.540-08:00always be flexible in the kitchenAlways be flexible in the kitchen...<br />This is a lesson that anyone who cooks on a regular basis learns early on. I tested this last week and learned how to improvise and make a meal that, while not the intended dish, is still indeed tasty.<br /><br />My goal last Thursday evening was to make Pad Thai. Now, I've made it once before and it was quite delightful. I looked up a few recipes online and said to myself "Sure, I can do this again. No big deal!"<br /><br />So, off to the store I went for supplies. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiXs3W7Ej5RwGoB1_w-xuouAKTtfA1Nbgg3nxMklibpE7mkIenKihx7KvgaWWhJY3rDYxbjhN7RM0zNlo_IM2CluRSBGKEoEWsrxrKxjndUaQQhlJITLYR0E-aMtAQI5NMWUjcb0V22w/s1600/IMG_1686.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiXs3W7Ej5RwGoB1_w-xuouAKTtfA1Nbgg3nxMklibpE7mkIenKihx7KvgaWWhJY3rDYxbjhN7RM0zNlo_IM2CluRSBGKEoEWsrxrKxjndUaQQhlJITLYR0E-aMtAQI5NMWUjcb0V22w/s320/IMG_1686.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576307372345410722" border="0" /></a><br />Here are the ingredients:<br />Rice Noodles, Carrots, Extra Firm Tofu, ground chicken (or grilled chicken sliced), eggs, lime, thai spices, fish oil and soy sauce (which wasn't in the recipe, but i had a feeling I'd want it around at some point)...<br /><br /><br /><br />Well, I realized that I forgot cilantro, which isn't in all recipes anyway, but I really like cilantro. I was too tired to go back to the store (not to mention that I didn't want to lose my fabulous parking space). So, this was concession #1. I had some chives laying around that I thought might taste kind of good, so I decided to throw those in there.<br /><br />The first time I made Pad Thai, I used grilled chicken tenders that I sliced thin. I decided to go for ground chicken this time, which was a poor decision. I also incorporated tofu, which was a delightful decision.<br /><br /><br />So, start by browning the ground chicken. I seasoned it with some fish oil, and then realized that I HATED the smell of fish oil. I then decided that this was not going to be authentic Pad Thai, but that's ok. I used Soy Sauce instead, along with a Thai spice mix that I bought at the store. Put that into a bowl and put to the side.<br /><br />Then fry a few eggs (I scramble them up after they've started to cook). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSG6qrlqk9lmY2uwmVQWqsWXVyqgBhYaN7rd-EYtW81D9vHB0l0V_uFYTx1wBv8DYX8pE8VjyX0qjqv9UQRF3olQvUWjXJ40YAMQSO9r19c8debbQkx9LE3boVfara4-W_Itrbl3cCD8/s1600/IMG_1691.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSG6qrlqk9lmY2uwmVQWqsWXVyqgBhYaN7rd-EYtW81D9vHB0l0V_uFYTx1wBv8DYX8pE8VjyX0qjqv9UQRF3olQvUWjXJ40YAMQSO9r19c8debbQkx9LE3boVfara4-W_Itrbl3cCD8/s320/IMG_1691.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576308538887208450" border="0" /></a><br />These will go on top of the dish.<br /><br />Also, toast some peanuts and crush them. I have a little nut grinder thing that makes course or find ground nuts. It's whatever your personal preference is. These also go on top of the dish.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R1pOlDfqoZWNomh8MtdzrqgmbfGi0LYNheO0pmoyfLOzN2KSPZ_6oe2sr5p4UqfaLS5_31ZYnQHy_lANSPz9O14bIIcPkVm8FqtF6InEW1fcPFiU8t1yse-6e5cUowvnCPgt4XIAZBQ/s1600/IMG_1689.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R1pOlDfqoZWNomh8MtdzrqgmbfGi0LYNheO0pmoyfLOzN2KSPZ_6oe2sr5p4UqfaLS5_31ZYnQHy_lANSPz9O14bIIcPkVm8FqtF6InEW1fcPFiU8t1yse-6e5cUowvnCPgt4XIAZBQ/s320/IMG_1689.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576309558651896642" border="0" /></a>Then cut the firm tofu into bite sized chunks and drizzle some fish oil (if you like it) on there and season with some spices. Throw that in the pan that you used for the chicken and the eggs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM21VvLd1QFwjNDmjUsfpmGQ2rH9CTzlAHJOObDjbgC7IcjnrEhIfuHAFDAa9csAX0qU1jIEoHAJphoxhqmnbrc6r-AL59hhhwnBVybsWVzml9dJpdfprSGER-ABFrTa9_NmNfbEnwNws/s1600/IMG_1697.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM21VvLd1QFwjNDmjUsfpmGQ2rH9CTzlAHJOObDjbgC7IcjnrEhIfuHAFDAa9csAX0qU1jIEoHAJphoxhqmnbrc6r-AL59hhhwnBVybsWVzml9dJpdfprSGER-ABFrTa9_NmNfbEnwNws/s320/IMG_1697.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576308856923440770" border="0" /></a>Then add the bean sprouts and carrots.<br />I also seasoned these with some soy sauce and Thai spice mixture.<br />I also have a Chinese 5 spice mixture that I may have thrown in there in attempts to get the fish oil smell out of my tiny non-ventilated kitchen.<br /><br />See how this really is no longer Pad Thai?! I was feeling so guilty by this point... (soy sauce...Chinese Spice mixture...ohh, I'm so sorry. )<br /><br /><br />OK...back to the cooking.<br />While you're cooking the tofu, carrots and bean sprouts in pretty much whatever seasonings you'd like (since apparently the Pad Thai has gone out the window), boil the rice noodles for just a few minutes...<br />While those are boiling, add the chicken into the mixture with the bean sprouts, carrots and tofu.<br />Then toss the noodles in with that and add more seasonings. The rice noodles have pretty much no flavor, so they take whatever you add to them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcALwkMpHN94i19Qak5Bhyphenhyphenw9j5-F9epPsxapdIkAR9LZ8bytPZroH-3H-s71wqV67Bnd-6cW_aC26NkS0FZoDqjt96AU3sAcQoYzy86VL_lOMuWKwLaxEL0kxmPD5R-lxDEH_8qDdjkU/s1600/IMG_1701.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcALwkMpHN94i19Qak5Bhyphenhyphenw9j5-F9epPsxapdIkAR9LZ8bytPZroH-3H-s71wqV67Bnd-6cW_aC26NkS0FZoDqjt96AU3sAcQoYzy86VL_lOMuWKwLaxEL0kxmPD5R-lxDEH_8qDdjkU/s320/IMG_1701.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576310117821451234" border="0" /></a><br />Mix well... and taste...<br />and if you're like me, you always think there's just something missing. So, since everything was just whatever smelled or tasted good to me that evening, I dug around in my spices to see what sounded / smelled appetizing.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Saffron!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HQ-nSNtPZMVjWNJWKMIUAasmY0pgFz4b9lvnuxfBBYWC09_zJR6CcW0nl0uLGfR21_9bbtjNIj-xT327N6OgDTAXolprW-kPzywTBtFeDhpW7J1XBprv-UBiKNW9cZWC8LGfkzARMTY/s1600/IMG_1703.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HQ-nSNtPZMVjWNJWKMIUAasmY0pgFz4b9lvnuxfBBYWC09_zJR6CcW0nl0uLGfR21_9bbtjNIj-xT327N6OgDTAXolprW-kPzywTBtFeDhpW7J1XBprv-UBiKNW9cZWC8LGfkzARMTY/s320/IMG_1703.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576311365460110306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />If you've never cooked with saffron, you MUST try it. I've had it in Spanish dishes before, but I've also had it in mashed potatoes. I love it!<br /><br />I also found it relatively cheap at Central Market, so I had just bought some when I bought all the other supplies for the evening.<br /><br />I kept adding saffron until it tasted the way I wanted it to.<br />Then I put it in a bowl and topped it with the eggs, peanuts and a couple slices of lime.<br /><br />So...here's how the dish turned out:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03Jog3XzYekEGVuMdsi-sZS29rmgrPHBXlpEGC1NBEjeI_V-fUV9r9Lu4t36QKZT72IB_1xeVLVgFyBspukN8-fh9igljVnO-HKvsr5I2nFkuwdGJzUAwyPrpS2T3V32SA-9E3GYuFwE/s1600/IMG_1712.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03Jog3XzYekEGVuMdsi-sZS29rmgrPHBXlpEGC1NBEjeI_V-fUV9r9Lu4t36QKZT72IB_1xeVLVgFyBspukN8-fh9igljVnO-HKvsr5I2nFkuwdGJzUAwyPrpS2T3V32SA-9E3GYuFwE/s320/IMG_1712.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576312002747240754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_hxN27GRBxqS8YDWH2zzUjP5QsnOtx9LKPDJxuOFXK4FARyrKSPmuUh9aSt3NAAJqWsGPsaRh5fyFUJYlHKPj8Ty4hmZzP9vw140O45tdHSY-knBUvWcmtmGmSHDCNzxQnaGB7mxCfE/s1600/IMG_1709.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_hxN27GRBxqS8YDWH2zzUjP5QsnOtx9LKPDJxuOFXK4FARyrKSPmuUh9aSt3NAAJqWsGPsaRh5fyFUJYlHKPj8Ty4hmZzP9vw140O45tdHSY-knBUvWcmtmGmSHDCNzxQnaGB7mxCfE/s320/IMG_1709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576312356870123186" border="0" /></a><br />Was it what I intended when I started the evening? No. Did I still enjoy it ... very much (although I still miss the cilantro on there).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghunVGNUgCSFxWgnUCYsZMaR2D50PXQbU8iFxUUmL4ferb_n41T8TAg5iNiRislWcQeijF0-Sr74af_DHEnLCgeGiGTg1mg4d6jwpUyM7dwTAcFZe4j6cI9U2gHBCrHefdEGlK96s9ZYw/s1600/IMG_1694.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghunVGNUgCSFxWgnUCYsZMaR2D50PXQbU8iFxUUmL4ferb_n41T8TAg5iNiRislWcQeijF0-Sr74af_DHEnLCgeGiGTg1mg4d6jwpUyM7dwTAcFZe4j6cI9U2gHBCrHefdEGlK96s9ZYw/s320/IMG_1694.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576313018602629506" border="0" /></a>For the beer pairing, I chose an odd combination, that worked ok, although I think next time I'd go for Kirin Ichiban or something along those lines.<br />I, however, chose Ayinger Celebrator.<br /><br />"What's that hanging around the neck of the bottle?" you ask...<br />Here's a close up for you<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKWaHL-YYXc5Fr2lCyfK6z9v4-3Zr9avcYTkO8Ft3AYtWG9EW7rQG-qYYjTwglXa-2xNeeS9iCwz9jpJMXiNJB5wii4G6idERAd5M971lYWdR7OPbIbEV27hhtK4Ayd7W6fhZriwM7ys/s1600/IMG_1695.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKWaHL-YYXc5Fr2lCyfK6z9v4-3Zr9avcYTkO8Ft3AYtWG9EW7rQG-qYYjTwglXa-2xNeeS9iCwz9jpJMXiNJB5wii4G6idERAd5M971lYWdR7OPbIbEV27hhtK4Ayd7W6fhZriwM7ys/s320/IMG_1695.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576313343356044722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />That's right...it's a plastic goat trinket...<br />or ram...<br />whatever...<br /><br />crazy Germans and their toys mixed with food. It reminds me of those <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinder_Surprise">Kinder Eggs</a>, which apparently are illegal in the United States, yet somehow I remember having those toys when I was young...<br /><br />Back to the Bock...<br />...and in case you want to know how dark a double bock beer is...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1MZ5bmeG0eIZ6kivr7CIl0DeLoh0U3yuB034Zh0uzTTaA8d0oVr7dou6a_kFhMRGPPkzltt9PUrLu1cws1ULHpy7PuhhpQEU-vQnTvikBZd45wu1uH-P2M_Qtkpz9rD0INF7izxFGpA/s1600/IMG_1700.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1MZ5bmeG0eIZ6kivr7CIl0DeLoh0U3yuB034Zh0uzTTaA8d0oVr7dou6a_kFhMRGPPkzltt9PUrLu1cws1ULHpy7PuhhpQEU-vQnTvikBZd45wu1uH-P2M_Qtkpz9rD0INF7izxFGpA/s320/IMG_1700.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576314229670178434" border="0" /></a>It's dark.<br /><br />For the music of the evening, I went with Abigail Washburn. I saw her one year at Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL fest). I didn't know who she was, but only that Bela Fleck was playing with her as part of the group "The Sparrow Quartet."<br />Since I love Bela Fleck, I decided to check her out too. Her album, Song of the Traveling Daughter, has some folk songs with a bluegrass feel, but also traditional Chinese folks songs ...mixed with bluegrass music. She apparently lived in China for quite a few years growing up, so this shaped her music.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31Wj54MpKvw">Here's one song in Chinese (pardon the anime, but this was the best music clip I could find online).</a><br />Here's another good bluegrass song that I just love her version of...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3nNaeMTNbM">Nobody's Fault but mine.</a> This version is a little different than the one on the album, but both are fantastic.<br /><br />Oh, and I recently found out on some NPR interview that she and Bela Fleck are married. How fantastic is that?!<br /><br />Her voice is haunting and beautiful and since I was mixing cultures in all sorts of different ways anyway, the mixture of Chinese language and traditional Chinese folk songs with the banjo somehow fit. As my dad says "Ain't never been a pot so crooked there wasn't a lid to fit it."Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-90827149992582441232011-02-09T06:26:00.000-08:002011-02-09T09:49:51.898-08:00Fresh Pasta Anyone...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM64Bmy8UsqE-IaKEH9nWwt6WgQsZSniRQ3Y9_CkzblALG1KWifyiq5-5TwLBcKeJnANJzonYwERb89igJVixVkEJSojlGiycckoHVNTKQbs95YMh0amjub3bDzx9GLyI_JErO7BCdWA/s1600/IMG_1541.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM64Bmy8UsqE-IaKEH9nWwt6WgQsZSniRQ3Y9_CkzblALG1KWifyiq5-5TwLBcKeJnANJzonYwERb89igJVixVkEJSojlGiycckoHVNTKQbs95YMh0amjub3bDzx9GLyI_JErO7BCdWA/s320/IMG_1541.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571697147216064226" border="0" /></a>For new year's eve, a friend of mine and I decided to try our hands at making home made pasta. At first it was a horrendous failure. The recipe didn't have nearly enough moisture to it (or maybe it was because we didn't have semolina, so we ground up our own whole wheat grains and hoped for the best). At any rate, we decided that at a certain point, when our friends were still hungry around 11pm, we'd use store bought and fix our batch in the morning. Here's what our evening looked like...<br /><br />All the ingredients were laid out for pesto, chicken and caprese skewers for appetizers...<br /><br />and the drinks were poured...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJT1KURC1JlLaqGc-Pz9eDxNZzL9OoaK5CjGPI5-yz5EyNiV2H3uQnmVCCViEj5o8r52YAXxE0IVcSszPB-eSAdYzmJGO6NGxzaJCoP7lVj05x6BuiWJC3FY9HV-wp1dglpZM7TX_sm0/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1550.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJT1KURC1JlLaqGc-Pz9eDxNZzL9OoaK5CjGPI5-yz5EyNiV2H3uQnmVCCViEj5o8r52YAXxE0IVcSszPB-eSAdYzmJGO6NGxzaJCoP7lVj05x6BuiWJC3FY9HV-wp1dglpZM7TX_sm0/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1550.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571697515382557170" border="0" /></a><br />The appetizers were delightful (caprese skewers) ... alternate cherry tomatoes cut in half, fresh basil and mozzarella<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BXGewfghYAzn7XtvNlFdyFGCLRXWmvR0pOzzr9sXp68zTY0lYNTXA7k6a1Mbi8uGYpq0n-xVImDOXmKhWjRXten_JrbXEUXdiIBnsljM3GK9lr7EgIdp0Fb7fQMqCIrUiGkizeDyY3g/s1600/IMG_1546.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BXGewfghYAzn7XtvNlFdyFGCLRXWmvR0pOzzr9sXp68zTY0lYNTXA7k6a1Mbi8uGYpq0n-xVImDOXmKhWjRXten_JrbXEUXdiIBnsljM3GK9lr7EgIdp0Fb7fQMqCIrUiGkizeDyY3g/s320/IMG_1546.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571715910015866994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErsf8sEAtnPfA2RiUArrTUXwSH4XEvYHloFNwu_CKWbU4TuG99xersDYLSByiiqgAlu2Ex2yuZY4vZnFj3MJxmfZs9QwopLJODHz0zUuWJ7nUlpHyUvZ_vCkdfRuqggl5m1HM_bxgSQA/s1600/caprese+skewers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErsf8sEAtnPfA2RiUArrTUXwSH4XEvYHloFNwu_CKWbU4TuG99xersDYLSByiiqgAlu2Ex2yuZY4vZnFj3MJxmfZs9QwopLJODHz0zUuWJ7nUlpHyUvZ_vCkdfRuqggl5m1HM_bxgSQA/s320/caprese+skewers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571716094921127746" border="0" /></a>I didn't document the failed pasta, but new year's day we woke up, made ourselves some mimosas and tried again.<br />Here are some pictures of the success...<br />First, roll it out nice and thin...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs495eumOPjkJ-FyRDWjINlrgj3h4P_yAgNJXjyLhjw7YtWr31xJ6MSzcHWTk7Gc5WgWevM6Zpjm6L676RstCJgaNMiVPL7RLcBybFQkjkPt0RtCvTHirsFPnZoyHo3QN6qww9nKlHNQQ/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1559.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs495eumOPjkJ-FyRDWjINlrgj3h4P_yAgNJXjyLhjw7YtWr31xJ6MSzcHWTk7Gc5WgWevM6Zpjm6L676RstCJgaNMiVPL7RLcBybFQkjkPt0RtCvTHirsFPnZoyHo3QN6qww9nKlHNQQ/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1559.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571726698853295266" border="0" /></a><br />...then roll that up like a newspaper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypB4zjEZ72WGhE-6BQYHYm82AeIEnDi-Ti3wT65s3SxEBFDGdEU5i44fWiunNXetMZa_Wch30Ce0GMTbs5sXygxEZ8WW3bnS7H-2r1nLdORsKozUFytp-MTmPzGQFgcaQcZw0g0x5eks/s1600/IMG_1560.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypB4zjEZ72WGhE-6BQYHYm82AeIEnDi-Ti3wT65s3SxEBFDGdEU5i44fWiunNXetMZa_Wch30Ce0GMTbs5sXygxEZ8WW3bnS7H-2r1nLdORsKozUFytp-MTmPzGQFgcaQcZw0g0x5eks/s320/IMG_1560.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571734772137732178" border="0" /></a><br />... ... and slice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V_KZjVFiDKC9PGv3CSB7mN5b6e6t1ByGim-d8moKJIcVegffdu9hhyeadl-sPYZmooPqqw8gfDwKpNOAty-eldXNMkgnvry1M0GXQcECkbwXpX7JmTgvrmTxOTGQkYfRkkmpKU8fs0Q/s1600/IMG_1561.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V_KZjVFiDKC9PGv3CSB7mN5b6e6t1ByGim-d8moKJIcVegffdu9hhyeadl-sPYZmooPqqw8gfDwKpNOAty-eldXNMkgnvry1M0GXQcECkbwXpX7JmTgvrmTxOTGQkYfRkkmpKU8fs0Q/s320/IMG_1561.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571743370221535394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />then unravel and you have pasta!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kDAp1aaby2oShoeo80UXWf3dsu1Mu5zBpTE81BuNXjbI1VE0HQ_zCQx_WWHr_uCFj8C9QlI6JUki34HREZzQKtHdVAIgxH-KmmltpPt_Cq1-V7_eSJHCGb185tjv_5rNB-3O3_RdWPE/s1600/IMG_1566.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kDAp1aaby2oShoeo80UXWf3dsu1Mu5zBpTE81BuNXjbI1VE0HQ_zCQx_WWHr_uCFj8C9QlI6JUki34HREZzQKtHdVAIgxH-KmmltpPt_Cq1-V7_eSJHCGb185tjv_5rNB-3O3_RdWPE/s320/IMG_1566.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571744449079330562" border="0" /></a>We tossed it with some pesto and sausage (no casing)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VkekShmW5Q8mOCnKEEgypdEqXKNlSauwKDax_GiaIJt2SaPfj_jlBoeX-jxSjWR4KCdneK4rvX95Ke9vFrmC5pZdqfjW3u89yPET8xXbVxn99BLgho2dNa-f0A6zUeZ7WYaYXpnCrhE/s1600/IMG_1575.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VkekShmW5Q8mOCnKEEgypdEqXKNlSauwKDax_GiaIJt2SaPfj_jlBoeX-jxSjWR4KCdneK4rvX95Ke9vFrmC5pZdqfjW3u89yPET8xXbVxn99BLgho2dNa-f0A6zUeZ7WYaYXpnCrhE/s320/IMG_1575.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571746630579911522" border="0" /></a>for the music...well, right now I'm jamming out to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yr1-BBMaMA">Eagles of Death Metal</a><br /><br />I'm thinking dessert posts will come next. I've got loads of dessert pictures.Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-30503500117490114902011-02-08T17:31:00.001-08:002011-02-09T06:25:41.161-08:00Catching up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgAPXM_h5kv4hlGKQQUIn1k0yPCFa5Whh-FZ-DWgHOOIzdqXBw_dzBoHFl1_r7W2gBQqtDkcWH0qsTdPbhwyZuyQbWIlZweUWvu2hOkzVBruv3NbkLUEGHTnZ-EocDcX1yMbmTa-bHhw/s1600/IMG_1585.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgAPXM_h5kv4hlGKQQUIn1k0yPCFa5Whh-FZ-DWgHOOIzdqXBw_dzBoHFl1_r7W2gBQqtDkcWH0qsTdPbhwyZuyQbWIlZweUWvu2hOkzVBruv3NbkLUEGHTnZ-EocDcX1yMbmTa-bHhw/s320/IMG_1585.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571690029108623698" border="0" /></a>Hi there -<br />Well, there's been a lot going on and I actually haven't been cooking a whole lot over the past month. Oh sure, quick salads or pasta dishes here and there, but nothing too substantial, until the other week. Here's what I decided to do after a much needed trip to Central Market...<br /><br />Goat Cheese Ravioli with pesto and chicken<br />Cheese and herb filled Canneloni with chicken<br />both with a small salad...<br /><br />so...here it goes...<br />Start with the pesto sauce...<br />Garlic ...ohhh the garlic.<br /><br /><br />Basil, Oregano, and Olive Oil...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6ZtMu7OxfPfUPampGqHOV2OLlUtjRzcbNLZEXt_1mFjFgX45LRpcyFJ_dTdhDsIfc8memfm1HkIUn7zje2qZQFyMEaF75ArhuArmz_6Sd5XEfy4IZ4cJdVTNCutauILjz-3bx0aVdbc/s1600/IMG_1587.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6ZtMu7OxfPfUPampGqHOV2OLlUtjRzcbNLZEXt_1mFjFgX45LRpcyFJ_dTdhDsIfc8memfm1HkIUn7zje2qZQFyMEaF75ArhuArmz_6Sd5XEfy4IZ4cJdVTNCutauILjz-3bx0aVdbc/s320/IMG_1587.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571689776469311986" border="0" /></a><br />and usually pine nuts, but I was out, so I used pecans. It actually turned out pretty cool. It was a little "nuttier" than I normally have for pesto, but really yummy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7TaxqQa8dAZ7FfJ2c33Q67dILFbBBbqhHlCBQovkdGxalG7RtJ-G_wCV2chkRmgCkE_WLMTHvcmx87iE_Sgtrcd8qRLfHExRf5MZMI9pXPNm3ZyY8d9wZxjrVNVsOk1yX4wODf8Xr4I/s1600/IMG_1588.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7TaxqQa8dAZ7FfJ2c33Q67dILFbBBbqhHlCBQovkdGxalG7RtJ-G_wCV2chkRmgCkE_WLMTHvcmx87iE_Sgtrcd8qRLfHExRf5MZMI9pXPNm3ZyY8d9wZxjrVNVsOk1yX4wODf8Xr4I/s320/IMG_1588.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571690419066228594" border="0" /></a><br />Then you have the chicken. I just put a little bit of salt and pepper and some fresh oregano and baked in the oven.<br /><br />The goat cheese ravioli were fresh from central market.<br />Boil per directions, then top with pesto and chicken.<br />I also bought some cheese and herb cannelloni. Delicious!<br /><br /><br />Here is the final product.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJZ1r3UJgTXiIxPRh6eFV2yArHAyhbuPGr_kXzRKxNm6ydvcX65rnS8zSBD2BVubfs1wGoE9B0x0Zq3VC6KFPEAuDe3Dcl1vVIvs-BeZF-kpcxFPBMwGvRElHjtyEJPVoB4ftvHTsGJs/s1600/IMG_1595.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJZ1r3UJgTXiIxPRh6eFV2yArHAyhbuPGr_kXzRKxNm6ydvcX65rnS8zSBD2BVubfs1wGoE9B0x0Zq3VC6KFPEAuDe3Dcl1vVIvs-BeZF-kpcxFPBMwGvRElHjtyEJPVoB4ftvHTsGJs/s320/IMG_1595.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571690857937303378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMmE14m_FEitcbnfpzYuh2ywpuuUpm77AoLspOYvPRMVAtpV6k5LiK8sPlm2-jRCuwJDUFiV7kmT45NUuDyzl4BqMGGYy-FEAPO1OvLopokh8Or41nEpXyXz0sHZ2ix4RQ5XjanC0hwg/s1600/IMG_1598.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMmE14m_FEitcbnfpzYuh2ywpuuUpm77AoLspOYvPRMVAtpV6k5LiK8sPlm2-jRCuwJDUFiV7kmT45NUuDyzl4BqMGGYy-FEAPO1OvLopokh8Or41nEpXyXz0sHZ2ix4RQ5XjanC0hwg/s320/IMG_1598.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571691979428455794" border="0" /></a><br />OK...so, I'm realizing that the format for this blog is lacking. For example: The picture to the right there was supposed to be the other direction. It looks correct when I pull it up in it's file, but it doesn't load correctly on here. Anyone know how to change the direction? Also, when I load pictures, they all end up at the top and I have to drag them into place, which means scrolling through text and dragging, then resizing, etc. Anyone know more about blogger? :)<br /><br />Alright, back to the food...<br />For dessert I didn't make anything, but I did find fantastic ice cream that tastes exactly like <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7wBAb-nTKel-JSC-Op-V4rxMnZq2UXa4C9o5gGjeVfLj9Jc3jOjOSTvZhswK2wwjUFf1V66t8LPEY64BwPAxGeDP7hUe0cfIH2TrtDI69AE-CsehU3k1d-Gy8rE7TCDMXvnDaNLGOr4/s1600/IMG_1606.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7wBAb-nTKel-JSC-Op-V4rxMnZq2UXa4C9o5gGjeVfLj9Jc3jOjOSTvZhswK2wwjUFf1V66t8LPEY64BwPAxGeDP7hUe0cfIH2TrtDI69AE-CsehU3k1d-Gy8rE7TCDMXvnDaNLGOr4/s320/IMG_1606.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571693068197169714" border="0" /></a>these German cookies made with molasses and spices.<br /><br />For the wine...Sebastiani cabernet sauvignon<br /><br />For the music...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuONo4-EpM8">Erika Luckett</a><br />I found her CD, Tinted Glass, at Half Price Books and honestly bought it because it looked cool and was pretty cheap. (Oh, did I mention I love random music and usually end up pretty happy with my selections?)<br />If you've never ventured into a <a href="http://www.halfpricebooksonline.com/">Half Price Books</a>...you should.Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-16154840320887616642010-12-14T16:35:00.000-08:002011-02-17T13:47:42.295-08:00Missed a week. of posting - not of cooking!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKDy4SLGlddKpMauWAk8sjuB68vvsNsZBGYa7yUYLOIt8VExm62lH5PB9pS1PC5CZersHStsjuwvkgPYXO5kVfVfEveDblol3OkNfwcZ3_VryrcAyoEx4zsymduWO7HKz3T60cw6qydY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1510.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKDy4SLGlddKpMauWAk8sjuB68vvsNsZBGYa7yUYLOIt8VExm62lH5PB9pS1PC5CZersHStsjuwvkgPYXO5kVfVfEveDblol3OkNfwcZ3_VryrcAyoEx4zsymduWO7HKz3T60cw6qydY/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1510.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558119716613768338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So the December 3rd post was actually food cooked the previous week. That night I cooked a wonderful meal. My camera ran out of battery at one point, but I did get some nice shots in there. Sadly, I don't have my camera with me right now, but I'll post pictures later.<br /><br />What did I cook -<br />Pieces of steak cut for kabobs, salad, orzo pasta...<br /><br />The preparation of the steak -<br />Pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.<br />in a skillet, saute some onions and then add chopped garlic right before you put the steak in. Sear the steak for about 3 minutes on each side. Then put in a pan and put in the oven for about 10 minutes (more or less, depending on how large your pieces are and how well you'd like them done).<br />Then put them back in the skillet to get a nice brown sear on <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GGGA4vtocCGkiUdty6Sb8Nj76QunxfJbnF3mvN-GhARIk1P8RjQdWXalsW7x9A74xHVrhC4uQLVfYEUcFr8h3TcJ7UnMDebQcudzD5jtD7Ua2r9QKObusYX1Guc9EtcFykAG4vZ2kmY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1516.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GGGA4vtocCGkiUdty6Sb8Nj76QunxfJbnF3mvN-GhARIk1P8RjQdWXalsW7x9A74xHVrhC4uQLVfYEUcFr8h3TcJ7UnMDebQcudzD5jtD7Ua2r9QKObusYX1Guc9EtcFykAG4vZ2kmY/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1516.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558120162269960610" border="0" /></a>each side. Serve with salad or with the orzo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAq0soRMBuSbojyDIj4goitVjCSpdHICaWg2rCgjv7nhy2FWMUM9t04yb4N1f9kot0F3AooMxK1aiHY9mXtBZs-gDB-TRNcF6pRZr5MT8eGNjkTi4jIBflXmByEvh3AvuvK3zs-sHaQ0/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1524.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAq0soRMBuSbojyDIj4goitVjCSpdHICaWg2rCgjv7nhy2FWMUM9t04yb4N1f9kot0F3AooMxK1aiHY9mXtBZs-gDB-TRNcF6pRZr5MT8eGNjkTi4jIBflXmByEvh3AvuvK3zs-sHaQ0/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1524.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558120815947568450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qeqi3xEyYOyhF5yp05Qs9_kospzgkJ5WzeLOr53E56miZAx4IOK58X7TeNHHRy9-SSFdSIEqnH5gPM_i08xMxZBMV3zVuJeU0rahW6fl_gPX7Ieuf9Fb5pYJ1ST6gGNQ-Rcxv2CBz0Q/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1514.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qeqi3xEyYOyhF5yp05Qs9_kospzgkJ5WzeLOr53E56miZAx4IOK58X7TeNHHRy9-SSFdSIEqnH5gPM_i08xMxZBMV3zVuJeU0rahW6fl_gPX7Ieuf9Fb5pYJ1ST6gGNQ-Rcxv2CBz0Q/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1514.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558119918290879986" border="0" /></a><br />For the orzo, I got a multigrain one. Boil per the directions. Then drain. Then I seasoned them with a garlic wine seasoning from The Melting Pot. Then I put in enough tomato sauce to cover the orzo without the orzo drowning in it. Throw in a heap of Parmesan cheese and stir well. Note : if you don't have the garlic wine seasoning, just put garlic, basil and oregano to taste with some salt and pepper. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The salad was a simple baby field green salad with avocado and tomato. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eN9ePCvRjfIWROpZFk7ZyYSRursaeczi132c9T8rz6YkNJb3xtx-jLw6oajeZm17FjImvro9136gFhyfAkVozoSG-a20DhKAYRUhYGMdd5CkphryUK3ZRogUix54Vj4UL3kuS9nYp8s/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1518.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eN9ePCvRjfIWROpZFk7ZyYSRursaeczi132c9T8rz6YkNJb3xtx-jLw6oajeZm17FjImvro9136gFhyfAkVozoSG-a20DhKAYRUhYGMdd5CkphryUK3ZRogUix54Vj4UL3kuS9nYp8s/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1518.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558121403299237170" border="0" /></a><br />Add a little Asiago cheese. No sauce necessary.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />To drink - Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre. YUM! Dark and nutty beer. Delicious.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8debEjeYhAobe-9WmKmWbAiTO4c3FyIcYbzCSMlmW4FUFLocDmFcAzewlxnAjpjxO9zWcbO3EVnqzXiSa65XxbPWyjKr8213UszMxnrdAL9lZB-zLJjko_ozW8ZmyxqXX1Xq0NzbPW7k/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_1528.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8debEjeYhAobe-9WmKmWbAiTO4c3FyIcYbzCSMlmW4FUFLocDmFcAzewlxnAjpjxO9zWcbO3EVnqzXiSa65XxbPWyjKr8213UszMxnrdAL9lZB-zLJjko_ozW8ZmyxqXX1Xq0NzbPW7k/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1528.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558120530208984114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To listen to - Mika, because I felt just a little silly that night anyway.<br /><br />I just realized that I didn't have any links to Mika songs...<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWiccrTB4LM">Love Today</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6md5RSnVUuo">Lollipop</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDSK91mUNLU">Big Girl (You are Beautiful)</a><br /><br />I've also added pics... enjoy!Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-26136378439692848192010-12-03T11:57:00.000-08:002010-12-03T12:15:23.886-08:00Thanksgiving with the FamilyWell, I didn't get to listen to a lot of music while cooking with the family, but I'll tell you what I did get to make...<br />Westphalia Noodles<br /><br />For those of you unfamiliar with Westphalia, TX, it's a small Catholic farming town just east of Temple, TX. The Catholic church hosts it's annual <a href="http://www.churchofthevisitation.org/picnic.php">Westphalia Picnic</a> where you can find sausage, fried chicken, slaw, green beans, and Westphalia Noodles (oh and dessert). I'll post pictures from the picnic sometime for you. :)<br /><br />Well, for Thanksgiving I made the noodles.<br />You start with butter...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtbOk5WqDuZlkomZE8DR0bi9XXIIxDE8UuoDzO5NuWC7Z6riL00ApweMQ0xyJ2U2elVgyc59ga3UTvRmNrSAb1fm-zrpJ44un0Bjhg3X4sb4oLoBDd-xiifDVv7BQvSnEHgdkMgVygVQ/s1600/IMG_1451.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtbOk5WqDuZlkomZE8DR0bi9XXIIxDE8UuoDzO5NuWC7Z6riL00ApweMQ0xyJ2U2elVgyc59ga3UTvRmNrSAb1fm-zrpJ44un0Bjhg3X4sb4oLoBDd-xiifDVv7BQvSnEHgdkMgVygVQ/s320/IMG_1451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546548657259262946" border="0" /></a>lots...<br />of...<br />artery clogging...<br />butter.<br />(about a stick and a half)<br /><br />You basically melt that down. In the mean time, crush up about a sleeve of club crackers...<br />and then put the butter flavored crackers in the butter...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DhlzjWtzyrvFl5s67pGLB0bIUBXRXQrm1gesDAslOnfCVgo-fxRRAWq_9yFoW9C2F9bru3NOIsebUUdQ-BbtAj20GbMek1eYMSo6Qn4hByqJ1aui9bi_C1lIsqk6JkYD1ul6-ExyoYM/s1600/IMG_1455.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DhlzjWtzyrvFl5s67pGLB0bIUBXRXQrm1gesDAslOnfCVgo-fxRRAWq_9yFoW9C2F9bru3NOIsebUUdQ-BbtAj20GbMek1eYMSo6Qn4hByqJ1aui9bi_C1lIsqk6JkYD1ul6-ExyoYM/s320/IMG_1455.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546549012720052946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then you brown them...<br />until they are crunchy butter flavored bits of delight...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCXNWbqt_K9z93eBkDzEFl2AEqjVrjSPDZfuU4T87Estu2T6ucRTqyYj31U0nFKUeXDn_qiEJdPxAHG3FOk3nYqIi1nrPMQ12ubVSVQrvww7FWVR0PjPscXN98YYNYRjfC3rVh-KLR1k/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCXNWbqt_K9z93eBkDzEFl2AEqjVrjSPDZfuU4T87Estu2T6ucRTqyYj31U0nFKUeXDn_qiEJdPxAHG3FOk3nYqIi1nrPMQ12ubVSVQrvww7FWVR0PjPscXN98YYNYRjfC3rVh-KLR1k/s320/IMG_1456.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546549269952203826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the mean time, boil noodles. Here's the key - they are a specific type of noodle that used to be called Ronco something or another. I can't find those in the store, so I used another type that I found last year. I can't find those in the store either, so my mom found Manischewitz noodles and they worked pretty well.<br /><br />Basically, you boil those and put about another stick of butter in them. and then put the cracker crumbs on top. It's YUMMY and super easy.<br /><br />But what else did we have? Well, it would take too long to list everything, so I'll just show you a picture...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WB6KBWZS61SMk_-YKPzHYJFO41_MxBqIjd4Q3E9UD1CYha5k8EuH3R4BtCDpPJIcJk4rYbgN5sl-x87fhyphenhyphenuQlMYORCfLAADQwAYF8WPBpA1HFTEhJMZGHIhG8EXJIbDeA9qFXFxsqWQ/s1600/IMG_1463.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WB6KBWZS61SMk_-YKPzHYJFO41_MxBqIjd4Q3E9UD1CYha5k8EuH3R4BtCDpPJIcJk4rYbgN5sl-x87fhyphenhyphenuQlMYORCfLAADQwAYF8WPBpA1HFTEhJMZGHIhG8EXJIbDeA9qFXFxsqWQ/s320/IMG_1463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546549951249091490" border="0" /></a>That table is about 15 feet long and 4-5 feet wide. It wasn't big enough, so we made an L and added on more seating. That still wasn't big enough, so we had TV trays set around the house...<br />Just so you know, we had a small sampling of pretty much anything you can think of for Thanksgiving -<br />Turkey, dressing (several types), sausage, ham, chicken fried steak, broccoli casserole, green bean casserole, green beans, salad, mashed potatoes, cornbread, bread, noodles, and desserts to feed an army...and much more...<br /><br />Then I went to visit more family and was blessed with more wonderful food. Here are a few pics.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeGUQvpwttJ_wMl5hZS9Ii3DC7GXfL8vs7sPi6QBwqB1ldatmiU-mRZN0KvAU8LX6HxN6lZf5YGE3ah9-8u_0y-97yVcPMZjFMCV53_EBo-oxtYsX5cP1HhJTCVRlD26ptmfEHfxjTuU/s1600/IMG_1471.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeGUQvpwttJ_wMl5hZS9Ii3DC7GXfL8vs7sPi6QBwqB1ldatmiU-mRZN0KvAU8LX6HxN6lZf5YGE3ah9-8u_0y-97yVcPMZjFMCV53_EBo-oxtYsX5cP1HhJTCVRlD26ptmfEHfxjTuU/s320/IMG_1471.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546550951992768514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4GDV3OchgBn99EshHCn0s5dQITxFVpIw3h-boMo0jeIu2pc9h8UHUw3ckxg6q7ngN5AEHwMQ4KTSaGFg3G6zR8eDNhBRhKNSx0AyQbdIF1_pD33uhCP10fh3fVD32pdpciPtJfZNlH8/s1600/IMG_1479.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4GDV3OchgBn99EshHCn0s5dQITxFVpIw3h-boMo0jeIu2pc9h8UHUw3ckxg6q7ngN5AEHwMQ4KTSaGFg3G6zR8eDNhBRhKNSx0AyQbdIF1_pD33uhCP10fh3fVD32pdpciPtJfZNlH8/s320/IMG_1479.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546551717365136994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC3T8PjxV8CtufbYLyiWI1r4YGoGY79pQR8E_c7Hr5Ze7ovss-G_tegQnHD-EFUUt6mBLPXIjH_5J_kMHkkVL1o9EBD6HbuzTKTFD-l7T3n_3FidxxUbhncf8CjCtBq7CseEcaL61AUQ/s1600/IMG_1474.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC3T8PjxV8CtufbYLyiWI1r4YGoGY79pQR8E_c7Hr5Ze7ovss-G_tegQnHD-EFUUt6mBLPXIjH_5J_kMHkkVL1o9EBD6HbuzTKTFD-l7T3n_3FidxxUbhncf8CjCtBq7CseEcaL61AUQ/s320/IMG_1474.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546551232021001810" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Thanksgiving!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Oh and right now I'm listening to "Let the Time Roll By" - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/onwardsoldiers/music">Onward Soldiers</a>Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-76878419796238033502010-11-23T15:20:00.001-08:002010-11-23T16:25:34.777-08:00The pictures I promisedAlright - the pictures from the turkey. My camera ran out of battery and I lost the charger, so the prep pictures didn't happen, although they would have been fun.<br /><br />Here's how things turned out...<br /><br />My turkey...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGiGUQe6US5MXI6sW4t6AM4HlpDqn2lrTSt8J2lf20tTRMbDZ7TrV1ZUhqLuYOC7TKlJ4Y_5YeAc7WXWl3S1T4H6wMmDgVrM73oUm5r_CqbBxKGGN-cb2jwz0_hbJQLYb6JoWVzgEeeM/s1600/IMG_1412.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGiGUQe6US5MXI6sW4t6AM4HlpDqn2lrTSt8J2lf20tTRMbDZ7TrV1ZUhqLuYOC7TKlJ4Y_5YeAc7WXWl3S1T4H6wMmDgVrM73oUm5r_CqbBxKGGN-cb2jwz0_hbJQLYb6JoWVzgEeeM/s320/IMG_1412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542902716605083746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Np5Qh8w9i-32E-Wk1esS9FI_Yueie-LideCk0Pa1CHEDUnbwDKpX1bf4ozVpaVVMCZAfEPwqyflRRSGQ0SHfN3PfDhhMn0TuU7kNJ0O6I3hAZWdPrDPNt2vRxAjbMPwRVx4UL4tChME/s1600/IMG_1409.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Np5Qh8w9i-32E-Wk1esS9FI_Yueie-LideCk0Pa1CHEDUnbwDKpX1bf4ozVpaVVMCZAfEPwqyflRRSGQ0SHfN3PfDhhMn0TuU7kNJ0O6I3hAZWdPrDPNt2vRxAjbMPwRVx4UL4tChME/s320/IMG_1409.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542903066531141810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My turkey and a smoked turkey my friend made... look at those two lovely ladies...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryj73BWlb3L0BnIJ5LSa3fBuG77vRzgIcYujCqLHTKNnFGsfeFCd9HmU9iOhd-SdRJBdqg4FXzZwqum4ZoQc_B5o2As_8-OR2b_xMQdDb-JWErWVk1dCFdOrWAQMX94zAHSJr73naq_s/s1600/IMG_1411.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryj73BWlb3L0BnIJ5LSa3fBuG77vRzgIcYujCqLHTKNnFGsfeFCd9HmU9iOhd-SdRJBdqg4FXzZwqum4ZoQc_B5o2As_8-OR2b_xMQdDb-JWErWVk1dCFdOrWAQMX94zAHSJr73naq_s/s320/IMG_1411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542903359073934018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some pics of the other food we had...<br />Ribs, smothered cabbage, various breads, pies, desserts...yum!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybNTe3yFgEfRDclLqoS09gTXk1n_tZDOYiYlOxCA2eb4_jK5jRWK_CUNuCqcF9cnoxgVjnrR67oi3iyZnMjODEzS4TF12Hb1czHfFLrVWy0VTkwJNyz4EZ2Od1pTPHnK-4UegtWtArSg/s1600/IMG_1426.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybNTe3yFgEfRDclLqoS09gTXk1n_tZDOYiYlOxCA2eb4_jK5jRWK_CUNuCqcF9cnoxgVjnrR67oi3iyZnMjODEzS4TF12Hb1czHfFLrVWy0VTkwJNyz4EZ2Od1pTPHnK-4UegtWtArSg/s320/IMG_1426.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542904286229648498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjm_AB9Vnc7886LrTcPQVVwyA233OX0DxB36huPrX09MKO9IZPkGCwrH33mmCw1mPWuhGfljGU25MzKx7BtycYij4At67FGkOmf8XBH002_e5OZOvTN5GV9tYTMDs8_zKPd7tZc53-bY/s1600/IMG_1415.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjm_AB9Vnc7886LrTcPQVVwyA233OX0DxB36huPrX09MKO9IZPkGCwrH33mmCw1mPWuhGfljGU25MzKx7BtycYij4At67FGkOmf8XBH002_e5OZOvTN5GV9tYTMDs8_zKPd7tZc53-bY/s320/IMG_1415.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542903981823655954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF3f7y5tKPu8_r-vGpXvwYD5wQkCadMeI7flvCSOJZZz1sjjB6ifM1ZoDaCqhLRvvDwdUDo-5k8bDl6454I10DCi4OpoAPa8tJPiw1n_S37lh2bMS_wFx3KMgFcT8uyk44Vxu6w6pX6Q/s1600/IMG_1429.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF3f7y5tKPu8_r-vGpXvwYD5wQkCadMeI7flvCSOJZZz1sjjB6ifM1ZoDaCqhLRvvDwdUDo-5k8bDl6454I10DCi4OpoAPa8tJPiw1n_S37lh2bMS_wFx3KMgFcT8uyk44Vxu6w6pX6Q/s320/IMG_1429.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542904653189260066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWh2k1UPpLw8k7Scz-iWWk2vZkrjlr6wstmgOlgK5As_bM0lqz8v9bxU5x1l9ZtUS9BpxZht_l0KNkG-zC0C6VN17nQahwkhl3HKS3RPaLmushEho0MhHzt8ZEnMQNE7OiITqI0TCyroU/s1600/IMG_1418.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWh2k1UPpLw8k7Scz-iWWk2vZkrjlr6wstmgOlgK5As_bM0lqz8v9bxU5x1l9ZtUS9BpxZht_l0KNkG-zC0C6VN17nQahwkhl3HKS3RPaLmushEho0MhHzt8ZEnMQNE7OiITqI0TCyroU/s1600/IMG_1418.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWh2k1UPpLw8k7Scz-iWWk2vZkrjlr6wstmgOlgK5As_bM0lqz8v9bxU5x1l9ZtUS9BpxZht_l0KNkG-zC0C6VN17nQahwkhl3HKS3RPaLmushEho0MhHzt8ZEnMQNE7OiITqI0TCyroU/s320/IMG_1418.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542904938809095426" border="0" /></a>Oh and for the clean up music... <a href="http://www.myspace.com/girltalk">Girl Talk</a>Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-58096607816082345022010-11-22T18:57:00.000-08:002010-11-22T19:03:18.130-08:00Early ThanksgivingHi folks -<br />I'll post pictures later, but last weekend I did an early thanksgiving with a bunch of friends. It was a delight!<br />The turkey and dressing recipe is <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/maple-roasted-turkey-with-sage-smoked-bacon-and-cornbread-stuffing-recipe2/index.html">here</a>:<br />Believe me..."Bacon makes EVERYTHING better"was a phrase uttered around the whole house this weekend. :)<br /><br />I first had this made for me when I had Thanksgiving with friends in graduate school. I've made it 3 times since then and it's always a hit.<br /><br />While I was making it, I listened to these guys: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thespringstandards">The Spring Standards</a>. They are an amazing group I just discovered. Just listening to them doesn't do it justice. You really should see them live. There's no drummer. They've just split up the drum set so each of the other musicians is also playing part of the drum set. Sometimes one will be playing guitar, harmonica and the high hat. Then they'll switch and that guy will play bass guitar. Then the girl will play piano and has a whole set up of other percussion instruments around her and she plays them all. They are fantastic musicians and such a joy to watch and listen to.<br /><br />Pictures will come tomorrow.Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-9738945285611027102010-11-12T09:52:00.000-08:002010-11-12T10:20:54.767-08:00Just a Simple Thursday night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhnAMP9bjzaS-NnRoCl8pBUNWglTkXCKVPilEL-rglV9_Ct7x2jy62ZJzPoohJS9iV-7Z7KDMwH-YtCRXCE7KyIbdCuYygOyWzINi4he6RPg6Vk1-h-HUZKf2CxgBq26WZk3lt9-W62A/s1600/IMG_1387.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhnAMP9bjzaS-NnRoCl8pBUNWglTkXCKVPilEL-rglV9_Ct7x2jy62ZJzPoohJS9iV-7Z7KDMwH-YtCRXCE7KyIbdCuYygOyWzINi4he6RPg6Vk1-h-HUZKf2CxgBq26WZk3lt9-W62A/s320/IMG_1387.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538723403804137634" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I hadn't planned on my Thursday being my cooking night, but I've had a tough week, and nothing sets me quite right like cooking.<br /><br />I kept it simple though.<br /><br />Salad -<br />Green mixture<br />red grapes cut in half<br />granny smith apples in small slices<br />pecans (from my parent's trees...yum)<br />and Asiago cheese<br /><br /><br />Brilliant combination!<br /><br /><br /><br />Then for the meat, I had some salmon.<br />add chopped garlic, olive oil, rubbed sage, salt and pepper to taste...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeQTjk3umw_O0WKaeW8LdZ52sLdBqm4l2M-Dou4mvkCym9JZt8a9b8KLM4ChSgl1SMqDJNr3RwBycm1UDzm1ED1Hel9fqk1mMB4zNCy6gca6CiJtkvSO9O1ZD4fEN-ty1HoO5JuyrMp0/s1600/IMG_1395.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeQTjk3umw_O0WKaeW8LdZ52sLdBqm4l2M-Dou4mvkCym9JZt8a9b8KLM4ChSgl1SMqDJNr3RwBycm1UDzm1ED1Hel9fqk1mMB4zNCy6gca6CiJtkvSO9O1ZD4fEN-ty1HoO5JuyrMp0/s320/IMG_1395.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538725305111229122" border="0" /></a><br />put in the oven at 375 for around 15 minutes.<br />Add gorogonzola cheese for an additional 5 minutes.<br />and it comes out like this...<br /><br />I added those three pecan halves on the salmon just for looks more than anything else.<br /><br />Yum! (next time I'm going to try broiling it for the last 3 minutes to see how it turns out)<br /><br />Here are a few more shots...just because I like pictures of food...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAPwqNLTiaH6dzpkiYGoZSfnQHxKzZczdU7La1ARSVAmBJ4I46XTBVzp7niHAA5YEAW2C5HjNBYjW4WT4tP8SCmUM-95nZkSPvdo6XJLXiw6y44_IGIFeTxB2OSZbmZ5iBeHD6LuE7w4/s1600/IMG_1396.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAPwqNLTiaH6dzpkiYGoZSfnQHxKzZczdU7La1ARSVAmBJ4I46XTBVzp7niHAA5YEAW2C5HjNBYjW4WT4tP8SCmUM-95nZkSPvdo6XJLXiw6y44_IGIFeTxB2OSZbmZ5iBeHD6LuE7w4/s320/IMG_1396.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538725486563786418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiokI0Zjybk8_n9_5A-tFLUwihJr4rKBPYxGt4ZtbC9iYt8Ei2Fb_o5kdkdsz2-97_Uuf_4m_xIq8Nps-vNm7_a6sBOlfQOVbkBil95czXTL7eCDmFlHomKIrgBDBSzEIOZzbkiW8ER4U/s1600/IMG_1400.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiokI0Zjybk8_n9_5A-tFLUwihJr4rKBPYxGt4ZtbC9iYt8Ei2Fb_o5kdkdsz2-97_Uuf_4m_xIq8Nps-vNm7_a6sBOlfQOVbkBil95czXTL7eCDmFlHomKIrgBDBSzEIOZzbkiW8ER4U/s320/IMG_1400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538725706575043906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Oh...and for the wine, I chose a reasonably priced Merlot. It's quite tasty. If I knew anything about analyzing wine, I'd tell you more...I'll analyze my next beer pairing better, I promise.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWIOOp2qFjeT5UhzSh-u_7y6w3NREaSilzeBxOXpb57BOttDnWviVV1qzzFEzr_eKV6xqExDBuy1GmRcVGkA1AtS7GGzxQ1sZeqPHBxfTAKvFSyWDkbubF8DyWR-A69MiN5-F0s1vqs4/s1600/IMG_1390.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWIOOp2qFjeT5UhzSh-u_7y6w3NREaSilzeBxOXpb57BOttDnWviVV1qzzFEzr_eKV6xqExDBuy1GmRcVGkA1AtS7GGzxQ1sZeqPHBxfTAKvFSyWDkbubF8DyWR-A69MiN5-F0s1vqs4/s320/IMG_1390.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538726036345567602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm sure you're asking<br />"What about the music selection for the night?"<br />Well, I decided to go with <a href="http://www.madeleinepeyroux.com/halftheperfectwo.html">Madeleine Peyroux</a>. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the feeling of something simple, with sweet and savory together that made me think her slightly sultry, yet somehow sweet voice would work. The link is to the album I had playing last night.<br /><br />For dessert, I walked down to the cafe a block away and picked up a couple scoops of vanilla bean icecream.<br /><br />What a good mid/late week evening.Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618740317244652199.post-34341088203821342412010-11-10T10:37:00.000-08:002010-11-10T10:51:11.535-08:00The goal...Hi folks -<br />I'm not sure who will read this or where this adventure will take us, but here is where it begins...<br /><br />I'm starting this blog just to see what other folks think about these things I hold very close to my heart. This is a blog that combines my favorite things: food, drinks, and music. Here's what I'm thinking. I'll post about the food I'm cooking and if it involves a paired drink of some sort, I'll include that as well. I LOVE cooking to music, so I'm going to include my music choices for the cooking and for the eating of food. <br /><br />If you have suggestions for new music or new recipes to check out...let me have them! :)<br /><br />So, a little about me -<br />I'm a librarian at an art / design school and I LOVE my job. I'm one of the few people that can honestly say that I love what I do. Sure, there are struggles from time to time, but overall, I get to work with some fantastic colleagues, wonderful students and excellent materials. <br /><br />When not working, I stay pretty busy somehow. I don't actually read that much. I always say I will, but I just run out of time. I do swing/blues dancing, mostly west coast swing. I grew up knowing how to two step, polka, waltz and all the other country dance hall / german farming family type of dances. I don't think I remember a time when I didn't know how to two step. <br /><br />I also cook... a lot. I cook for myself. I cook for friend's weddings. I cook for friends. I cook for family. I love it. <br /><br />I listen to a LOT of music. I'm usually pretty open to new music as well. My tastes vary, so I'm open to your suggestions. <br /><br />So here we go...my goal is to post one good meal per week with my music pairing. If I post more frequently, then it's just because I had more time. :) <br /><br />Until next time...Toni Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02675488240906759287noreply@blogger.com0