tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86339912524283212342015-10-18T22:58:00.320-04:00Pixiedust ~ AllisonA Gourmet AdventureAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-78186961450231461772015-09-28T16:23:00.003-04:002015-09-28T16:23:51.365-04:00A long and winding tale...<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as I am physically able, I shall update you with my</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">latest yummy creation. In the meantime, pay me a visit at:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.pixiejamstn.jamberrynails.net/">www.pixiejamstn.jamberrynails.net</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And find out just how much fun a fashion-forward foodie can have!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12038542_10207448629669570_5683698420612703545_n.jpg?oh=f723cd5590856c961683eab615b27486&oe=5692FFCB" style="height: 859px; width: 859px;" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span id="goog_542962358"><br /></span></span></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-36627781976436102222014-04-08T10:57:00.000-04:002014-04-08T10:57:55.442-04:00Not Just a Sandwich....<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Today, I did something radically different for lunch! I found a bag of meat-free "chicken" strips, and since I'm contantly fascinated by how vegans and vegetarians manage to eat healthy food without skimping on flavor, I decided to do it myself! Voila - this is a Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich, made with meat-free chicken strips.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vu3XcHSjt-o/U0QKDE-0NQI/AAAAAAAADnk/wBPSgUj9zYY/s1600/BM+finale+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vu3XcHSjt-o/U0QKDE-0NQI/AAAAAAAADnk/wBPSgUj9zYY/s1600/BM+finale+1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I simply sauteed the strips in low-sodium soy sauce with a little raw sugar (to simulate teriyaki sauce), and grated some carrot into a little rice vinegar, for a quick pickled carrot. Then, simply layered lettuce, cilantro, the fake chicken strips, green onion, cucumber, the drained carrot, and a little jalapeno and hot sauce.<br /><br />The verdict? Amazing. The "chicken" strips had virtually the same taste and texture as real chicken, and the sandwich tasted fresh, healthy and, well....zingy! I really did not notice that I was eating a healthy sandwich....just a delicious one!<br /><br />Eat well, my friends and stay tuned for gourmet sweets, and other wonderful treats!<br /><br />Love and kindness to all,<br /><br />Pixie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-29298112110916118952014-04-03T11:06:00.000-04:002014-04-03T11:09:04.217-04:00Of Life, and Rubberband wars<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I don't have any cool food photos to post. Heck, I only have one, reasonably nice picture to show you today. Here you are, my plum trees are blooming.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5c1WAcRbBk/Uz1037nzFAI/AAAAAAAADnA/-0lISaVOhvA/s1600/Plum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5c1WAcRbBk/Uz1037nzFAI/AAAAAAAADnA/-0lISaVOhvA/s1600/Plum.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I am actually quite happy about that. Although, you would not know it to talk to me, right now. I recently found out that my job is ending. You know how losing a job is like a sort of death? You kind of mourn the loss of new friends, things like, oh, I don't know....a paycheck? Well, I think I'm in that phase. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know what I miss even more? Cameraderie. Yup, good old-fashioned FUN AT WORK. You think it's not possible, dontcha? Well, let me bring you to a time in my life when I worked at a magical place. A TV station in Northern California ~ click <a href="http://www.kcra.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to see where I worked. Not that they were giving away free candy or something....it was (as it always is) the <em>people</em> I worked with. A dedicated team of professionals, who worked hard, but had fun with each other all day, as well. As I sit back and remember it, I cannot help but smile, even on my darkest days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It begins innocently enough...I'm at my desk, staring into my computer (undoubtedly focusing on some issue which will either bring about world peace, or at least departmental peace), and I see a rubber band plop down near my keyboard. Oh my......it's ON! Now, don't go getting all preachy on me, we did not shoot each other in the face, and the only satisfying THWUNK! one got to hear, was when one's rubber band hit the side of a cubicle, or if you were really lucky, it hit the persons hanging paper calendar with a loud SWACK! The key to successful workplace rubberband wars, is....detecting the enemy. It was considered bad form to shoot your rubber band into the cubicle of someone who was NOT the instigator of the latest skirmish...and also brought about a new battle. The real trick here, is....listening. This is because invariably, whomever shot the first volley into your cubicle would be unable to suppress, at first....a mild giggle. And since, you probably STILL don't know who that is, or cannot hear them...you wait.....because that giggle became an overwhelming, gut busting, serious laughing fest. Then, it (sadly) was all over for them...because now...you knew. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I personally waited an hour or so, to give the offending party a false sense of security....but then....<strong>THWAK!! </strong>I got 'em, and I got them good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well, my friends.....and may all your workplace endeavors be productive....AND fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-23040883576902967172014-04-01T10:53:00.002-04:002014-04-01T10:53:58.513-04:00Salad Days...<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let us just say, that returning to the workforce has been...um, rather detrimental to my waistline. Yeah, that's the polite way to say either; A: I'm packing on the pounds faster than humanly possible, or B; I bring enough food to work to feed a small village. Ahem. With that in mind, I busted out my cute new take-to-work salad kit. Only $3.97 (at Wally World, if you get my drift)!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2mA-wjqAFU/UzrP_KJ1FoI/AAAAAAAADmA/sp-SUXUfQLk/s1600/salad+days+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2mA-wjqAFU/UzrP_KJ1FoI/AAAAAAAADmA/sp-SUXUfQLk/s1600/salad+days+5.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it not cute? it came with two salad bowls, two different-color lids, two dressing cups, and even it's own fork! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QB87MvP3fnQ/UzrQQtyvKfI/AAAAAAAADmI/iOw0upb9DK8/s1600/salad+days+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QB87MvP3fnQ/UzrQQtyvKfI/AAAAAAAADmI/iOw0upb9DK8/s1600/salad+days+2.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm dying from the cuteness! Anyhoo, since I'm all about being good today, I started with a base of nice, crunchy romaine...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGvGSWA91S8/UzrQhpiNfKI/AAAAAAAADmQ/6-aflBKV8-g/s1600/salad+days+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGvGSWA91S8/UzrQhpiNfKI/AAAAAAAADmQ/6-aflBKV8-g/s1600/salad+days+4.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, put sunflower seeds in one of the dressing cups for some crunch, and dried blueberries in the other dressing cup, for a little sweetness. Oh no ~ those cups are simply NOT large enough for the amount of dressing this Pixie requires...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHb7uY11VqQ/UzrQ7Jt3D0I/AAAAAAAADmY/jbQFj9bxh3g/s1600/salad+days+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHb7uY11VqQ/UzrQ7Jt3D0I/AAAAAAAADmY/jbQFj9bxh3g/s1600/salad+days+3.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I layered in some beautiful vegetables ~ from left to right...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x870b19ccYg/UzrRQnPTXaI/AAAAAAAADmg/xUJdzTCFoj0/s1600/salad+days+finale+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x870b19ccYg/UzrRQnPTXaI/AAAAAAAADmg/xUJdzTCFoj0/s1600/salad+days+finale+2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cherry tomatoes, scallions, cucumber, shredded carrot, bleu cheese, hearts of palm, and some green olives. The UBER close-up? Why certainly.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjZ4cCnR3KE/UzrRkgr6osI/AAAAAAAADmo/z-qSpbMrYj0/s1600/salad+days+finale+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjZ4cCnR3KE/UzrRkgr6osI/AAAAAAAADmo/z-qSpbMrYj0/s1600/salad+days+finale+1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rest assured, I will not feel deprived when I munch on down with this tasty lunch today! Oh, and making sure Dear Husband eats<em> his </em>veggies, too...was a cinch...<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzMOKD95ds/UzrR9XknglI/AAAAAAAADmw/qhQCfNJj3lM/s1600/salad+days+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzMOKD95ds/UzrR9XknglI/AAAAAAAADmw/qhQCfNJj3lM/s1600/salad+days+1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I poured in his favorite raspberry vinaigrette, salt and pepper, and sealed it up for him to snack on. Now, the moral of this story is that, although it DID take me a good fifteen minutes of my morning to put this together, let's look at it this way.....I was already in the kitchen, placing supper in the slow cooker, and just exactly what do you think you'd pay at a nice restaurant for these salads? That's right, probably about ten to fifteen bucks. I think not! That's money I could use for.....hmmmm....more pleasurable pursuits...garden plants, garden seeds, garden soil...oh, well, you get the idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well, my friends. Eat healthy, and save your dollars, too! Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-59925052840684355322014-03-31T13:45:00.002-04:002014-03-31T13:45:54.935-04:00Short and Sweet ~ well, Crunchy...<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Ah yes, Spring is in the air here in Pixie-Land! You can tell by the blossoms on the plum tree..</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g2UOgvFQXe8/UzmpEO2H7LI/AAAAAAAADlo/0V0r4lfZ6Fs/s1600/Plum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g2UOgvFQXe8/UzmpEO2H7LI/AAAAAAAADlo/0V0r4lfZ6Fs/s1600/Plum.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The fresh and tasty Tabouli for a Monday. </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4767vcj6SM/UzmpOVp_M8I/AAAAAAAADlw/8B0XMvD2Zps/s1600/Tabouli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4767vcj6SM/UzmpOVp_M8I/AAAAAAAADlw/8B0XMvD2Zps/s1600/Tabouli.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">ANNNNDDD....(and this is <strong>most</strong> important) - your computer dying just as you are ready to blog again. Keep the faith, Pixie-Patrol......I'm working on it. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Love and kindness to all,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Pixie</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-65118433303419855152014-03-27T12:49:00.000-04:002014-03-27T13:03:11.469-04:00Computer Conundrum<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yep, just when yours truly decides to blog again, cook up some wonderful step-by-step feasts for your culinary delight....our computer bought the farm, as it were. So, today, I've got just a snippet of healthy workplace eating.....for instance, breakfast was...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXHyISGl-Ew/UzRVzmgijCI/AAAAAAAADkM/GeVVR24ucvU/s1600/Fruit+for+brekky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXHyISGl-Ew/UzRVzmgijCI/AAAAAAAADkM/GeVVR24ucvU/s1600/Fruit+for+brekky.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Good old blueberries and a manarin orange. Tasty, but not what you'd call filling....then, mid-morning snack.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHuz0tGimaw/UzRWJI1e-kI/AAAAAAAADkY/iGDa65OtR2I/s1600/Hummus+and+pita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHuz0tGimaw/UzRWJI1e-kI/AAAAAAAADkY/iGDa65OtR2I/s1600/Hummus+and+pita.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Wonderful hummus and pita ~ thank goodness for a forward-thinking workplace that actually has nutritious snacks. <br />Oh, and we must not miss out on my favorite, and delicious new healthy teas!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WSe-zujxeE/UzRZnd764pI/AAAAAAAADkg/szAyUgDO2Jc/s1600/Healty+teas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WSe-zujxeE/UzRZnd764pI/AAAAAAAADkg/szAyUgDO2Jc/s1600/Healty+teas.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Well, eat well, my friends and stay tuned for more of my normal postings....come on computer repair shop! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Love and kindness to all,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Pixie</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-3282962401490218582014-03-21T10:47:00.000-04:002014-03-21T10:47:20.436-04:00Fruity Friday!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You know the feeling....you are back in the land-o-cubicle....you WANT to eat something that is going to fuel your day. Step AWAY from that donut, I tells ya! Just take that extra five minutes in the morning, and throw a bunch of lovely, ripe, healthy fruit in your lunch box/bag/container o' choice, and BRING it. Now, that was not difficult, was it?</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJGYQMKUFFo/UyxPsczCOII/AAAAAAAADjw/U6Vty82rexs/s1600/work+brekky+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJGYQMKUFFo/UyxPsczCOII/AAAAAAAADjw/U6Vty82rexs/s1600/work+brekky+1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, that may look like it was a lot of fuss, but, honestly, it was not! Then peel a little, place in an attractive manner on your desk, and enjoy! You know something else? Just taking that extra five minutes now means that your five-a-day serving of fruit....is...totally....DONE! Before you know it, you will have crunched down that apple, sampled the strawberries, munched the mango, etc. You get my drift. </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrJ6G5hFBKg/UyxQbWt8RzI/AAAAAAAADj4/sDy9GovxI-U/s1600/work+brekky+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrJ6G5hFBKg/UyxQbWt8RzI/AAAAAAAADj4/sDy9GovxI-U/s1600/work+brekky+2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Eat well, my friends, eat healthy so that you <strong>can </strong>have a productive workday. And take care of you ~ you are a unique, and special person. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Love and kindness to all,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Pixie</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-86438489223973542522014-03-20T13:36:00.001-04:002014-03-20T14:37:56.640-04:00Healthy Lunch Bunch ~ Again<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well, today I begin showing you that it is easy to eat well, even with a full-time job, and taking care of your typical household. I began the day with a lovely, chocolate-dipped granola bar, and a seedless mandarin orange (not shown).</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLFuR4G5OX4/UysePQoEeII/AAAAAAAADi8/cJXkO1qJrXg/s1600/Health+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLFuR4G5OX4/UysePQoEeII/AAAAAAAADi8/cJXkO1qJrXg/s1600/Health+bar.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Hey! Man cannot eat ONLY healthy stuff - chocolate is GOOD for the soul, ok? That's all I sayin'....I knew you'd understand. Then, on to my main meal, an Amy's Organic Indian vegetable curry. Oh, <strong><em>man </em></strong>is this good.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JI5HFRbryu0/UyshM06EtxI/AAAAAAAADjI/pgG-gSELF-w/s1600/Amys+organic+Indian+veggie+curry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JI5HFRbryu0/UyshM06EtxI/AAAAAAAADjI/pgG-gSELF-w/s1600/Amys+organic+Indian+veggie+curry.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Lots of lentils in a spicy gravy, vegetables in a spicy tomato sauce very much like a tikka masala sauce, and rice with peas. But, the finishing touch to today's lunch, is what I liked the best....</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fttq2HdMEU0/UysiqssX91I/AAAAAAAADjU/z27fLRHIsbo/s1600/First+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fttq2HdMEU0/UysiqssX91I/AAAAAAAADjU/z27fLRHIsbo/s1600/First+salad.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">A beautiful medley of green leaf lettuce, sugar snap peas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, pepperocini peppers, and a smidge of bleu cheese. Doused in my homemade vinaigrette?</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--on0BeY7VxM/UysmA43FsZI/AAAAAAAADjg/D0FWPjAaJWs/s1600/salad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--on0BeY7VxM/UysmA43FsZI/AAAAAAAADjg/D0FWPjAaJWs/s1600/salad+2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">A vision of loveliness, indeed. With the textures of creamy from the bleu cheese, crunchy from the lettuce, snap peas and sunflower seeds, and chewy from the dried cranberries, this salad has it all! I'm going to make this one over and over! The pepperocinis added a nice little zing, as did the mustardy vinaigrette. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I did not go hungry, there was quite enough food to keep me going all day, the meal was as tasty as it was filling, and I did not spend a fortune at the cafeteria or a restaurant (not to mention eat potential junk food). What do you do to combat boring sandwhiches, or spending ten bucks on lunch? Eat well, my friends, and stay tuned for more great food, and.....dare I say it? THE KITCHEN ANGELS!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Love and kindness to all,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Pixie</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-70252288399035811742014-03-19T10:39:00.001-04:002014-03-19T10:39:32.205-04:00Hello to Spring!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Hi there! Welcome back! Yes, it's been way too long. Let us not dwell on that, however...as I have some wonderful and exciting new posts coming this Spring, as well as the "Garden Report". We are loving life here in beautiful Tennessee, and as the fruit trees begin to burst into blossom, so shall my posts. So, without further adieu, welcome back to Pixie~Land, and look forward to great food, </div><div align="center">wonderful garden treats, and of course the return of the Kitchen Angels.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Just to tempt your palate, here is what the Pixie-Palace produced for Dear Husband on a recent Anniversary.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StY4DqQ3aaw/Uymrd6rEfBI/AAAAAAAADis/lh3zld9MRZE/s1600/Lobster+Feast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StY4DqQ3aaw/Uymrd6rEfBI/AAAAAAAADis/lh3zld9MRZE/s1600/Lobster+Feast.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes sir, we went old-school New England style lobster-o-rama! I can't wait for the next post, and my new obsession - healthy work lunches. Do you get sick of boring fast food, or a lame sandwich? Yup, me too. We need to fix that! I'm not sure about you, but I want something tasty, healthy, and that I can really look forward to ripping into at work. So, stay tuned....and as a famous character says; I'm BAAAAACKKKK!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness (and happy Springtime!) to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-66990027949608317112013-08-02T12:19:00.000-04:002013-08-02T14:21:56.507-04:00Felafel Friday!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well, I don't know about you, but when I have had a bit of an indulgence (see prior post) like steak, I feel the need to eat much more cleanly, and healthily, the next day. I also love, adore and crave a good falafel sandwich. That wonderful patty, made from just some garbanzo beans and love, is a craving that does not go away....until it is fulfilled. Ok, before we launch into the cooking, all of you who think that cuisines from another country are "weird" or "icky", and refuse to stray from your burgers and fries....just mosey along....I'm sure there's another site just devoted to that sorta thing, so...buh-bye now...don't let the Pixie door slam you in the tush! Ok, are we foodies alone now? Whew, good! Let's cook ! </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FfQOCgRQO3o/UfvTryMfUTI/AAAAAAAADdU/lF1fgIXLlOU/s1600/felafel+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FfQOCgRQO3o/UfvTryMfUTI/AAAAAAAADdU/lF1fgIXLlOU/s320/felafel+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Clockwise from lower left; cilantro, chick peas/garbanzo beans (wonder beans?), leaf lettuce, flatbreads, plain yogurt, dill, pepper, cucumber, cooking spray, olive oil, salt, grape tomatoes, and garlic. Not shown, red onion. First, lets make the sauce and put it in the fridge. Simply take your yogurt, and put into a plastic storage container. Add in salt, pepper, dried dill, and about 1/3 of the cucumber, grated. The liquid from the cucumber will help to make this a sauce for your sandwich. If it is not loose enough after refrigerating for 15 minutes or so, you can stir in water, a little at a time, to get that sauce consistency.</td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OmarqiF0jw0/UfvPKJfK4nI/AAAAAAAADdA/MfvEMOXuQ4w/s1600/felafel+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OmarqiF0jw0/UfvPKJfK4nI/AAAAAAAADdA/MfvEMOXuQ4w/s400/felafel+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what it will look like. Just place in the fridge while you are making the falafels!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XSDAikLeJA/UfvTnUo8WaI/AAAAAAAADdQ/jNQIk1u4whw/s1600/felafel+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XSDAikLeJA/UfvTnUo8WaI/AAAAAAAADdQ/jNQIk1u4whw/s400/felafel+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, rinse your chick peas under running water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlpD87Wwy2o/UfvVLQ_-nsI/AAAAAAAADdk/F-gIDkz-AuI/s1600/felafel+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlpD87Wwy2o/UfvVLQ_-nsI/AAAAAAAADdk/F-gIDkz-AuI/s320/felafel+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center">Then, place them in your food processor with about half a bunch of cilantro, a teaspoon of salt, some freshly grated black pepper, and the clove of garlic (just rough chopped).</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jR48-7o918U/UfvVpf9TdjI/AAAAAAAADds/0y2RWLxDP-k/s1600/felafel+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jR48-7o918U/UfvVpf9TdjI/AAAAAAAADds/0y2RWLxDP-k/s400/felafel+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, process the mixture until it is roughly combined, adding the olive oil, and scraping down the sides mid-way through. It should look like this...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSvbBG-dOg4/UfvWEWGBgII/AAAAAAAADd0/UwC0VgsNg38/s1600/felafel+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSvbBG-dOg4/UfvWEWGBgII/AAAAAAAADd0/UwC0VgsNg38/s320/felafel+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Process until well mixed, adding just enough olive oil to make the mixture into a paste. When combined, place in a bowl, and refrigerate for thirty minutes (while you clean the kitchen you've probably just destroyed.....ooops, I've said too much!). Here's mine:</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4ooYLksFeM/UfvWkTEeQmI/AAAAAAAADeA/U2Vzcmw_unw/s1600/felafel+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4ooYLksFeM/UfvWkTEeQmI/AAAAAAAADeA/U2Vzcmw_unw/s320/felafel+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Let's get our lovely filling ingredients ready to stuff into the sandwich, shall we?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrVJ1BooBCo/UfvW02Ms92I/AAAAAAAADeI/04emCWRO1NE/s1600/felafel+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrVJ1BooBCo/UfvW02Ms92I/AAAAAAAADeI/04emCWRO1NE/s640/felafel+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used some lovely leaf lettuce, cucumber and grape tomatoes (both from the Pixie-Patch!), and some small-diced red onion. Now, we cook! Form your mixture into balls about a little smaller than a golf ball, and place onto wax paper that you have sprayed with non-stick spray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQN1NOanQUs/UfvX-ANbjtI/AAAAAAAADeY/znk9ZKaIEE8/s1600/felafel+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQN1NOanQUs/UfvX-ANbjtI/AAAAAAAADeY/znk9ZKaIEE8/s320/felafel+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, take a coffee cup, or a ramekin, and shmoosh (the technical term) these balls into little patties, like so;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiquAV3BEAw/UfvYNY-DH0I/AAAAAAAADeg/wK7uy2A39hw/s1600/felafel+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiquAV3BEAw/UfvYNY-DH0I/AAAAAAAADeg/wK7uy2A39hw/s320/felafel+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRuhCj2yU6E/UfvYhiuUOyI/AAAAAAAADeo/gRDYyFh_Jy0/s1600/felafel+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRuhCj2yU6E/UfvYhiuUOyI/AAAAAAAADeo/gRDYyFh_Jy0/s320/felafel+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, simply fry in a non-stick skillet (sprayed with cooking spray) until golden brown, about 4 to five minutes per side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPvVK6eCbsg/UfvaFl99qGI/AAAAAAAADe4/WtQuBCcUjP0/s1600/felafel+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPvVK6eCbsg/UfvaFl99qGI/AAAAAAAADe4/WtQuBCcUjP0/s320/felafel+12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, simply stuff your pita or flat bread with the lettuce and vegetables, pour the sauce over, and enter the gates of crunchy, healthy heaven! My results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4U4NLKccgc/UfvacFHTj8I/AAAAAAAADfA/idy9sPVvJgc/s1600/felafel+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4U4NLKccgc/UfvacFHTj8I/AAAAAAAADfA/idy9sPVvJgc/s400/felafel+finale.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The UBER close up?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtOKGnAlnOw/UfvanmWBzwI/AAAAAAAADfI/wfI6SS4dfrY/s1600/felafel+finale+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtOKGnAlnOw/UfvanmWBzwI/AAAAAAAADfI/wfI6SS4dfrY/s640/felafel+finale+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What can I tell you? This feast left me a happy, happy Pixie. I did not miss the meat, and it was completely delicious, filling and wonderful. Best part of all? Being a thrifty Pixie, I froze the rest for another healthy lunch!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyREGxPeSBU/UfvbBZeuovI/AAAAAAAADfQ/7yd8OYw5UxE/s1600/felafel+finale+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyREGxPeSBU/UfvbBZeuovI/AAAAAAAADfQ/7yd8OYw5UxE/s320/felafel+finale+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well, my friends, and stay tuned for that miracle bowl-o-goodness known as Pho, and see what the Kitchen Angels have been "helping" me with! Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-1717103687568987012013-07-24T12:02:00.000-04:002013-07-24T12:38:49.469-04:00Southern Comfort<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Well, hello there! Thanks to the loss of a job, an injury to yours truly, and a complete household move to another state, it has been awhile...I've missed you! Dear Husband and I are back on our feet, and want to offer our thanks to the lovely, warm and welcoming people of the Volunteer State - Tennessee! We love it here! Also, while on that subject, I'd like to personally welcome you to the new Pixie-Palace of Palate-Pleasing Pulchritude! </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XC9UHqhreTo/UZ-GCn80G9I/AAAAAAAADZw/Kzeet-sHz8Y/s1600/New+Pixie+Palace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XC9UHqhreTo/UZ-GCn80G9I/AAAAAAAADZw/Kzeet-sHz8Y/s640/New+Pixie+Palace.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's right - I've got an Island the size of an aircraft carrier up in here! Sorry for the dark photo...you will see it more, trust me. We love it, it's great for spreading out and doing those major baking or cooking projects. Anyway, life can be cruel. Certain situations can make you feel very, very lonely. When I'm having one of my Pixie Pity-Parties (it's official name!) and feeling a little down, I need comfort. One of my personal favorite comfort foods is....the classic steak house supper. Recently one day, I went on the usual hunt in the new fridge/freezer and Pixie-pantry, and found the following...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbXUx6phBiU/Ue_thlljC-I/AAAAAAAADaM/40zJ3Au20L0/s1600/ss1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbXUx6phBiU/Ue_thlljC-I/AAAAAAAADaM/40zJ3Au20L0/s320/ss1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clockwise from bottom left; frozen spinach (defrosted), a small rib eye steak, my mortar & pestle (with black peppercorns in it), some leftover German potato salad, olive oil, in the measuring cup, two cubes of home made beef stock, a green onion, clove of garlic, then some salt and a little butter and cream. That, my friends, is all you need to create this steak house classic. Oh! I forgot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XGmVUbJ2Sc/Ue_usFflxlI/AAAAAAAADac/oaIaa307WuQ/s1600/ss6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XGmVUbJ2Sc/Ue_usFflxlI/AAAAAAAADac/oaIaa307WuQ/s320/ss6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A shot of some high-quality whiskey, to finish our sauce. First, let's get our classic, creamed spinach going. Chop your scallion and garlic finely...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JS-TAmPwdFQ/Ue_vRKMWD-I/AAAAAAAADak/vUkQ6Dct8NA/s1600/ss2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JS-TAmPwdFQ/Ue_vRKMWD-I/AAAAAAAADak/vUkQ6Dct8NA/s320/ss2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sautee' on low in about 2 Tablespoons of the olive oil....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4lC6o2TNd0/Ue_v-9qukkI/AAAAAAAADas/4w7UD8mCcs8/s1600/ss7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4lC6o2TNd0/Ue_v-9qukkI/AAAAAAAADas/4w7UD8mCcs8/s320/ss7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the scallion and garlic are tender, about ten minutes, add in your spinach, which you have of course, squeezed all the water out of...you did, didn't you? Thought so...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSnh7oo057k/Ue_w05G4PGI/AAAAAAAADa8/VeZIDtR8CKs/s1600/ss8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSnh7oo057k/Ue_w05G4PGI/AAAAAAAADa8/VeZIDtR8CKs/s320/ss8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cook this on medium low for about five minutes, it will start getting all tender and garlic-y. Then, add in two tablespoons each of butter and cream, salt and pepper to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVzd8OeZlAw/Ue_yKuMycRI/AAAAAAAADbM/tBqMnZgh5ok/s1600/ss9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVzd8OeZlAw/Ue_yKuMycRI/AAAAAAAADbM/tBqMnZgh5ok/s320/ss9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stir to combine the cream and butter into the spinach and voila! You have creamed spinach. At this point I put the spinach (along with the potato salad) into an oven at 210 degrees to keep warm.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dIavZlUq9OU/Ue_yRwo3xoI/AAAAAAAADbU/ElUWYPyux_E/s1600/ss10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dIavZlUq9OU/Ue_yRwo3xoI/AAAAAAAADbU/ElUWYPyux_E/s320/ss10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, take your mortar and pestle (or plastic zip bag and a meat mallet), and smash those peppercorns into a nice coarse grind...like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-St6QA5fPQf0/Ue_0ino8-TI/AAAAAAAADbk/RWJztDbCqfg/s1600/ss4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-St6QA5fPQf0/Ue_0ino8-TI/AAAAAAAADbk/RWJztDbCqfg/s320/ss4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, press the peppercorns, and a little kosher salt into both sides of your steak.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kuwrU4S61g/Ue_0yh-ABXI/AAAAAAAADbs/GWINIxqhz10/s1600/ss5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kuwrU4S61g/Ue_0yh-ABXI/AAAAAAAADbs/GWINIxqhz10/s320/ss5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, sear the steak in a little hot olive oil...this one is thin, so I only cooked it for about two and a half minutes on each side. Here it is, after the flip..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDgrIaZPRJs/Ue_103uKBII/AAAAAAAADb8/XWxcRVu7D18/s1600/ss12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDgrIaZPRJs/Ue_103uKBII/AAAAAAAADb8/XWxcRVu7D18/s320/ss12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, place the steak on a cutting board to rest, and immediately throw in your shot of whiskey, and reduce it by keeping it bubbling hot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dgn-llZFKM/Ue_2ZiXRFZI/AAAAAAAADcE/1s4rL3ojIzg/s1600/ss13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dgn-llZFKM/Ue_2ZiXRFZI/AAAAAAAADcE/1s4rL3ojIzg/s320/ss13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, once you have reduced it by half ~ which should take about three minutes, by the way, add in your beef stock and reduce again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZuH2jQAVcI/Ue_3CzWblVI/AAAAAAAADcM/ep6bDST6gXw/s1600/ss14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZuH2jQAVcI/Ue_3CzWblVI/AAAAAAAADcM/ep6bDST6gXw/s320/ss14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, simply plate it all up, pour the sauce over the top, and go to town! My results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fkK_PEHk9g/Ue_3yfehMZI/AAAAAAAADcU/IanqAd9fuZk/s1600/ssfinale1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fkK_PEHk9g/Ue_3yfehMZI/AAAAAAAADcU/IanqAd9fuZk/s640/ssfinale1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh my....comforting, indeed. "But Pixie", you say "I can't tell how the steak came out". Have no doubts, my friend...it was perfectly medium-rare....see?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wnNSy1z2pQ/Ue_4lmpLtrI/AAAAAAAADcg/hRhDr_y9sRw/s1600/ssfinale2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wnNSy1z2pQ/Ue_4lmpLtrI/AAAAAAAADcg/hRhDr_y9sRw/s320/ssfinale2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was at this point, that I convinced myself that there was no way I was eating this whole thing....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDP_ksrnSO4/Ue_5MHs7B9I/AAAAAAAADco/eLvV5Newy98/s1600/ssfinale3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDP_ksrnSO4/Ue_5MHs7B9I/AAAAAAAADco/eLvV5Newy98/s320/ssfinale3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Um. well, I've been wrong before. It was just so...darn...good! You can make this classic steak house supper in less than a half an hour, by the way...and for waaaaaay less than the aforementioned steak house is going to charge you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, welcome back to Pixie-Land, stay tuned for more great dishes, a visit to the brand-new Productive Pixie-Patch (aka, the garden), and....the newly released (from the moving box) Kitchen Angels! Eat well, my friends...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and Kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-60001871176037372232013-03-06T12:41:00.000-05:002013-03-06T12:41:28.354-05:00Healthy Lunch Bunch ~ Spring Edition<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It's HERE! It's HERE! Flowers a-bloomin', trees a-leafin' warm and <strike>sun</strike> ......ahhhhh, who am I kidding? We got an inch of snow last night. This makes me feel, well....like this </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1800/080508215859259007ge8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Angry growling smiley face clipart picture." border="0" src="http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1800/080508215859259007ge8.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, in an effort to combat the winter blues/weight gain/no sun issue, I realized that sometimes, one has to make Spring happen, just for yourself. Whether or <em>not </em>Mother Nature is cooperating. That's about the same time I noticed the first, beautiful bunches of asparagus cropping up (hahahaha! get it?) in yonder emporium of grocery-ness. I needed no further provocation to make one of my favorite dishes...a lovely grilled asparagus and sun-dried tomato salad. It's from Aaron McCargo, over at the Food Network. Click <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aaron-mccargo/asparagus-and-sun-dried-tomato-salad-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">here</a> for his recipe....this is my adaptation of it. First, let's get our ingredients ready as per usual here in Pixie Land.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mLdRzWDNNw/UTd2IIRmJSI/AAAAAAAADVU/4UYGbr17oTw/s1600/asparagus1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mLdRzWDNNw/UTd2IIRmJSI/AAAAAAAADVU/4UYGbr17oTw/s400/asparagus1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div></span><div align="center"><strike></strike> </div><div align="center">Sun dried tomatoes (don't buy those uber-expensive ones in oil! The dried are much cheaper! Plus, we can make our own....another post, another time). Bleu cheese, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, asparagus, garlic, mushrooms. First, soak a few sun-dried tomatoes in hottest tap water (raisins are a fabulous substitute, by the way)...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pN_63bZRXbo/UTd2yJNI50I/AAAAAAAADVc/DKnsonSQdSg/s1600/asparagus2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pN_63bZRXbo/UTd2yJNI50I/AAAAAAAADVc/DKnsonSQdSg/s320/asparagus2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Not pretty, I know...but, it is their sweet flavor that matters, here! Now, trim off the very ends of the asparagus...this was a nice, tender bunch and did not need a lot taken off..save those ends for vegetable stock!</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-_PXNnB1J8/UTd3KHOqs9I/AAAAAAAADVk/BRLOXLJGsHI/s1600/asparagus3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-_PXNnB1J8/UTd3KHOqs9I/AAAAAAAADVk/BRLOXLJGsHI/s400/asparagus3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, I have previously made this with the whole stalk intact, and while pretty, it just does not make it really fork-friendly. That's seriously going to be my new term....fork-friendly...I love it! Anyhoo, where was I? I'm so easily amused...ahem, just um, cut them in half.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGfomqN5bSo/UTd37mKdgfI/AAAAAAAADVs/JMC8ySBGzeA/s1600/asparagus4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGfomqN5bSo/UTd37mKdgfI/AAAAAAAADVs/JMC8ySBGzeA/s320/asparagus4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, place them in a bowl...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEtZSTeD5Uk/UTd5CHJ85dI/AAAAAAAADV0/sQf5sgGsbRA/s1600/asparagus5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEtZSTeD5Uk/UTd5CHJ85dI/AAAAAAAADV0/sQf5sgGsbRA/s400/asparagus5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, mince up your garlic...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtdvcsvftws/UTd5QDEgS9I/AAAAAAAADV8/fS28cAWHgew/s1600/asparagus6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtdvcsvftws/UTd5QDEgS9I/AAAAAAAADV8/fS28cAWHgew/s320/asparagus6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Throw that in the bowl, along with the thyme, rosemary, salt & pepper...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnEHdDQzA7M/UTd5mx0c8vI/AAAAAAAADWE/14s7Map3sMQ/s1600/asparagus7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnEHdDQzA7M/UTd5mx0c8vI/AAAAAAAADWE/14s7Map3sMQ/s400/asparagus7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, toss the whole kit and caboodle (the official term) with a few Tablespoons of olive oil...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhgMwjgUDoQ/UTd58HSDuhI/AAAAAAAADWM/zKhwZ9HhYFQ/s1600/asparagus8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhgMwjgUDoQ/UTd58HSDuhI/AAAAAAAADWM/zKhwZ9HhYFQ/s400/asparagus8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, oil up ye a grill pan...a broiler might work for this, too.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPZ8N_xgDek/UTd6VjCudWI/AAAAAAAADWU/1eWnhmLfAb4/s1600/asparagus9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPZ8N_xgDek/UTd6VjCudWI/AAAAAAAADWU/1eWnhmLfAb4/s400/asparagus9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now would be a good time to dice those sun-dried tomatoes, and slice your mushrooms up. Note: the recipe called for shittake mushrooms, I just happened to be out..the regular kind work just as well.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Udg9jZFOkD0/UTd7BYgiEuI/AAAAAAAADWk/oXDooblk5nA/s1600/asparagus10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Udg9jZFOkD0/UTd7BYgiEuI/AAAAAAAADWk/oXDooblk5nA/s320/asparagus10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It's also a good time to crumble up that lovely bleu cheese...not a lot, mind you....this is supposed to be healthy, remember?</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw3GjifGkkA/UTd7f0gS75I/AAAAAAAADWs/xNBYBSPJdG0/s1600/asparagus11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw3GjifGkkA/UTd7f0gS75I/AAAAAAAADWs/xNBYBSPJdG0/s320/asparagus11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, get that grill pan just a-blazing hot, and place the asparagus (with the oil, garlic, etc.) on it in a single layer..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipr4vsWKsGU/UTd7zKz-_QI/AAAAAAAADW0/A_pezRTR9hM/s1600/asparagus12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipr4vsWKsGU/UTd7zKz-_QI/AAAAAAAADW0/A_pezRTR9hM/s400/asparagus12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Grill them about five to seven minutes...you don't want them all soft & loopy now, do you? No loopy asparagus! Just sayin'...anyway, once grilled and crisp-tender, place them back into the bowl from whence they came. </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUrjDhGts-g/UTd8m-v1vJI/AAAAAAAADW8/jnJkvootHGc/s1600/asparagus13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUrjDhGts-g/UTd8m-v1vJI/AAAAAAAADW8/jnJkvootHGc/s400/asparagus13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, add a bit more olive oil to the grill pan, and grill the mushrooms..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_PrjzlH378/UTd82T2X9fI/AAAAAAAADXE/SYbIEkFQ7u8/s1600/asparagus14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_PrjzlH378/UTd82T2X9fI/AAAAAAAADXE/SYbIEkFQ7u8/s400/asparagus14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Turn them after about five minutes, and add a little salt...here are mine at the halfway point.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2JaINrfu5c/UTd9WrTBVUI/AAAAAAAADXU/1aSHAGPYBBs/s1600/asparagus15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2JaINrfu5c/UTd9WrTBVUI/AAAAAAAADXU/1aSHAGPYBBs/s400/asparagus15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, toss the asparagus with the diced sun-dried tomato...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SY_VB7X_DZw/UTd9kzIiFrI/AAAAAAAADXc/Ei5euAj5tiQ/s1600/asparagus16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SY_VB7X_DZw/UTd9kzIiFrI/AAAAAAAADXc/Ei5euAj5tiQ/s400/asparagus16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Plate on an attractive platter, and add the mushrooms and crumbled bleu cheese...my results?</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_bZYCiayDw/UTd-UvAz3gI/AAAAAAAADXk/Vc8V1ZZ-aok/s1600/asparagus+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_bZYCiayDw/UTd-UvAz3gI/AAAAAAAADXk/Vc8V1ZZ-aok/s640/asparagus+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Oh...my. Let's just say that even if the outdoors was not blooming, my lunch certainly brightened up my day! The crisp-tender asparagus, with the meaty mushrooms, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy bleu cheese....it was just fantastic. I also squeeze a wedge of fresh lemon over the top, right before serving, as it brightens all these deep, rich flavors marvelously. Next time, I'm trying it with dried tarragon instead of the dried rosemary...I'm just not crazy about dried rosemary, it always seems like I'm eating twigs....just my humble Pixie Prerogative. It was fabulous! The moral of the story is that Spring may be more of a state of mind...especially when it is taking it's merry old time. Eat well my friends, and stay tuned tomorrow for what I could POSSIBLY do with the rest of that cheese.......hmmmmm. Love and kindness to all,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Pixie</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strike></strike></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-14989694544113833922013-03-04T14:52:00.001-05:002013-03-04T14:52:39.855-05:00Something From Nothing ~ To Go!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You know the feeling...you've just got a little of this and that left, and you hate to waste food. I feel your pain. Not only that ~ I have a huge problem on errand day, because I live in such a small town, that the only options for lunch are fast-food, deep-fried and unhealthy. So, I was recently cruising through the "free" issue of a certain "club of cooking" magazine and I saw my solution staring me in the face! A mason jar salad! How unique! How healthy....how well, portable! So, here are the ingredients, including the little handful of green beans, and a few new potatoes that I needed to use up. I also subbed the mayo with the yogurt, and the kalamata olives for capers.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_9GLSu6xpg/UTTxBva87QI/AAAAAAAADSc/1-I_ZDYpMOw/s1600/masonsalad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_9GLSu6xpg/UTTxBva87QI/AAAAAAAADSc/1-I_ZDYpMOw/s400/masonsalad1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Red onion, salt, pepper, tarragon, green beans, grape tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, an egg, some Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard. Vegans and vegetarians may use vegan yogurt, like So Delicious™ , or Silk™</div><div align="center"> brands. Now, dice your potatoes, cut your green beans, and mince your garlic, and a few Tablespoons of red onion.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRqLUAASyMY/UTTybDuqk7I/AAAAAAAADSo/6IcwcHOfC-E/s1600/masonsalad2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRqLUAASyMY/UTTybDuqk7I/AAAAAAAADSo/6IcwcHOfC-E/s320/masonsalad2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Simmer the cut potatoes in a pot of salted water, with the egg...they will both be done at the same time!</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5jlyB7NM0o/UTTy84_VMGI/AAAAAAAADS0/VhZaMDMhn6Y/s1600/masonsalad3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5jlyB7NM0o/UTTy84_VMGI/AAAAAAAADS0/VhZaMDMhn6Y/s320/masonsalad3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, mix the yogurt and Dijon mustard...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS8yIsZxq3U/UTT1SICULdI/AAAAAAAADS8/DXhsmKxIVMo/s1600/masonsalad4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS8yIsZxq3U/UTT1SICULdI/AAAAAAAADS8/DXhsmKxIVMo/s400/masonsalad4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Add the red wine vinegar, and the pressed clove of garlic...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3abpfOe2qe4/UTT1iXNGk_I/AAAAAAAADTE/9NxaSOugnC8/s1600/masonsalad5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3abpfOe2qe4/UTT1iXNGk_I/AAAAAAAADTE/9NxaSOugnC8/s400/masonsalad5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, add the tarragon and salt and pepper to taste...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qb-22dwRCfM/UTT1yCzGtCI/AAAAAAAADTM/sFMDgJOyn3s/s1600/masonsalad6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qb-22dwRCfM/UTT1yCzGtCI/AAAAAAAADTM/sFMDgJOyn3s/s400/masonsalad6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Mix it all together until creamy and lovely...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwClR4HiOH0/UTT2DihvR0I/AAAAAAAADTU/9xALzbmYPdw/s1600/masonsalad7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwClR4HiOH0/UTT2DihvR0I/AAAAAAAADTU/9xALzbmYPdw/s400/masonsalad7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It was at this point, that I decided I simply must add some dill...I loves me some dill with potato salad of any kind..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boiV0M1IRw8/UTT2cm5zdsI/AAAAAAAADTc/BxQcnPk4h8o/s1600/masonsalad8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boiV0M1IRw8/UTT2cm5zdsI/AAAAAAAADTc/BxQcnPk4h8o/s320/masonsalad8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, pull your potatoes and hard-boiled egg about eight minutes into the process...you do not want those taters getting over cooked. In fact, run some cold water over them all..and drain..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLp2a9p0sd8/UTT24nSoLvI/AAAAAAAADTk/r8PL01u8REU/s1600/masonsalad9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLp2a9p0sd8/UTT24nSoLvI/AAAAAAAADTk/r8PL01u8REU/s400/masonsalad9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />Now, in that same boiling water (I pulled the potatoes and egg out with a slotted spoon), blanch the green beans for about three minutes...just until crisp-tender...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pypiVvIBO2A/UTT3QNeiLmI/AAAAAAAADTs/iAlR-nW1sl8/s1600/masonsalad10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pypiVvIBO2A/UTT3QNeiLmI/AAAAAAAADTs/iAlR-nW1sl8/s320/masonsalad10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, drop them into some ice water, to stop the cooking, and preserve their bright green color.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPJACzINqQw/UTT34M3O3NI/AAAAAAAADT0/dX1QaLlxtVU/s1600/masonsalad11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPJACzINqQw/UTT34M3O3NI/AAAAAAAADT0/dX1QaLlxtVU/s320/masonsalad11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, place the potatoes and onion into a bowl...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcjf0rhNpQk/UTT4GgR-pII/AAAAAAAADT8/e5FoAhcZOuI/s1600/masonsalad12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcjf0rhNpQk/UTT4GgR-pII/AAAAAAAADT8/e5FoAhcZOuI/s400/masonsalad12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Add the dressing...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-vY5fRZbSs/UTT4S6ziPCI/AAAAAAAADUE/QSltVqK1haw/s1600/masonsalad13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-vY5fRZbSs/UTT4S6ziPCI/AAAAAAAADUE/QSltVqK1haw/s400/masonsalad13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Mix gently, so as not to break up the potatoes...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsDvMsg9Nas/UTT4om82mvI/AAAAAAAADUM/XxbkddBZ0o8/s1600/masonsalad14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsDvMsg9Nas/UTT4om82mvI/AAAAAAAADUM/XxbkddBZ0o8/s400/masonsalad14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I chopped only the egg white into small dice. That yolk has a lot of cholesterol..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgKVeModpMo/UTT46zlfGmI/AAAAAAAADUU/tZwfmrhdq1k/s1600/masonsalad15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgKVeModpMo/UTT46zlfGmI/AAAAAAAADUU/tZwfmrhdq1k/s320/masonsalad15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now the fun part. Layer your green beans in the bottom of the mason jar</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eV7eso8Ol38/UTT5NmguIJI/AAAAAAAADUc/kWBe8-xCKsw/s1600/masonsalad16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eV7eso8Ol38/UTT5NmguIJI/AAAAAAAADUc/kWBe8-xCKsw/s400/masonsalad16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, the chopped egg (I added some salt & pepper here, too).</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ji_is4FQ1vo/UTT5edTppQI/AAAAAAAADUk/BebAoGXKbV0/s1600/masonsalad17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ji_is4FQ1vo/UTT5edTppQI/AAAAAAAADUk/BebAoGXKbV0/s400/masonsalad17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, some capers...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHhGQh9Au34/UTT5xlxibVI/AAAAAAAADUs/3e6DGh4pgsg/s1600/masonsalad18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHhGQh9Au34/UTT5xlxibVI/AAAAAAAADUs/3e6DGh4pgsg/s400/masonsalad18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, load in that delicious and creamy potato salad..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPx-tSjqqZY/UTT6BcuqZqI/AAAAAAAADU0/KXbpjpwK9eI/s1600/masonsalad19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPx-tSjqqZY/UTT6BcuqZqI/AAAAAAAADU0/KXbpjpwK9eI/s400/masonsalad19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Finally, add the quartered grape tomatoes...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2eYod0t86Q/UTT6OgD6aWI/AAAAAAAADU8/7QI5DpLu7d8/s1600/masonsalad20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2eYod0t86Q/UTT6OgD6aWI/AAAAAAAADU8/7QI5DpLu7d8/s400/masonsalad20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Finally, put some plastic wrap on the top, and take with you to work, the park, school...wherever! </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyU4Ak-d4L0/UTT6zU7o7CI/AAAAAAAADVE/t1l_sQcJCUE/s1600/masonsalad+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyU4Ak-d4L0/UTT6zU7o7CI/AAAAAAAADVE/t1l_sQcJCUE/s640/masonsalad+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This would be great for kids (in plastic, of course) as well...I must confess, I made a smaller one in a coffee cup as I built this one, and ate it to see if it was any good. Oh.....my.....gosh! I am going to make this (with a gazillion variations on the vegetables, of course), over and over again! The creamy (but healthy) dressing coats everything, the capers and red onions give a little crunch and piquancy, and just knowing it is portable lets me know that I can eat healthy when I am out and about! Enjoy! Eat well my friends, and stay tuned for that amazing grilled asparagus salad, and the properly built cheese board. Love and kindness to all,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-64156048457906874232013-02-28T11:53:00.000-05:002013-02-28T11:53:15.352-05:00THP Day!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You know the feeling. You have been....um, "naughty" and eaten that bad-for-you beef burger, or that giant piece of rich and cholesterol-laden lasagna...you feel the need to behave, and eat healthy. Having been guilty of both the burger and lasagna indulgence lately, today was that day for me. I call it "Totally Healthy Person" day...or THP, for short. As much as I wanted to be good, I was totally craving some lovely pasta with marinara sauce.....but, my rules about THP day are that at least two out of the three meals can have zero animal products in them! I know, it's harsh...but, our bodies and red meat (as much as I love me some steak), are really not compatible. So, with that challenge in mind, my breakfast was some lovely honeydew melon and blueberries, and the solution to my craving?</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbg3eU6WLrQ/US-FKhDWayI/AAAAAAAADPc/Coe2gk4wO6g/s1600/thp1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbg3eU6WLrQ/US-FKhDWayI/AAAAAAAADPc/Coe2gk4wO6g/s400/thp1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">That's right...the lovely and talented spaghetti squash! I did not want to be in the kitchen all day, either. So, I poked a hole in it, oiled it and a baking dish up, and popped it into a 350 degree oven for an hour.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IO0p6NPlflY/US-FjjyU-yI/AAAAAAAADPk/zfVAfzEKA68/s1600/thp2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IO0p6NPlflY/US-FjjyU-yI/AAAAAAAADPk/zfVAfzEKA68/s320/thp2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While it was baking, I assembled the (very few) ingredients for my sauce...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZhJSJVwTmM/US-F0tPxFUI/AAAAAAAADPs/MRziGSLj2Zc/s1600/thp3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZhJSJVwTmM/US-F0tPxFUI/AAAAAAAADPs/MRziGSLj2Zc/s320/thp3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Parsley, basil, salt & pepper, red pepper flake, a small can of tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic. That's it! Just mince your garlic small, and put into a saucepan with the olive oil and red pepper flakes, on very low heat. You are really just infusing the oil with flavor, more so than cooking the garlic at this point...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIHJkWfcsDQ/US-GTwYdt7I/AAAAAAAADP0/pGrBZEQmkIs/s1600/thp4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIHJkWfcsDQ/US-GTwYdt7I/AAAAAAAADP0/pGrBZEQmkIs/s320/thp4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, just open the tomato sauce, and mince up the parsley and basil..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BY2oH_aglqA/US-GnKUYCsI/AAAAAAAADP8/q4gCxClhgc0/s1600/thp5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BY2oH_aglqA/US-GnKUYCsI/AAAAAAAADP8/q4gCxClhgc0/s320/thp5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, simply add everything to the saucepan, adding salt & pepper to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1BV4gQt_0bM/US-G0yBFn7I/AAAAAAAADQE/HloD9E-ku_g/s1600/thp6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1BV4gQt_0bM/US-G0yBFn7I/AAAAAAAADQE/HloD9E-ku_g/s320/thp6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdxIhjrCe6E/US-G-zyfEeI/AAAAAAAADQM/eAuhxMRyry8/s1600/thp7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdxIhjrCe6E/US-G-zyfEeI/AAAAAAAADQM/eAuhxMRyry8/s320/thp7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, leave that on a low simmer...when your squash has baked for an hour, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a while on the counter..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_PVZbKlTH0/US-HSBDpjiI/AAAAAAAADQU/Qc7WSZADepI/s1600/thp8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_PVZbKlTH0/US-HSBDpjiI/AAAAAAAADQU/Qc7WSZADepI/s320/thp8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">In about twenty minutes (or sooner, if you use a pot holder), you will be able to cut the squash in half, lengthwise..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac5xw1tyxeg/US-Hmqkc8YI/AAAAAAAADQc/y5oLSgjsTbA/s1600/thp9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac5xw1tyxeg/US-Hmqkc8YI/AAAAAAAADQc/y5oLSgjsTbA/s320/thp9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, use a spoon, and remove all the seeds...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YEXUP6bMg6A/US-HzWGS96I/AAAAAAAADQk/8z3qNc03DCw/s1600/thp10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YEXUP6bMg6A/US-HzWGS96I/AAAAAAAADQk/8z3qNc03DCw/s320/thp10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what your seeded half of the squash should look like.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00d2IEWZ-Xk/US-JKi5kfYI/AAAAAAAADQs/TjHjzuI1whA/s1600/thp11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00d2IEWZ-Xk/US-JKi5kfYI/AAAAAAAADQs/TjHjzuI1whA/s400/thp11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, to get the stringy spaghetti-like squash out of its shell, use a spoon, or my favorite, some tongs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46ofUO9z7GA/US-JXCPHi9I/AAAAAAAADQ0/FVCk43AxQjQ/s1600/thp12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46ofUO9z7GA/US-JXCPHi9I/AAAAAAAADQ0/FVCk43AxQjQ/s400/thp12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, here is what you should have left..a (mostly) empty skin, and a plate of lovely strands..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fraNxIwP8hI/US-JqpxO4eI/AAAAAAAADQ8/8uWYw5OZjg8/s1600/thp13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fraNxIwP8hI/US-JqpxO4eI/AAAAAAAADQ8/8uWYw5OZjg8/s400/thp13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, simply place all the strands into your sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW3clk4njSU/US-J9Q1eCJI/AAAAAAAADRE/SLJWS2MDXPs/s1600/thp14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW3clk4njSU/US-J9Q1eCJI/AAAAAAAADRE/SLJWS2MDXPs/s400/thp14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix it in well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-y7c5z_dwM/US-KMI543bI/AAAAAAAADRM/lrTC6vHcWCw/s1600/thp15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-y7c5z_dwM/US-KMI543bI/AAAAAAAADRM/lrTC6vHcWCw/s400/thp15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, cover and simmer for about ten minutes...just so the squash absorbs up the flavors of the sauce. Now, turn out on to your plate, garnish with a little chiffonade (thinly sliced strips) of basil, and, enjoy! My results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMYuOvxfNKk/US-KmAH53CI/AAAAAAAADRU/d12CvMaPd7c/s1600/thp+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMYuOvxfNKk/US-KmAH53CI/AAAAAAAADRU/d12CvMaPd7c/s640/thp+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just delicious! This would normally be the point that I would shower some really good Parmesan over the top....but, I was abiding by the Totally Healthy Person rules! This would be good for those will gluten sensitivity, or diabetics who cannot have a lot of pasta, vegans and vegetarians, as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well, my friends, and stay tuned for the grilled asparagus salad that makes your mouth so happy, and a proper cheese board!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-76446496480919701522013-02-27T11:05:00.000-05:002013-02-27T11:05:12.146-05:00Be Mine.....<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Sometimes, you just want to spend a day showing someone how much you love and care about them by preparing a wonderful meal and dessert. It is especially true for Valentines Day, since that day is supposed to be all about your love for one another. This past February 14th, was just such a day. I also wanted a bit of time to primp for Dear Husband, so I wanted a large part of the menu to be able to be done in advance. It did not hurt that finding an elegant, gourmet restaurant to go to....was just NOT in the cards. So, like all cooks worth their salt (hahahaha), I began with dessert. BOTH desserts. I know it's overkill....but hey, that's how I (sometimes) roll! Start by rinsing and drying some beautiful strawberries...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQZ_wDddaWM/USdm4qcq5lI/AAAAAAAADFw/GLZasF4XDfU/s1600/vday1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQZ_wDddaWM/USdm4qcq5lI/AAAAAAAADFw/GLZasF4XDfU/s400/vday1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, line a cookie sheet with some wax paper, and place it in the freezer...this will help your chocolate firm up later. See where I'm going here?</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jddMRlMvEVA/USdnOKbKszI/AAAAAAAADF4/Di4Zl7uzF-Q/s1600/vday2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jddMRlMvEVA/USdnOKbKszI/AAAAAAAADF4/Di4Zl7uzF-Q/s400/vday2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, put a bowl on a saucepan that has two inches of water in it, and bring to a simmer. Melt some lovely semi sweet chocolate in it (you can use chocolate chips, too). On low heat...stirring to encourage the melting...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jewCPcGl-U/USdn3GiwYwI/AAAAAAAADGA/yb24d0LYPlI/s1600/vday3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jewCPcGl-U/USdn3GiwYwI/AAAAAAAADGA/yb24d0LYPlI/s400/vday3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are mine about halfway through the melting process..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wni4NQy4lEI/USdoHbHTGFI/AAAAAAAADGI/qLsHcQ3Ocsw/s1600/vday4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wni4NQy4lEI/USdoHbHTGFI/AAAAAAAADGI/qLsHcQ3Ocsw/s320/vday4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is what you are looking for in terms of looks and liquidity..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThPTXGndQBs/USdoZ-XRl7I/AAAAAAAADGQ/9PYOr02CF5o/s1600/vday5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThPTXGndQBs/USdoZ-XRl7I/AAAAAAAADGQ/9PYOr02CF5o/s400/vday5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now add about a teaspoon of this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5LAi1Wwnks/USdozqeUFQI/AAAAAAAADGY/cioa1S0ZzsA/s1600/vday6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5LAi1Wwnks/USdozqeUFQI/AAAAAAAADGY/cioa1S0ZzsA/s320/vday6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the "secret ingredient" that gives your chocolate that lovely, sealed-looking sheen that the professionals get....mix it in well. Now, here is the best method I have found for keeping the berries from dropping completely into the chocolate...stab them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp3v-BsgNBw/USdqutn_LRI/AAAAAAAADGg/DbEd3CUGVJs/s1600/vday8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp3v-BsgNBw/USdqutn_LRI/AAAAAAAADGg/DbEd3CUGVJs/s400/vday8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know about you, but whenever I attempt to use a skewer, or some other method, the strawberries just fall into the chocolate. Now, pull your cookie sheet out of the freezer, and begin dipping your berries, and placing them on the cold sheet....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrYHE88HZ-g/USdr9-VZPMI/AAAAAAAADG4/51ubxtNcYxo/s1600/vday9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrYHE88HZ-g/USdr9-VZPMI/AAAAAAAADG4/51ubxtNcYxo/s320/vday9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6flpjdNUn2U/USdsl6Vj77I/AAAAAAAADHA/SccxMGKM3VE/s1600/vday10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6flpjdNUn2U/USdsl6Vj77I/AAAAAAAADHA/SccxMGKM3VE/s320/vday10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are mine, done and ready to go into the refrigerator..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcO7e04uM-Q/USdtYn2m7HI/AAAAAAAADHI/jRDpw5UB9yc/s1600/vday11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcO7e04uM-Q/USdtYn2m7HI/AAAAAAAADHI/jRDpw5UB9yc/s320/vday11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the main dessert, I wanted to make one of DH's favorites...coconut cream pie! So I scoured the inter-galactic web, and found this recipe...yay Emeril! Click <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/coconut-cream-pie-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see it. So, I took a shortcut and got a frozen pie crust out, and blind baked it (baking the crust unfilled).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_RhpXXR4CC8/USduKM8KlgI/AAAAAAAADHQ/K6rWG29H4dQ/s1600/vday13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_RhpXXR4CC8/USduKM8KlgI/AAAAAAAADHQ/K6rWG29H4dQ/s320/vday13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, check out how easy, and how few ingredients it takes to make this beautiful pie...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a9CdAww02Y/USdubkryvhI/AAAAAAAADHY/KPXY31LmHMg/s1600/vday14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a9CdAww02Y/USdubkryvhI/AAAAAAAADHY/KPXY31LmHMg/s320/vday14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clockwise from bottom left; coconut, milk, cornstarch, vanilla, sugar, eggs, and butter. That's it! First, toast your coconut in a non-stick skillet on medium low heat, stirring to encourage even toasting...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwDYE4uHVR8/USdu6NFl2PI/AAAAAAAADHg/9uH1WHLpsIE/s1600/vday15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwDYE4uHVR8/USdu6NFl2PI/AAAAAAAADHg/9uH1WHLpsIE/s320/vday15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, heat the milk and sugar until the sugar has dissolved...about ten minutes on medium to medium low heat...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oirEEVW3C8k/USdvMVVrhxI/AAAAAAAADHo/XqlV0DN-cEc/s1600/vday16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oirEEVW3C8k/USdvMVVrhxI/AAAAAAAADHo/XqlV0DN-cEc/s320/vday16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, separate the three eggs, and put those whites aside in the refrigerator...they will be your meringue, later. Beat the yolks, and add a very small amount of the milk/sugar mixture into them...you add a little at a time, so the yolks don't cook/scramble on ya....it's called "tempering". Here are mine being tempered..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Maj5Pj4cUig/USdv1ZtFcoI/AAAAAAAADHw/eOwZeL4gaBA/s1600/vday17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Maj5Pj4cUig/USdv1ZtFcoI/AAAAAAAADHw/eOwZeL4gaBA/s320/vday17.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1IA7aUych0/USdwpvyHKlI/AAAAAAAADH4/hxhCAQrVpF8/s1600/vday18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1IA7aUych0/USdwpvyHKlI/AAAAAAAADH4/hxhCAQrVpF8/s320/vday18.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmHZo-eCGmg/USdw0qXuWgI/AAAAAAAADIA/iVKsfBEBgFc/s1600/vday19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmHZo-eCGmg/USdw0qXuWgI/AAAAAAAADIA/iVKsfBEBgFc/s320/vday19.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining (cold) milk..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF5sdjbbv4Y/USdxE0MIHeI/AAAAAAAADII/6DGPMfiaYLI/s1600/vday20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF5sdjbbv4Y/USdxE0MIHeI/AAAAAAAADII/6DGPMfiaYLI/s320/vday20.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, add your tempered mixture and cornstarch mixture right back into the saucepan, and bring to a simmer, stirring, so it can thicken from the cornstarch, but not burn on the bottom of the saucepan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQgO2-TNL7M/USdxtDCa6tI/AAAAAAAADIQ/B7cu6Wmh3Wo/s1600/vday21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQgO2-TNL7M/USdxtDCa6tI/AAAAAAAADIQ/B7cu6Wmh3Wo/s320/vday21.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep giving a little stir to your coconut from time to time, too...even though it is on low heat, it should be starting to toast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lx1JebKyHM/USdyCCKHfuI/AAAAAAAADIY/FWIR4ltGnDM/s1600/vday22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lx1JebKyHM/USdyCCKHfuI/AAAAAAAADIY/FWIR4ltGnDM/s320/vday22.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, that the egg mixture has thickened...stir in your vanilla and butter...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0hD5pvpDIo/USdyVDtkf5I/AAAAAAAADIg/1msiUv3Ee8o/s1600/vday23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0hD5pvpDIo/USdyVDtkf5I/AAAAAAAADIg/1msiUv3Ee8o/s320/vday23.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, stir in your toasted (incredibly yummy) coconut!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vO7nKOXwvI/USdynqkkxhI/AAAAAAAADIo/FVY2vitugro/s1600/vday24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vO7nKOXwvI/USdynqkkxhI/AAAAAAAADIo/FVY2vitugro/s400/vday24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess what? You are about done with dessert! Pour the mixture into your baked pie shell, let it cool down at room temperature for a while, then, put it into the fridge for later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0NslQsu7yo/USdzAu81hxI/AAAAAAAADIw/hIEiRs3p9SQ/s1600/vday25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0NslQsu7yo/USdzAu81hxI/AAAAAAAADIw/hIEiRs3p9SQ/s640/vday25.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I wanted to make Dear Husband something he loves for his appetizer, but did not want to do it at the last minute ~ after all, I had hair and makeup to worry about! So, I prepared his bacon-wrapped scallops in advance....with three simple ingredients...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8AysUBq4k0/USdzhYNL5tI/AAAAAAAADI4/9g1Qi57yDKE/s1600/vday26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8AysUBq4k0/USdzhYNL5tI/AAAAAAAADI4/9g1Qi57yDKE/s400/vday26.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scallops, creole seasoning, bacon. That's it! All you do is pat the scallops dry with a paper towel...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIlAxKLSkTw/USdz-IRy_mI/AAAAAAAADJA/WwwR20i0AlM/s1600/vday27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIlAxKLSkTw/USdz-IRy_mI/AAAAAAAADJA/WwwR20i0AlM/s320/vday27.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qf2OVbEgBNI/USd0JZYY8BI/AAAAAAAADJI/P_H8zOFGZ5Q/s1600/vday28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qf2OVbEgBNI/USd0JZYY8BI/AAAAAAAADJI/P_H8zOFGZ5Q/s320/vday28.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut two slices of bacon in half...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxQROjFWMKA/USd0ZzHms4I/AAAAAAAADJQ/l_Wu1PeKat4/s1600/vday29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxQROjFWMKA/USd0ZzHms4I/AAAAAAAADJQ/l_Wu1PeKat4/s400/vday29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, tuck in one end of the bacon, as you wrap the strip around the scallop...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb_PrsGp9yE/USd0sghtARI/AAAAAAAADJY/ACFTwjTxues/s1600/vday30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb_PrsGp9yE/USd0sghtARI/AAAAAAAADJY/ACFTwjTxues/s400/vday30.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, simply sprinkle both sides of the scallops with the creole seasoning, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge for later. See? Two desserts and an appetizer are done ~ and I should tell you, at this point it was only 11am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG-kG6wN5fU/USd1MSYwdyI/AAAAAAAADJg/oXD-HPKopZc/s1600/vday31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG-kG6wN5fU/USd1MSYwdyI/AAAAAAAADJg/oXD-HPKopZc/s400/vday31.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By now, your chocolate has firmed up on your berries, and you can remove them to a plate, cover and refrigerate for the big night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oMp_twFBxI/USd2ZBMTqXI/AAAAAAAADJo/LMT1nxQ-L3k/s1600/vday32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oMp_twFBxI/USd2ZBMTqXI/AAAAAAAADJo/LMT1nxQ-L3k/s640/vday32.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a "quality control" check....OK, I admit it! I snitched one.....or two. GUILTY! Now, on to the prep for the main course, which after careful thought, I decided should be grilled shrimp, herbed new potatoes, and just a simple can of white sweet corn. YES! I used canned corn! Hey, after this meal, I think one should take all the help one can get! First, I shelled and deveined the shrimp...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lji9EUdoDrA/USd3d_lS0wI/AAAAAAAADJ4/u2Cr1wUW6VQ/s1600/vday33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lji9EUdoDrA/USd3d_lS0wI/AAAAAAAADJ4/u2Cr1wUW6VQ/s400/vday33.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKtH865B6DQ/USd3p_oHUxI/AAAAAAAADKA/3LUxojTD8tA/s1600/vday34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKtH865B6DQ/USd3p_oHUxI/AAAAAAAADKA/3LUxojTD8tA/s400/vday34.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once again, this is a do-ahead kind of feast.....so, when the shrimp were done, in the fridge awaiting the marinade, I got out some new potatoes, scrubbed them up, cut them in half, and placed them in the pot to steam later....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YC2A1J1S7cg/USd4Ju7o1zI/AAAAAAAADKI/AIRybjWjHpQ/s1600/vday35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YC2A1J1S7cg/USd4Ju7o1zI/AAAAAAAADKI/AIRybjWjHpQ/s320/vday35.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbj8csHO1H0/USd4WLNxJII/AAAAAAAADKQ/hVvQGDZkRs8/s1600/vday36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbj8csHO1H0/USd4WLNxJII/AAAAAAAADKQ/hVvQGDZkRs8/s320/vday36.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, time to marinate the shrimp, and take the rest of the day to primp and foo-foo (the technical term for beautifying oneself....ahem). I should put a caveat here....this was the recipe I used for grilling the shrimp - but I was not overly impressed with the flavor, and in future, will use a different grilled shrimp recipe. That having been said, here's how this one went....gather these ingredients..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxWJoLWujMc/USd5BzdaJJI/AAAAAAAADKY/-Kz8KiN6ufU/s1600/vday37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxWJoLWujMc/USd5BzdaJJI/AAAAAAAADKY/-Kz8KiN6ufU/s400/vday37.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, chop the cilantro, red onion and mince or press the clove of garlic...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgb_RQZCHV4/USd5V3udfEI/AAAAAAAADKg/TPQnsF76q4c/s1600/vday39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgb_RQZCHV4/USd5V3udfEI/AAAAAAAADKg/TPQnsF76q4c/s400/vday39.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Place all (including olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, the salt and basil into a plastic zippy bag (yes, that's what I'm calling them...it's um, zippy!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFw5-KA3ORE/USd50lLjm8I/AAAAAAAADKo/InimhTWAQ38/s1600/vday40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFw5-KA3ORE/USd50lLjm8I/AAAAAAAADKo/InimhTWAQ38/s400/vday40.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Into the bag with the marinade....go the shrimp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NggU6c25NmA/US4jhDMOMNI/AAAAAAAADLo/NuxSSfBr3vU/s1600/vday41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NggU6c25NmA/US4jhDMOMNI/AAAAAAAADLo/NuxSSfBr3vU/s400/vday41.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, in make-ahead land....we have our special, crunchy cocktail sauce! Crunchy? Yes, let me explain....first mix ye up some ketchup, lemon, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rObbmUBrdNk/US4kCZur3EI/AAAAAAAADLw/ioCeJ-WdfPI/s1600/vday42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rObbmUBrdNk/US4kCZur3EI/AAAAAAAADLw/ioCeJ-WdfPI/s320/vday42.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Uc0M11o4j8/US4kO1-vvdI/AAAAAAAADL4/5cy4ffYNCDg/s1600/vday44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Uc0M11o4j8/US4kO1-vvdI/AAAAAAAADL4/5cy4ffYNCDg/s320/vday44.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1601096166"></span><span id="goog_1601096167"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, simply add in some finely diced celery! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKakyldsFYA/US4keLdxySI/AAAAAAAADMA/DKOhlR2mOso/s1600/vday46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKakyldsFYA/US4keLdxySI/AAAAAAAADMA/DKOhlR2mOso/s320/vday46.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dear Husband and I had cocktail sauce like this whilst in Alaska, and we've never been the same...it takes normal cocktail sauce to a whole (tastier) new level...bad photo, but you get the drift...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGARi12o92A/US4k5nCchzI/AAAAAAAADMI/Y0GSyzao9NI/s1600/vday47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGARi12o92A/US4k5nCchzI/AAAAAAAADMI/Y0GSyzao9NI/s320/vday47.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted a nice herb butter to toss the new potatoes in, and I wanted it (big surprise) done ahead of time, of course...so, we melt some butter in a saucepan....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-442BLqdTyAg/US4lbNtfYXI/AAAAAAAADMQ/_LPvfknm_Cc/s1600/vday48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-442BLqdTyAg/US4lbNtfYXI/AAAAAAAADMQ/_LPvfknm_Cc/s320/vday48.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And gather some fresh and dried herbs....I used these...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzQJjP9j-Rw/US4l-09PnLI/AAAAAAAADMg/RgTWWCmxKBk/s1600/vday49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzQJjP9j-Rw/US4l-09PnLI/AAAAAAAADMg/RgTWWCmxKBk/s400/vday49.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pepper, tarragon, mint, basil, salt and green onion...chop the fresh herbs fine..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0FzqtE1mLA/US4mSskC4RI/AAAAAAAADMo/qedwHjfvJbg/s1600/vday50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0FzqtE1mLA/US4mSskC4RI/AAAAAAAADMo/qedwHjfvJbg/s400/vday50.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix the fresh and a teaspoon of each of the dried herbs, along with salt & pepper to taste, into your melted butter...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wBeBrrfNik/US4mtAVCtwI/AAAAAAAADMw/KL8tYqZZ--0/s1600/vday51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wBeBrrfNik/US4mtAVCtwI/AAAAAAAADMw/KL8tYqZZ--0/s400/vday51.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simply set aside for pouring all over your steamed new potatoes, later!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4h7jqH9-l7w/US4m_EHIh4I/AAAAAAAADM4/dFkJ0t9rSP4/s1600/vday52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4h7jqH9-l7w/US4m_EHIh4I/AAAAAAAADM4/dFkJ0t9rSP4/s400/vday52.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, go get foo-fooed for your evening, take a nap, do whatever you need to do...the hard part, is done! When you are ready, and the supper hour has arrived, simple sear the scallops, with the seam down, and rotate until the bacon is mostly cooked through..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LQ-n3L0lck/US4nrOumXSI/AAAAAAAADNA/3Kq5WKa_N8U/s1600/vday55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LQ-n3L0lck/US4nrOumXSI/AAAAAAAADNA/3Kq5WKa_N8U/s400/vday55.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are mine - halfway through the searing process...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gjWqwx1awE/US4n8-OYs5I/AAAAAAAADNI/FWvV8lGiX38/s1600/vday56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gjWqwx1awE/US4n8-OYs5I/AAAAAAAADNI/FWvV8lGiX38/s400/vday56.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, place them on a broiler pan, and broil until cooked through...about another 3 minutes per side..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qqgyZgqt6s/US4pMTI_v1I/AAAAAAAADNY/UZH4Ox29_H0/s1600/vday57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qqgyZgqt6s/US4pMTI_v1I/AAAAAAAADNY/UZH4Ox29_H0/s400/vday57.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, plate with a nice slice of lemon, and voila! Appetizer - done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MKxiOYWWQg/US4pe7l4_nI/AAAAAAAADNg/IR9QIKMiiCo/s1600/vday58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MKxiOYWWQg/US4pe7l4_nI/AAAAAAAADNg/IR9QIKMiiCo/s400/vday58.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, Dear Husband loved them! Now, let's finish the feast, so we can watch romantic movies and snuggle on the sofa...first, turn on your pot of new potatoes to steam, and drain the shrimp from the marinade...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrcgrZU75aY/US4qE3jF7nI/AAAAAAAADNo/qZHK__tjPnA/s1600/vday59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrcgrZU75aY/US4qE3jF7nI/AAAAAAAADNo/qZHK__tjPnA/s320/vday59.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grill them for about two minutes per side...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLdzcJAjGY4/US4qXmNPQYI/AAAAAAAADNw/7vQEs2gCaQw/s1600/vday62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLdzcJAjGY4/US4qXmNPQYI/AAAAAAAADNw/7vQEs2gCaQw/s640/vday62.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And when your taters are fork-tender, toss them in the herb butter...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KvDQG1f_aM/US4qsKdcLEI/AAAAAAAADN4/6RMdM5GfzGM/s1600/vday60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KvDQG1f_aM/US4qsKdcLEI/AAAAAAAADN4/6RMdM5GfzGM/s400/vday60.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat up a can of corn, or whatever vegetable of choice you have decided upon, and serve!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdMxvxhOvVY/US4rE7LAgiI/AAAAAAAADOA/oyiULbKlOBs/s1600/vday63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdMxvxhOvVY/US4rE7LAgiI/AAAAAAAADOA/oyiULbKlOBs/s640/vday63.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You have just made a gourmet restaurant jealous....because you did not spend your money there! Now, after enjoying this lovely dinner, go get those nice cold egg whites out of the fridge, and beat them until they form stiff peaks...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so-xhywou3o/US4ro1NFHUI/AAAAAAAADOI/bMARufr0QnU/s1600/vday64.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so-xhywou3o/US4ro1NFHUI/AAAAAAAADOI/bMARufr0QnU/s400/vday64.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spread the egg whites on your lovely, made-ahead coconut cream pie...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG1VYid4uRM/US4sGnws3bI/AAAAAAAADOQ/eViU5Mr86Gs/s1600/vday65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG1VYid4uRM/US4sGnws3bI/AAAAAAAADOQ/eViU5Mr86Gs/s400/vday65.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, run under the broiler until nicely browned...you are done! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K6pv87By0k/US4saVB4BzI/AAAAAAAADOY/BUjRVxdc65c/s1600/vday+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K6pv87By0k/US4saVB4BzI/AAAAAAAADOY/BUjRVxdc65c/s640/vday+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy the fact that you made a gourmet meal, elegant, chocolate-dipped strawberries, luscious pie, and even an appetizer for far, far less than such a meal would cost you in some restaurant. Now, before the inevitable questions come - I do NOT cook like this every day...but, for the one you love, when you cook from the heart.....it can feed their soul.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well, my friend, and stay tuned for spaghetti squash, and more! Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-12951319784701046452013-02-20T11:05:00.000-05:002013-02-20T11:05:12.810-05:00Anatomy of A Craving ~ Italian Edition<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yes, I'm aware that I am overdue on the BEEEG, HUGE, Valentines' Day cook-a-thon. However....there are circumstances that are way beyond my control. OK, what I mean is that I had a really, REALLY awful day & night yesterday. I wanted comfort, and that comfort meant that only one...specific...thing would do...lasagna. Now, having scoured the Pixie-Pantry, and refrigerator o' chillness...I discovered something important. I had NO ricotta cheese, and NO mozzarella. Oh, and did I mention that I am without means to make it to a grocery store right now? Um, yeah....it was not looking good for my little wounded-bird self at the moment. Then, I realized that what I <strong><em>did</em> </strong>have was more important....</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0HVrrFMx4s/USTrDr_nIZI/AAAAAAAADDM/dTMwVDqSYPo/s1600/lasagna1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0HVrrFMx4s/USTrDr_nIZI/AAAAAAAADDM/dTMwVDqSYPo/s400/lasagna1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center">From left to right...Parmesan cheese, pepper jack cheese, fat-free cottage cheese, parsley and Italian seasoning, leftover home-made spaghetti sauce, no-boil lasagna noodles, salt and pepper. Not shown: egg, olive oil, red pepper flake and the clove of garlic that was hiding behind the Parmesan in this photo....</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><div align="center">So, I wondered, could the fat-free cottage cheese successfully replace the ricotta? Would I ever spoon into rich, creamy lasagna today? Will it heal my freakin' SOUL? Only one way to find out....something I like to call a "childbirth experience" ~ the only way out of it......is through it. So let us begin...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Take about 1/2 of that (16 oz.) container of cottage cheese, and place it into a bowl...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb--CMdEfww/USTsedWSlZI/AAAAAAAADDU/SjWYA7mpChg/s1600/lasagna2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb--CMdEfww/USTsedWSlZI/AAAAAAAADDU/SjWYA7mpChg/s400/lasagna2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shred in a quarter cup each of the pepper jack and Parmesan cheese. Add a Tablespoon each of Italian seasoning and parsley (fresh or dried), a pressed clove of garlic, a few red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtjoUCH0AsY/USTtbF4pSfI/AAAAAAAADDc/wGnqGG70teM/s1600/lasagna3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtjoUCH0AsY/USTtbF4pSfI/AAAAAAAADDc/wGnqGG70teM/s400/lasagna3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beat an egg, and mix into the cheese mixture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_nJSSbcS70/USTtrP7rgcI/AAAAAAAADDk/q4YiGu36-yA/s1600/lasagna5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_nJSSbcS70/USTtrP7rgcI/AAAAAAAADDk/q4YiGu36-yA/s400/lasagna5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a nice, square pan, spray it with non-stick spray, and put a couple spoonfuls of spaghetti sauce on the bottom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlurPaeQBdk/USTuJqdMJWI/AAAAAAAADDs/Il94-rsd610/s1600/lasagna7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlurPaeQBdk/USTuJqdMJWI/AAAAAAAADDs/Il94-rsd610/s400/lasagna7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, begin your layers - I love that these noodles do not require boiling ahead of time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GfMC8k5rfo/USTudbpqOjI/AAAAAAAADD0/tc_8FLdkT6s/s1600/lasagna8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GfMC8k5rfo/USTudbpqOjI/AAAAAAAADD0/tc_8FLdkT6s/s400/lasagna8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see ~ it only takes three to cover a small square casserole, in this case. Unfortunately (or luckily, hee-hee) Dear Husband does not like cheese.....at all. So, this huka huka creamy love is just for yours truly. So there! Now, a layer of the cheese mixture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7OhSUCzQsg/USTu9WnidPI/AAAAAAAADD8/7HfpnUOpk0A/s1600/lasagna9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7OhSUCzQsg/USTu9WnidPI/AAAAAAAADD8/7HfpnUOpk0A/s400/lasagna9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point I was thinking - "wow, I bet that cottage cheese is really going to work - AND it's fat-free!". Anyhoo, I digress....another layer of the noodles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLaOPORUOVc/USTvXKm8jpI/AAAAAAAADEE/6BzQRhMZTyo/s1600/lasagna10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLaOPORUOVc/USTvXKm8jpI/AAAAAAAADEE/6BzQRhMZTyo/s400/lasagna10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another layer - utilizing the home-made meat sauce....I feel so thrifty! Note: vegetarians may use a plain tomato-based sauce loaded with onion, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini...the possibilities are wonderful for this! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av-Ct2x6biE/USTv6yxipGI/AAAAAAAADEM/Th0iOI4XuFk/s1600/lasagna11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av-Ct2x6biE/USTv6yxipGI/AAAAAAAADEM/Th0iOI4XuFk/s400/lasagna11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, a final layer of noodles and the cheese mixture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bm2J9ybIapA/USTwV2aOcqI/AAAAAAAADEU/TbS0_NR4dIg/s1600/lasagna12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bm2J9ybIapA/USTwV2aOcqI/AAAAAAAADEU/TbS0_NR4dIg/s400/lasagna12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the rest of the leftover spaghetti sauce...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11HazUz5jEw/USTwmBs81yI/AAAAAAAADEc/R4OS1nWD5wU/s1600/lasagna13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11HazUz5jEw/USTwmBs81yI/AAAAAAAADEc/R4OS1nWD5wU/s400/lasagna13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, top with a few Tablespoons each of the pepper jack, Parmesan, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlBp9QlWSHU/USTw8jEQXRI/AAAAAAAADEk/GxQQBdFlvUE/s1600/lasagna14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlBp9QlWSHU/USTw8jEQXRI/AAAAAAAADEk/GxQQBdFlvUE/s400/lasagna14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cover, and bake in a 350 oven for about 50 minutes, or until bubbling, and making your house smell amazing....then uncover for the last ten minutes, to crisp up the top...remove from the oven, and using restraints/a shower/locks on the door...let it set up for a GOOD ten to fifteen minutes....this is what keeps it from falling apart when you cut into it....here's mine as I am finding something else to do, other than to dive, face first, into it....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc0Tfqbp65k/USTxuYgtzrI/AAAAAAAADEs/Myb0slIyJyA/s1600/lasagna15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc0Tfqbp65k/USTxuYgtzrI/AAAAAAAADEs/Myb0slIyJyA/s400/lasagna15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9YoEeQ-WQM/USTx5R6zm6I/AAAAAAAADE0/c-TfXL7DIHk/s1600/lasagna16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9YoEeQ-WQM/USTx5R6zm6I/AAAAAAAADE0/c-TfXL7DIHk/s640/lasagna16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are......no......words. I may not have achieved World Peace, or solved any current issue of the day.....but my soul was, in fact soothed....my problems and issues put out of mind, and my taste buds completely overwhelmed with the creamy, soft texture, and spot-on flavor of this lasagna. The moral of today's story is; never underestimate when cravings and creativity collide! I will be freezing the rest in Pixie-sized portions for future <em>put-on-a-movie-and-cry-for-no-reason</em> days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well, my friends, and stay tuned for the Valentines Day feast o' fun! And do me a flavor (pun intended)....when you see that person, you know, slightly older, kind of moving slow, struggling with a door, or a basket of groceries, or just barely able to keep from crying instead of smiling at you....stop and offer a hand. That person may be in chronic pain, or trying to quit a bad habit, or suffering in ways that we are unaware of. You may be refused.....but in your heart you know you lent a hand, or made someones day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-87186355133050619982013-02-18T11:23:00.000-05:002013-02-18T11:23:05.424-05:00Passport to Europe<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">What I miss the most from the time I lived in Jolly Olde England (and yes, you have to say it like that....it's a rule, scouts honor!), is the travel and gourmet experiences that were so easily found, everywhere. From a small village in Lyon, France, to a smoked eel sandwich in Holland, to one of my other favorite cuisines...Scandinavian! I simply loved the artistically arranged, open-faced sandwiches (smorrebrod), the pickled fish, the cheeses, and the meticulous way the people of that region approached their food. With a nod to an old friend from Copenhagen, I make this dish about twice a year. It's that rich, trust me....you AND your arteries do not want it more often than that...it is what I call; Dilly Shrimp Avocado Love Boats. Here's how it rolls...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hG_bLFWInMU/USJMe_Iu0mI/AAAAAAAADAo/p_Xo7lbYaUQ/s1600/ds+boats+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hG_bLFWInMU/USJMe_Iu0mI/AAAAAAAADAo/p_Xo7lbYaUQ/s400/ds+boats+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Just a few ingredients...sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh (or dried) dill, garlic, salt & pepper, some frozen salad shrimp (canned work in this just as well, just rinse them), an avocado, and a lemon. First, spoon about 2 Tablespoons each of the mayo and sour cream into a bowl. Then, add about a tablespoon of lemon juice, and your thawed salad shrimp. Note: I have used Greek yogurt and vegan or safflower mayo in place of the sour cream and mayo in this, and it's just as delish, and healthier, too! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTrvJQaP_AI/USJNOI2KiXI/AAAAAAAADA0/oqF77-AF_Gw/s1600/ds+boats+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTrvJQaP_AI/USJNOI2KiXI/AAAAAAAADA0/oqF77-AF_Gw/s400/ds+boats+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, add some beautiful, fragrant dill, and one pressed clove of garlic. I like the garlic pressed in this vs. minced, as it mellows into the sauce well. Add salt and pepper to taste...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQQKlCLPMzE/USJOMaIYM0I/AAAAAAAADA8/btn0t88sSyA/s1600/ds+boats+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQQKlCLPMzE/USJOMaIYM0I/AAAAAAAADA8/btn0t88sSyA/s400/ds+boats+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, simply mix everything gently together!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXUCTm9noRk/USJORkGqMEI/AAAAAAAADBI/j2u93xU5MZs/s1600/ds+boats+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXUCTm9noRk/USJORkGqMEI/AAAAAAAADBI/j2u93xU5MZs/s400/ds+boats+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, take ye a beautiful, ripe avocado, cut it in half and discard the pit, and spoon the lovely salad into the hollow. Garnish with a nice sprig of dill, and a wedge of lemon....and, enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_azcVWltho/USJOx1Us_-I/AAAAAAAADBQ/hd_qBKVW8pk/s1600/ds+boats+finale+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_azcVWltho/USJOx1Us_-I/AAAAAAAADBQ/hd_qBKVW8pk/s640/ds+boats+finale+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another close-up? Sure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fn8Y10E7Gs/USJPE32RkLI/AAAAAAAADCI/NkxA3nO-H0Y/s1600/ds+boats+finale+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fn8Y10E7Gs/USJPE32RkLI/AAAAAAAADCI/NkxA3nO-H0Y/s640/ds+boats+finale+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delicious, rich..dilly-ishous and wonderful! Is that a word? OK, well, it is NOW! ☺</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note to non-shrimp eaters. This would be just as tasty with some Krab-with-a-K as well. If this is too rich for you to consume both halves of the avocado at one sitting (which has happened to me, many a time), dice the remaining half of avocado, toss it with the shrimp and dressing, and serve over your favorite salad ~ it makes a terrific dressing! See?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqtUtLef-Zc/USJS9ZJPY2I/AAAAAAAADCQ/AEMRoBEt9Ws/s1600/ds+love+boats+salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqtUtLef-Zc/USJS9ZJPY2I/AAAAAAAADCQ/AEMRoBEt9Ws/s640/ds+love+boats+salad.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Eat well, my friends, and stay tuned for the BIG.....HUGE....all-day Valentine love fest cook-a-thon! Think I used enough superlatives, there? Love and kindness to all,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pixie</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-44035792541167642232013-02-01T10:24:00.000-05:002013-02-01T10:27:00.234-05:00Deli Breakfast<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Sometimes, I crave the diversity and choice that a large metropolitan area can bring. Fortunately, for the chef in me, I can create what I am craving. Case in point ~ recently, I actually wanted breakfast. I know, try to keep from fainting. For those who actually like waffles, or cereal, or pancakes, or any of that "breakfast-y" stuff, YAY! But, I cannot say I'm in that club. I DID recently discover, however, that canned smoked salmon tastes very much like that pricey, fresh smoked salmon that you can find in the deli or seafood section of your local supermarket....and just guess what I had on hand in the house?</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3l4FcSlzfZ4/UQvXxphyO7I/AAAAAAAAC-A/zQoQmY7Kt44/s1600/bagel+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3l4FcSlzfZ4/UQvXxphyO7I/AAAAAAAAC-A/zQoQmY7Kt44/s400/bagel+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yup, looks like a New York deli bagel, lox, (smoked salmon) and cream cheese breakfast is on the way! Oh, and it takes, like five minutes to make. So....no excuses, you can treat yourself to this in the morning, before work, school, or <strike>back-breaking, </strike>um, regular household work. First (and clearly this is rocket science) toast the bagel, and spread with a heart-healthy butter of your choice...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hKPK77E9gY/UQvYdJyoRmI/AAAAAAAAC-I/Qb0Irz2dLGM/s1600/bagel+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hKPK77E9gY/UQvYdJyoRmI/AAAAAAAAC-I/Qb0Irz2dLGM/s400/bagel+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, spread with your cream cheese. Heart healthy and fat free choices are available, of course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-NqZksWvBw/UQva3M2KGEI/AAAAAAAAC_A/WOTlReF5-ko/s1600/bagel+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-NqZksWvBw/UQva3M2KGEI/AAAAAAAAC_A/WOTlReF5-ko/s400/bagel+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, place some leaf lettuce attractively on top ~ the cream cheese will help it to lie on the bagel nicely. (Gotta love morning light on lettuce...so beautiful).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDoW60IPqT4/UQvbPScHwyI/AAAAAAAAC_I/DXDf8AhJeBQ/s1600/bagel+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDoW60IPqT4/UQvbPScHwyI/AAAAAAAAC_I/DXDf8AhJeBQ/s400/bagel+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, flake the smoked salmon over the lettuce....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0bbgjpgWvI/UQvbuIrhJdI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/FlYL3hSysFk/s1600/bagel+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0bbgjpgWvI/UQvbuIrhJdI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/FlYL3hSysFk/s400/bagel+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, sprinkle the top with your capers, thinly sliced red onion, and garnish attractively with your lemon. Please do use the lemon and capers when you make this, they brighten and lighten the deep, smoky flavor of the salmon in a wonderful way. My results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwqELVc7V8E/UQvckodHeII/AAAAAAAAC_Y/KV7ki9tjcl0/s1600/bagel+finale+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwqELVc7V8E/UQvckodHeII/AAAAAAAAC_Y/KV7ki9tjcl0/s640/bagel+finale+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another shot? Of course!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hW0aB5_W7I/UQvcxFO5cxI/AAAAAAAAC_g/fdy4UCXkf-g/s1600/bagel+finale+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hW0aB5_W7I/UQvcxFO5cxI/AAAAAAAAC_g/fdy4UCXkf-g/s640/bagel+finale+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another way to present and serve this dish? (Maybe breakfast in bed for your honey?) Sure...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivkDq8Yi_IA/UQvdDe46E8I/AAAAAAAAC_o/EW6dEk9jSdw/s1600/bagel+finale+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivkDq8Yi_IA/UQvdDe46E8I/AAAAAAAAC_o/EW6dEk9jSdw/s640/bagel+finale+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is an easy, elegant, cosmopolitan and delicious way to start a weekend morning, a weekday morning...shoot, any morning! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well my friends....next stop...something European! Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-337264708393021522013-01-31T12:05:00.001-05:002013-01-31T12:09:02.979-05:00Goodbye, January ~ Hello Comfort!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Why hello there! Just in time for my three-year blogging anniversary, I was inclined to do a post highlighting a beautiful standing rib roast, with all the trimmings, and a peppercorn gravy to boot! However - when I really thought long and hard about it, I thought that in this economy - is that what people really need, a ridiculously expensive roast? Ahem. That would be <strong>no</strong>. Soooooo...by way of explanation, THIS is what I found in the fridge one frigid (pun intended) January morning...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUcIp0YnDvI/UQqbdt9CtGI/AAAAAAAAC60/-JihccZbQGI/s1600/cc+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUcIp0YnDvI/UQqbdt9CtGI/AAAAAAAAC60/-JihccZbQGI/s400/cc+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Leftover enchiladas. Now, to most people, the obvious solution would be to re-cover the tray with foil, place the whole thing in the oven on low, and enjoy the enchiladas again. OK, here is my problem.....when I see that tray of enchiladas (which were perfectly delicious, mind you) my brain screams "NOOOOOOO!" "Not again!". I know, I have a problem. Seriously, I absolutely, positoooovly, HATE and DISLIKE leftovers. What do I detest more? Waste. So....inspired by lovely Daughter S., (plus the fact that we both love chili to the point of obsession), I decided to remove the chicken (Free Bird, get it?) from its corn-based wrapper, and make something new with it! The best part is that since I was using leftover (yikes!) chicken, this turned out to be a quick-cooking, awesome re-use. First, let us assemble the players for what I'm calling "Free Bird Chicken Chili".</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDnscdOaE5I/UQqc4xNGdfI/AAAAAAAAC68/uIh65yWk860/s1600/cc+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDnscdOaE5I/UQqc4xNGdfI/AAAAAAAAC68/uIh65yWk860/s400/cc+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">From left to right, chicken stock, chili powder, salt, garlic, onion, cumin, Creole seasoning, pepper, oregano, great northern beans, diced tomatoes. First, dice your onion and garlic pretty small...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a6XJNtIDRM/UQqddsnQ8sI/AAAAAAAAC70/A7zhxuIdInU/s1600/cc+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a6XJNtIDRM/UQqddsnQ8sI/AAAAAAAAC70/A7zhxuIdInU/s400/cc+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, put in your saute' pan with some canola oil. Note: I did not use any jalapeno in this mixture, because there is already an entire diced one in the enchilada mixture..<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">☺</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHBfxnXJkuo/UQqeBHiRfoI/AAAAAAAAC78/esosTfGtnJc/s1600/cc+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHBfxnXJkuo/UQqeBHiRfoI/AAAAAAAAC78/esosTfGtnJc/s400/cc+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Saute' the garlic & onion on low heat, with perhaps a dash of salt until tender, but not browned...about 10 minutes. Then, turn the chicken from inside the enchiladas (as well as much of the sauce your can get) on to a plate. </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYBAMrvxMZs/UQqf8H1roiI/AAAAAAAAC8E/EtosfX2RVng/s1600/cc+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYBAMrvxMZs/UQqf8H1roiI/AAAAAAAAC8E/EtosfX2RVng/s400/cc+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Not pretty, I know...but hang in there, it gets better. When the onions are soft and translucent...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn5JVKKw_BE/UQqgNbEEnhI/AAAAAAAAC8M/BcZNtWdoehY/s1600/cc+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn5JVKKw_BE/UQqgNbEEnhI/AAAAAAAAC8M/BcZNtWdoehY/s400/cc+6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Empty your plate of "freed bird" into the saucepan with the chicken stock..(I'm not having fun with that metaphor, or anything).</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWiInxrG1rU/UQqgfFWgdCI/AAAAAAAAC8U/GKse-WnFNzc/s1600/cc+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWiInxrG1rU/UQqgfFWgdCI/AAAAAAAAC8U/GKse-WnFNzc/s400/cc+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then, add your canned tomatoes and beans. I like to keep the liquid from the canned items in the dish, as I feel like as the chili cooks down, it adds to the flavor...</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaHjIDi4xaQ/UQqg6fM99MI/AAAAAAAAC8c/JcCNNBFD_B0/s1600/cc+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaHjIDi4xaQ/UQqg6fM99MI/AAAAAAAAC8c/JcCNNBFD_B0/s400/cc+8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, throw in your spices...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-FDhRrY7Vk/UQqhOFC2GvI/AAAAAAAAC8k/Vf0iPH85InU/s1600/cc+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-FDhRrY7Vk/UQqhOFC2GvI/AAAAAAAAC8k/Vf0iPH85InU/s400/cc+9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then, stir to combine, bring to a good bubble, turn to low and let simmer. I kept mine uncovered because I <strike>was ravenous</strike> wanted it sooner, rather than later. If you are going to keep this on low for quite a while, cover it, and stir every now and again, as it thickens. Here is mine, beginning to simmer...</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3c0o4PDA1Cs/UQqh8eljxnI/AAAAAAAAC8s/s9sKzJfcTTk/s1600/cc+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3c0o4PDA1Cs/UQqh8eljxnI/AAAAAAAAC8s/s9sKzJfcTTk/s400/cc+10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div align="center">Bowl o' goodness underway! Now, as well as an unnatural obsession with chili, I happen to constantly love & crave the nutty goodness that is...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqJPrIZnYlE/UQqif9guJAI/AAAAAAAAC80/i1c1Z3liHBU/s1600/cc+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqJPrIZnYlE/UQqif9guJAI/AAAAAAAAC80/i1c1Z3liHBU/s400/cc+11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I also love the fact that grocery chain stores are getting the fact that a lot of us have an educated palate, and do not eat ONLY American-style foods now! Now, while the rice was steaming away, I got the usual perpetrators for toppings ready...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJEPwrYe_G0/UQqi_l3JeHI/AAAAAAAAC88/zKnknC28gdk/s1600/cc+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJEPwrYe_G0/UQqi_l3JeHI/AAAAAAAAC88/zKnknC28gdk/s400/cc+12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">By the time the rice had steamed....the chili was done! My results?</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epCVjadbkos/UQqjPGyyU_I/AAAAAAAAC9E/JxC-sLEoE5A/s1600/cc+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epCVjadbkos/UQqjPGyyU_I/AAAAAAAAC9E/JxC-sLEoE5A/s640/cc+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wooohoooo! Free Bird! ♫ (Pixie holds lighter in air, burns fingers, then, sheepishly returns to eating chili).</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What way did you dress up your leftovers?</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span> </div><div align="center">Eat well, my friends...and remember Fall is for resolutions, Winter is for gratitude, and Spring is for.....SURPRISE! We shall see! Love and kindness to all,</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pixie</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-15101778354385600592013-01-22T11:43:00.000-05:002013-01-22T11:49:11.204-05:00Confessions of a Foodie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center">I have to admit it. Although I'm an omnivore of the highest order, there are a few things I actually do NOT love to eat. For instance....I love sushi and sashimi and seafood galore, but cannot stand the taste, nor texture of scallops. Weird, I know. Also, Dear Mom N. will describe the glories of her favorite Waldorf salad.....and I will cringe, because as much as I love apples, the idea of apples in a salad situation has as much appeal to me as.....well, a root canal. Well, yesterday, while absorbing my daily <strike>overdose </strike> ration of food related cooking, I saw Miss Giada make these Curried Chicken and Apple Wraps! Click<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/curried-chicken-and-apple-wraps-recipe/index.html" target="_blank"> here</a> for her recipe. They......looked......so.....good. And healthy, too. I knew I must bite the bullet and make them. You know the weirdest thing of all?<br /> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="cen<div class=" separator="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A5lc8aJ08U/UP62Grq6sAI/AAAAAAAAC0A/cJnNAkNBiPU/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A5lc8aJ08U/UP62Grq6sAI/AAAAAAAAC0A/cJnNAkNBiPU/s640/Apple%2Bwrap%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had <strong>all.....the...ingredients</strong>! ON HAND! Seriously! No, you don't understand! This kind of luck almost never happens to me! Sort of like the day I found that there package of goat cheese (on sale one day before its sell-by date - for $1.99!). Anyhoo...trust me, I believe in signs, and since I also happened to have leftover cooked chicken on hand, I knew I had to make it. From far left; olive oil, lime, garbanzo beans, hot sauce, apple, leftover salad, tortillas, Greek yogurt, goat cheese, dried mint, raisins, salt, pepper, curry powder, green onion, and mango chutney. As you can see, I did not have fresh mint, nor did I have whole-wheat tortillas.....don't judge me. Anyway, I know it is ingredient-heavy, but since I COULD NOT BELIEVE I had it all, I did not care. I also had this in the fridge...<br /><br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rTWfH1i8Zo/UP673bfbSgI/AAAAAAAAC2c/1TJEIq873gI/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rTWfH1i8Zo/UP673bfbSgI/AAAAAAAAC2c/1TJEIq873gI/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You betcha...leftover shredded chicken. We are in business. First, I combined the yogurt with the curry powder, lime juice, mango chutney, salt and pepper.<br /><br /><br /><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-b0WL-vtK0/UP639RKBCAI/AAAAAAAAC1E/CNhWFSBY-bE/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Then, I placed the mixture into a larger bowl. Kinda blurry....once again...I wanted to get to the eating part. My bad.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hE3aJpwn3L4/UP69vU5XllI/AAAAAAAAC4o/8pWiyRELDug/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hE3aJpwn3L4/UP69vU5XllI/AAAAAAAAC4o/8pWiyRELDug/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div align="center">Then, we rough-chop the garbanzo beans. I'm saving the rest of the can for a mini-batch of hummus.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nntw42YGxdM/UP65CA49BuI/AAAAAAAAC1c/RsBFnmsYzWY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nntw42YGxdM/UP65CA49BuI/AAAAAAAAC1c/RsBFnmsYzWY/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> On top of the dressing we put the crumbled goat cheese, olive oil, scallions, mint<br />hot sauce, and raisins.<br /><br /> <img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78JgnLKTFbU/UP65mLtA5aI/AAAAAAAAC1o/Hns3_Ukrb_0/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B6.JPG" width="400" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Then, throw in your delicious (I used Gala, here) chopped apple....in...a....salad. Hey, I'm working on it....it's a process.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28fk-dLJoHQ/UP66HVxUmDI/AAAAAAAAC10/j2h9GgJ99QY/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" separator="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a><br /><div class="separator" separator="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Mix it all together...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6Cte_eR--E/UP66agzk2VI/AAAAAAAAC2A/q3z-S75fecU/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6Cte_eR--E/UP66agzk2VI/AAAAAAAAC2A/q3z-S75fecU/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Then, fold in your chicken..</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5ymt4ToxMk/UP660KFmLqI/AAAAAAAAC2M/PMj9UTZ-krw/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5ymt4ToxMk/UP660KFmLqI/AAAAAAAAC2M/PMj9UTZ-krw/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And heat a tortilla in a non-stick...just until soft and pliable..</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4NXAff9FXo/UP68kgZrSnI/AAAAAAAAC3U/ZjGt5GUK2QU/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4NXAff9FXo/UP68kgZrSnI/AAAAAAAAC3U/ZjGt5GUK2QU/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Now, line the tortilla with some lettuce of your choice - as you know I used some from last nights' salad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RocqZaj620s/UP69Wc5dxAI/AAAAAAAAC4c/JbR5LGnBA5A/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RocqZaj620s/UP69Wc5dxAI/AAAAAAAAC4c/JbR5LGnBA5A/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, put your chicken and apple mixture-o-loveliness on top..</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obBVNLGO5gA/UP6-P08uvjI/AAAAAAAAC40/L5hUfTGHTdE/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2B12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obBVNLGO5gA/UP6-P08uvjI/AAAAAAAAC40/L5hUfTGHTdE/s400/Apple%2Bwrap%2B12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Now, roll up tightly, burrito style...and snarf down like there is, in fact, no tomorrow. How was mine?<br /><br /> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krxdJpyL00U/UP6_CiTUSCI/AAAAAAAAC5A/hc18qIBtM6M/s1600/Apple%2Bwrap%2Bfinale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krxdJpyL00U/UP6_CiTUSCI/AAAAAAAAC5A/hc18qIBtM6M/s640/Apple%2Bwrap%2Bfinale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> Let me put it this way......I WAS going to have it for lunch again tomorrow....but, I highly suspect....there will be none left. It was that, darn, good! (I'm snacking on the rest of the mixture as I write this post!). Oh, and HEY, MOM! I ate apples....IN....A.....SALAD.<br /><br /><strong><em>What food aversion did you successfully overcome?</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Eat well, my friends, and stay tuned for the big blog-a-versary special celebration meal. Love and kindness to all,<br /><br />Pixie</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-86298610847999862942013-01-20T20:00:00.000-05:002013-01-20T20:00:33.195-05:00Something From Nothing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">That's right! I'm back with another use-it-up kinda moment....batten down the hatches, and get ready to be surprised! First, let's get a look at our poor, unsuspecting piece o' vegetation... </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad1gEQWvpFg/UPyIUM1wVCI/AAAAAAAACt8/Fk1amm4L-P4/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad1gEQWvpFg/UPyIUM1wVCI/AAAAAAAACt8/Fk1amm4L-P4/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that is the poor, un-loved stalk of broccoli! Did you know it was edible? Not only can you eat it, but it is delicious, with a texture similar to crisp water chestnuts, and a faint broccoli taste. I usually peel it, cut it into coins, and use in a stir-fry, but today I was in a slaw-tacular kinda mood so...I peeled the stalks, and got my remaining slaw ingredients together.</div><div class="sepa<div class=" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPITA1wZ6gc/UPyJeocIwtI/AAAAAAAACuY/x9AXGHnzuUI/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPITA1wZ6gc/UPyJeocIwtI/AAAAAAAACuY/x9AXGHnzuUI/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Clockwise from the broccoli stalks; salt, pepper, mayo (vegans and heart-healthy readers may want to choose veganaise, or safflower mayo-look in the health-food aisle), red wine vinegar, raisins and salted roasted almonds. I prefer peanuts in this slaw....but this what I had that day, and I'm a nutty kinda gal, so I went for it. First, grate up your broccoli (you may use your processor, but I hate to clean mine, so I just used my box grater) into a bowl. I apologize for the blurry photo...truth be told, I just wanted to get to the <strike>gorging </strike>quality-control part of the deal...</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NghXxU3g7ys/UPyMTzeVHNI/AAAAAAAACwE/o0kPTZDQnF8/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NghXxU3g7ys/UPyMTzeVHNI/AAAAAAAACwE/o0kPTZDQnF8/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, rough-chop your nuts....(nope, I'm not gonna say it). </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ty0JtY2-8XY/UPyNlKFUQJI/AAAAAAAACwo/zI7jrfISjks/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ty0JtY2-8XY/UPyNlKFUQJI/AAAAAAAACwo/zI7jrfISjks/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, mix a couple tablespoons of mayo with some red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Thin the mayo with the red wine vinegar to achieve a salad-dressing kind of fluidity. You will have a lovely, pink-ish dressing.</div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div clas="clas" class="separator" div="div" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnxA_U-QcIk/UPyOgR6GWeI/AAAAAAAACw4/Gskey5_HTiU/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnxA_U-QcIk/UPyOgR6GWeI/AAAAAAAACw4/Gskey5_HTiU/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dks-vnx1E-c/UPyOgrP8D2I/AAAAAAAACxE/b1pG0D5A9O8/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="separator" div="div" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dks-vnx1E-c/UPyOgrP8D2I/AAAAAAAACxE/b1pG0D5A9O8/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B7.JPG" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" w="w" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, with wild abandon, (or conservative grace, depending on your level of solemnity that day), throw the raisins and nuts onto the shredded broccoli slaw.</div> <br /><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-didXSlTBizI/UPyMs9GRKgI/AAAAAAAACwQ/Dv95hgDMt2o/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZJVo2c2s9E/UPyNQyam6YI/AAAAAAAACwc/LOK_xxnZaow/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZJVo2c2s9E/UPyNQyam6YI/AAAAAAAACwc/LOK_xxnZaow/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ooops! The onion, I forgot the onion! Take ye a nice red onion..See? Mine is organic, because that's how <strike>nearsighted</strike> hipster, hip-hip-hippee I roll. Um, yeah. Cut off a small piece and chop into small dice.</div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbWPzaP0HI8/UPyOhKaVN9I/AAAAAAAACxQ/W3MO5k-wdSw/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbWPzaP0HI8/UPyOhKaVN9I/AAAAAAAACxQ/W3MO5k-wdSw/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXGrBxoIYMQ/UPyPgjXStEI/AAAAAAAACyI/ShK--5mVywQ/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXGrBxoIYMQ/UPyPgjXStEI/AAAAAAAACyI/ShK--5mVywQ/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why yes, I do have some mad knife skills, if I do say so myself! Amazing what 30 years of practice can do...ahem. Mix them thar onions and the dressing into your slaw, too.</div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpER9KaGjz8/UPyQN524fSI/AAAAAAAACy8/GT4i1MHB80w/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpER9KaGjz8/UPyQN524fSI/AAAAAAAACy8/GT4i1MHB80w/s400/broc%2Bslaw%2B10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, place in the fridge for the flavors to blend, or do what I did...pile on to a plate, garnish with a little cilantro, and....inhale! Go back to fridge....repeat! Repeat until gone. Ut-oh, I've said too much. The finale?</div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH1x9gwqOR8/UPyQ8p_EAFI/AAAAAAAACzI/9womnk4-XCE/s1600/broc%2Bslaw%2B%2Bfinale%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH1x9gwqOR8/UPyQ8p_EAFI/AAAAAAAACzI/9womnk4-XCE/s640/broc%2Bslaw%2B%2Bfinale%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I must tell you...the crunch from the broccoli stem, and the nuts, the chewy sweetness from the raisins, and the tang of the red onion, were divine. I feel better, too...knowing that instead of throwing away the misunderstood broccoli stem...I turned it into something healthy and delicious! It was fabulous, and I have some more stems in my refrigerator that are going to make their florets blush! Eat well, my friends, and stay tuned for the beeeg three-year blog-a-versary bash!</div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" separator="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-22043144153725245532012-12-29T12:53:00.000-05:002012-12-30T10:13:47.598-05:00Elegant, Easy, Affordable AND Delicious? Yes!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Have you ever wanted to make a nice treat for your co-workers, friends, family or the neighbors, but not wanted to become a pastry chef, or spend a fortune? This recipe is for you! The ingredient list is short, and contains a lot of pantry staples, the results are elegant and delicious, it only messes up three, count 'em three pots & pans.....and, did I mention it's delicious? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I scoured the inter-galactic web for an orange chocolate dipped biscotti....click <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chocolate-dipped-orange-biscotti/020e6fec-13d6-4fcb-ba66-c4276f5acf72" target="_blank">here</a> for the recipe I used. First, get your (gloriously inexpensive) ingredients together.</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACJ3WVkvvbk/UN8loBJbONI/AAAAAAAACo8/ePbbDyC25k0/s1600/o+biscotti+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACJ3WVkvvbk/UN8loBJbONI/AAAAAAAACo8/ePbbDyC25k0/s400/o+biscotti+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">From left to right; cooking oil, chocolate chips, salt, baking powder, an orange, baking soda, eggs, flour, sugar and vanilla. See? Did I mention these are easy to make as well? You will look like a gourmet baker after creating these. First, mix the sugar, eggs and orange rind with the vanilla...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqSlM6nFrFE/UN8mOcc0GSI/AAAAAAAACpE/2Uo2kGa5xwo/s1600/o+biscotti+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqSlM6nFrFE/UN8mOcc0GSI/AAAAAAAACpE/2Uo2kGa5xwo/s400/o+biscotti+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It will look like this once mixed...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ym-k6tWVsE/UN8mbRsN_QI/AAAAAAAACpM/ewC06-CKkkQ/s1600/o+biscotti+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ym-k6tWVsE/UN8mbRsN_QI/AAAAAAAACpM/ewC06-CKkkQ/s400/o+biscotti+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, mix in the flour, salt, baking powder and soda..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZmeJFBC8l4/UN8mwnbnG_I/AAAAAAAACpU/Q5LlycmcBCw/s1600/o+biscotti+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZmeJFBC8l4/UN8mwnbnG_I/AAAAAAAACpU/Q5LlycmcBCw/s400/o+biscotti+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix until well incorporated, and holding together...cookie dough, yay!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--l-p6umfaaw/UN8nGT_V7YI/AAAAAAAACpc/aEshLKykWb8/s1600/o+biscotti+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--l-p6umfaaw/UN8nGT_V7YI/AAAAAAAACpc/aEshLKykWb8/s400/o+biscotti+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Knead for a short (about 3 minutes) time until the dough is smooth...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0T1SkLSaTdA/UN8netAHuxI/AAAAAAAACpk/PdccsZ5TPws/s1600/o+biscotti+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0T1SkLSaTdA/UN8netAHuxI/AAAAAAAACpk/PdccsZ5TPws/s320/o+biscotti+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, divide the dough in half, and make into rectangles (approx. 10in by 3in) on your baking sheet..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--B7sAX4RgeY/UN8nz9lscKI/AAAAAAAACps/_nmqmMJf0hA/s1600/o+biscotti+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--B7sAX4RgeY/UN8nz9lscKI/AAAAAAAACps/_nmqmMJf0hA/s400/o+biscotti+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See how easy that was? Now, bake them for the first bake, 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees, and while they are baking, melt 1/2 a bag of chocolate chips on low heat, with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, stirring occasionally with a fork until melt-a-licious....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrRAAHmAmgo/UN8oaDXkthI/AAAAAAAACp0/BwsdM88n8s4/s1600/o+biscotti+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrRAAHmAmgo/UN8oaDXkthI/AAAAAAAACp0/BwsdM88n8s4/s320/o+biscotti+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE2VBmg-HdE/UN8ojliInBI/AAAAAAAACp8/_mYVNC9EbeM/s1600/o+bisccotti+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE2VBmg-HdE/UN8ojliInBI/AAAAAAAACp8/_mYVNC9EbeM/s320/o+bisccotti+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEuw5khLLc4/UN8otAWE6UI/AAAAAAAACqE/0XIDBD5LFwM/s1600/o+biscotti+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEuw5khLLc4/UN8otAWE6UI/AAAAAAAACqE/0XIDBD5LFwM/s320/o+biscotti+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep this on the lowest possible heat, and stir from time to time as you finish the biscotti. After the first bake, pull the biscotti from the oven, and let them cool for 15 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkhLzA0yo2E/UN8pH4kAxwI/AAAAAAAACqM/56XV6lnd1qk/s1600/o+biscotti+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkhLzA0yo2E/UN8pH4kAxwI/AAAAAAAACqM/56XV6lnd1qk/s320/o+biscotti+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After cooling, slice them into the 1/2-inch familiar biscotti shape....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HT7H9jcWsk4/UN8pa9tLOjI/AAAAAAAACqU/-9GuZxYvBms/s1600/o+biscotti+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HT7H9jcWsk4/UN8pa9tLOjI/AAAAAAAACqU/-9GuZxYvBms/s400/o+biscotti+12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, place back on to the baking sheet. Bake for another 15 minutes, turning them over once during the baking time. Here are mine going in for the second bake...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1y50kJc4Qs/UN8p3dIL0QI/AAAAAAAACqc/TrOiBzUV_KU/s1600/o+biscotti+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1y50kJc4Qs/UN8p3dIL0QI/AAAAAAAACqc/TrOiBzUV_KU/s400/o+biscotti+13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When they have finished baking, let them cool completely, then, while tipping the saucepan, dip each cookies' end into the melted chocolate..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmBV4sUMtms/UN8sGm_ydfI/AAAAAAAACrY/uuO_ww6PEbQ/s1600/o+biscotti+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmBV4sUMtms/UN8sGm_ydfI/AAAAAAAACrY/uuO_ww6PEbQ/s400/o+biscotti+14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lay them out on wax paper for the chocolate to dry up, and sprinkle the ends with some extra grated orange rind...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoOIhYxO25Y/UN8si3fxoAI/AAAAAAAACrg/h_AqbQ5tskw/s1600/o+biscotti+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoOIhYxO25Y/UN8si3fxoAI/AAAAAAAACrg/h_AqbQ5tskw/s400/o+biscotti+15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx1mRWBz2xQ/UN8s1E6-JeI/AAAAAAAACro/KOgZoK_Ubkg/s1600/o+biscotti+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx1mRWBz2xQ/UN8s1E6-JeI/AAAAAAAACro/KOgZoK_Ubkg/s400/o+biscotti+16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And....are we ready for our close-up?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RK9-RUath0/UN8tC5-fG0I/AAAAAAAACrw/HYKhI27eORk/s1600/o+biscotti+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RK9-RUath0/UN8tC5-fG0I/AAAAAAAACrw/HYKhI27eORk/s640/o+biscotti+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, they are delicious, easy, affordable and elegant. For just a few ingredients, a little time, and without having to be a master baker, you can have these lovely biscotti. Excuse me now, the coffee is hot, and the biscotti are begging me to dunk them in it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat well, my friends, and hug your children a little tighter this year, tell them you love them, and for goodness sake, let's take care of one another, ok?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-79658936891953237912012-12-23T15:30:00.001-05:002012-12-23T15:30:48.037-05:00There's no place like home...<br /><br /><div align="center">Yes, I was gone for a while.....beeeeeeg ole life changes in the works, but baby, I'M hoooooome! Crack open the bubbly, and bring out the kitchen gadgets! Let's just say that attempting to publish on certain less-than-user-friendly sites was not my favorite endeavor. Also, the whole "lack of the planet blowing up" has given me a new outlook on life! Tee-hee! On to today's subject; lovely, comforting, cobbler. I was cruising the fabulous <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Ree Drummonds'</a> blog, and happened upon her Blackberry Cobbler 2 recipe. Click<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/08/the_great_cobbl-2/"> here</a> to spoon some up for yourself. My problem is this-I am not living on a beautiful ranch and feeding a large bunch like Ree, it's just Dear Husband and I. Could I cut the recipe in half and have it come out just as well? Here's how mine went. Get your players on the field....</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsTrN4VoIJ8/UNdkNfqbRpI/AAAAAAAAClw/8Ltw_o60fmY/s1600/cobbler+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsTrN4VoIJ8/UNdkNfqbRpI/AAAAAAAAClw/8Ltw_o60fmY/s400/cobbler+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">From left to right; sugar, flour, lemon, egg, baking powder, salt, blackberries, butter, shortening, and milk. Yup, that's it! One of the things I really liked about this recipe was how quick and easy it was/is to throw together a really nice, warm, delicious dessert! Rinse your blackberries..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQaUp3kBAF0/UNdkzJ5rC0I/AAAAAAAACl4/AnaX9joFJT0/s1600/cobbler+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQaUp3kBAF0/UNdkzJ5rC0I/AAAAAAAACl4/AnaX9joFJT0/s400/cobbler+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, toss on your sugar, lemon rind and lemon juice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBLPBG5QmA4/UNdl_goWzlI/AAAAAAAACmE/wrjvmXCDkZE/s1600/cobbler+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nBLPBG5QmA4/UNdl_goWzlI/AAAAAAAACmE/wrjvmXCDkZE/s400/cobbler+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, mix together your flour, salt and baking powder. Then, cut in your shortening and butter with a pastry cutter, or two forks....or your (impeccably clean) hands. Note to waist-watchers, this recipe goes very lightly on the butter and sugars...and hey, it's got FRUIT! It's <strong>got</strong> to be healthy, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCAbtUGpNQ/UNdmwosBm6I/AAAAAAAACmw/FvtGrAE7p_E/s1600/cobbler+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCAbtUGpNQ/UNdmwosBm6I/AAAAAAAACmw/FvtGrAE7p_E/s400/cobbler+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beat the egg with the milk....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tjkQ7ZuaW0/UNdnHXHTxVI/AAAAAAAACm4/VLPUHaMEDWI/s1600/cobbler+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tjkQ7ZuaW0/UNdnHXHTxVI/AAAAAAAACm4/VLPUHaMEDWI/s400/cobbler+6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And add to the flour mixture. Mix until you have a rather sticky dough...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlAor8tzsQ/UNdnZWuH3HI/AAAAAAAACnk/U3Xyb_g0Ue8/s1600/cobbler+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlAor8tzsQ/UNdnZWuH3HI/AAAAAAAACnk/U3Xyb_g0Ue8/s400/cobbler+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Then, using a large spoon, dollop in lovely mounds on top of your berry mixture, which has been placed into a buttered baking dish.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yJE2YU8bRI/UNdnfCqWv6I/AAAAAAAACns/stCT68jtH3Y/s1600/cobbler+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yJE2YU8bRI/UNdnfCqWv6I/AAAAAAAACns/stCT68jtH3Y/s400/cobbler+8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lightly flatten the mounds of dough, and sprinkle with the remaining sugar...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud9wwfyvLn8/UNdoY_Jd8qI/AAAAAAAACn8/ZD9FcmyE7gM/s1600/cobbler+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud9wwfyvLn8/UNdoY_Jd8qI/AAAAAAAACn8/ZD9FcmyE7gM/s400/cobbler+9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, bake for only thirty minutes at 325 degrees....the results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rmkK7yG85U/UNdooImiANI/AAAAAAAACoE/8-bq3Xc9jVY/s1600/cobbler+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rmkK7yG85U/UNdooImiANI/AAAAAAAACoE/8-bq3Xc9jVY/s640/cobbler+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh yeah! We are talking some yum-tacular delicious-ness here! I will make this again and again. I'm going to try it with cherries, next! As it cooled a tad, I gently pressed down on the biscuit part of the cobbler, and it soaked up even more of the wonderful berry juices. I had to guild the lily a bit for my serving...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NELa2qs3kEI/UNdpLqNEKJI/AAAAAAAACoM/iKnHTPpu3ss/s1600/cobbler+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NELa2qs3kEI/UNdpLqNEKJI/AAAAAAAACoM/iKnHTPpu3ss/s640/cobbler+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, it tasted every bit as good as it looks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I must say, I'm glad to be home! Stay tuned for the big announcement, and for a step-by-step pictorial on creating a holiday meal including dessert, without breaking the bank, or a sweat, for that matter. Eat well, my friends....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-22636338463561039872012-11-01T08:49:00.000-04:002012-11-01T08:53:27.609-04:00Blizzards and Brunch...<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yes, Hurricanes apparently DO come to West Virginia. We are blessed that we did not lose power for more than short bursts, and our damage appears limited to some trees that we lost. For those who wonder what it would be like to have a hurricane combine with a blizzard.....this would be it...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIZeQC_IMsQ/UJJk5xpMJLI/AAAAAAAACXg/tRnFeTt0ktE/s1600/sandy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIZeQC_IMsQ/UJJk5xpMJLI/AAAAAAAACXg/tRnFeTt0ktE/s400/sandy+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This is the tree that once stood in my neighbors front yard. It looks as though someone split it right down the center! For more on the damage in our neighborhood, please click <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-868621" target="_blank">here</a> to see my CNN iReport. On to more pleasant subjects...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Since we were house-bound, and we got a later start in the day than normal....as we were out assessing damage, and seeing if any neighbors needed help, around ten am we needed something to fuel us through what was clearly going to be a nasty day. I scoured the Pixie-Pantry and refrigerator, and found I had the ingredients for one of our favorite brunch dishes....Huevos Rancheros....a simple poached egg on refried beans and a tortilla. This post is for best friend <strong><em>Shelley E</em></strong>. Shelley, you have always been there for me, lent a shoulder, a hand, and fed us like kings! This one's for you!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Here are most of the ingredients...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnFt6_hPtzQ/UJJmMfaSUHI/AAAAAAAACX8/20dSt6jLin4/s1600/huevos+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnFt6_hPtzQ/UJJmMfaSUHI/AAAAAAAACX8/20dSt6jLin4/s400/huevos+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clockwise from bottom left; cilantro, a can of pinto beans (with liquid), a can of diced green mild chilis, salsa, (I ended up making a small batch from scratch vs. canned), vinegar, flour tortillas, eggs, spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper), shredded pepper Jack cheese, and a little red onion slice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I don't know about you, but whenever I have tried canned refried beans, I have found them to be dry, flavorless, and more like the consistency of something I'd open for Fido....woof! Ahem, so here's the remedy. Place the beans with their liquid into a small saucepan. Add the onion, spices and the can of mild green chilis. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwi7OeH7qjM/UJJncMVdPqI/AAAAAAAACYU/WTHHHH-paAM/s1600/huevos+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vwi7OeH7qjM/UJJncMVdPqI/AAAAAAAACYU/WTHHHH-paAM/s400/huevos+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stir this all together and bring to a simmer. Here are mine approximately 5 minutes into the simmering time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvNIl3bvqzI/UJJnuHMFKJI/AAAAAAAACYc/v4MK95Rnm60/s1600/huevos+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvNIl3bvqzI/UJJnuHMFKJI/AAAAAAAACYc/v4MK95Rnm60/s320/huevos+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep these at a nice low simmer while you prepare the rest of the dish. The flavor and texture was so much better than canned, I don't think I can go back! Now, wrap however many tortillas you need in foil, and place in a 200 degree oven to warm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKbmebahcLE/UJJoLFttlhI/AAAAAAAACYk/typiY6xGhQg/s1600/huevos+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKbmebahcLE/UJJoLFttlhI/AAAAAAAACYk/typiY6xGhQg/s320/huevos+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After about ten minutes of simmering, when the onions have gotten tender, take ye a potato masher and mash all of those lovely flavors together in the saucepan. Turn it to low, and keep an eye on it..if it begins to look like it is losing too much liquid, cover it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4-mGSfIbfk/UJJooA82iKI/AAAAAAAACYs/fpVhlP7E7Qc/s1600/huevos+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4-mGSfIbfk/UJJooA82iKI/AAAAAAAACYs/fpVhlP7E7Qc/s400/huevos+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what it should look like when combined, and keeping warm on a low heat. Remember chefs out there in Pixie-land...TASTE it! Mine needed a wee bit more salt, for instance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxpzGLWx11o/UJJo9I_iM2I/AAAAAAAACY0/NYL1Ff89uKw/s1600/huevos+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxpzGLWx11o/UJJo9I_iM2I/AAAAAAAACY0/NYL1Ff89uKw/s400/huevos+6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While the beans kept warm, I chopped some veggies into a quick pico de gallo (otherwise known as salsa, to us gringos...hahaha). Season with red wine vinegar (or lime juice) olive oil, cumin, mustard seeds, cilantro, salt, pepper, and cayenne..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23xbwuanhOg/UJJpaOXOwLI/AAAAAAAACY8/O1_vo5rpBuw/s1600/huevos+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23xbwuanhOg/UJJpaOXOwLI/AAAAAAAACY8/O1_vo5rpBuw/s640/huevos+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And yes, it was all I could do to keep from running for the tortilla chips....Now, we poach the egg. Hey! Wait a minute! Stop running away right now! It's easy, I promise! Break an egg into a little ramekin, or measuring cup, or whatever you've got. Have a slotted spoon or spatula at the ready....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVSRcrHLhf8/UJJp5DMkqLI/AAAAAAAACZE/sLXjzD1dKcQ/s1600/huevos+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVSRcrHLhf8/UJJp5DMkqLI/AAAAAAAACZE/sLXjzD1dKcQ/s400/huevos+8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat a shallow sauce pan over medium heat with a Tablespoon of vinegar. This helps the egg whites to set. Pretend you are making the whirlpool in the bathtub (OK, well <strong>I</strong> did as a child......what?) Take the egg and gently pour it into the middle of the whirlpool. The edges of the egg will become rounded from the motion of the water. It should look like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4_BWCi_btA/UJJrrc6ANuI/AAAAAAAACZM/tYosq0hSYmY/s1600/huevos+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4_BWCi_btA/UJJrrc6ANuI/AAAAAAAACZM/tYosq0hSYmY/s400/huevos+9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adjust the heat if necessary, to keep the water at a low simmer. Take a tablespoon, and spoon some of the water over the yolk from time to time, to get that nice, opaque top...about three minutes in, it should look like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21s0doYFwbc/UJJsG0nyhSI/AAAAAAAACZU/Z01f_n8Srq0/s1600/huevos+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21s0doYFwbc/UJJsG0nyhSI/AAAAAAAACZU/Z01f_n8Srq0/s400/huevos+10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, we finish! See! That was not hard! Place your warmed tortilla on a plate..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJCYh1jicH0/UJJsVvaXEDI/AAAAAAAACZc/cBNdH4EKQoA/s1600/huevos+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJCYh1jicH0/UJJsVvaXEDI/AAAAAAAACZc/cBNdH4EKQoA/s400/huevos+11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spoon on your lovely home-made refried beans...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ofZsc7NH30/UJJsimdxPsI/AAAAAAAACZk/spasbISzdeo/s1600/huevos+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ofZsc7NH30/UJJsimdxPsI/AAAAAAAACZk/spasbISzdeo/s400/huevos+12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, take your slotted spoon or spatula, lift out your poached egg, and let some of the poaching water drain off for a few seconds. Place the egg on top of the beans, and decorate with some green onion and chopped cilantro.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIq7-lKX2tg/UJJs5m2PrtI/AAAAAAAACZs/gnDGXkS8Y-U/s1600/huevos+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIq7-lKX2tg/UJJs5m2PrtI/AAAAAAAACZs/gnDGXkS8Y-U/s400/huevos+13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add your shredded pepper-jack cheese, and your salsa on top. Garnish with more cilantro as desired. My results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9A6TSom0e4/UJJtN6OhQFI/AAAAAAAACZ0/RsUaTsfvOss/s1600/huevos+finale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9A6TSom0e4/UJJtN6OhQFI/AAAAAAAACZ0/RsUaTsfvOss/s640/huevos+finale.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There......are.....no....words. Wait a minute! Yes, there is one....<strong>OLE'! </strong>I have totally spoiled myself, as I will never buy canned refried beans again! It was fabulous, and of course, I liberally sprinkled mine with all kinds of hot sauce. Dear husband liked his so much, I had to get poaching another egg...he wanted seconds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went to check with the Kitchen Angels (as you know I value their opinions, of course), and they were in total denial that we could have hurricane-force winds combine with a blizzard! I told them to go see for themselves....and...lo and behold....they did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKNbRad-zNM/UJJuIeAC9zI/AAAAAAAACZ8/aAcNqOB_66g/s1600/huevos+kitchen+angels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKNbRad-zNM/UJJuIeAC9zI/AAAAAAAACZ8/aAcNqOB_66g/s640/huevos+kitchen+angels.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note to self: listen when Pixie tells you something.....it tends to be true. They said the experience was (and I quote) "chilling". Very funny. To all those who are experiencing actual hardships and devastation, may you get all the help you need, stay warm and dry, and as always, eat well, my friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633991252428321234.post-63879285833129121142012-10-12T08:10:00.000-04:002012-10-12T08:10:49.780-04:00Espresso Caramel Bars!<div align="center">Yes, I'm finally getting to that luscious and decadent sweet treat. I was intrigued when I saw Giada DeLaurentiis making these, and simply had to duplicate them! click <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/espresso-caramel-bars-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like the recipe. This is not a recipe for beginners, or those who are short on time. In fact, I normally shy away from the baking/candy making arts, but it IS Fall, after all! I did not use the smoked sea salt on top, but that is optional... As always, first we prepare by making sure we have all the ingredients at hand, and at room temperature...</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKBVtnTjHuE/UHf8-JoVFkI/AAAAAAAACU4/bDBYp-tCgDs/s1600/Espresso+bars+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKBVtnTjHuE/UHf8-JoVFkI/AAAAAAAACU4/bDBYp-tCgDs/s400/Espresso+bars+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Clockwise from bottom, chocolate chips (semi-sweet), butter, instant coffee, graham crackers, white and brown sugar, and heavy cream. Not shown, additional butter. And yes, this is not a recipe for people watching their diets.....but an occasional splurge is what makes life so sweet, so....darn the torpedoes (or spare tummy tires) and go for it!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">First, make sure you have the proper equipment. When attempting something that is difficult, or gourmet, or project-level cooking, I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Trying to "make do" in this situation will probably end up with a failed dessert, and waste of spendy ingredients! Here is the first necessity.....a spring form pan..</div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8SIFLnG2x_M/UHf-BMpaNwI/AAAAAAAACVA/NdEcwnbU4oQ/s1600/Espresso+bars+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8SIFLnG2x_M/UHf-BMpaNwI/AAAAAAAACVA/NdEcwnbU4oQ/s320/Espresso+bars+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHN61YY8bs8/UHf-DUhQCZI/AAAAAAAACVI/3YL0lDID1BA/s1600/Espresso+bars+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHN61YY8bs8/UHf-DUhQCZI/AAAAAAAACVI/3YL0lDID1BA/s320/Espresso+bars+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You open it up, and lay the insert on to a piece of parchment paper. Take a pencil and draw the circle, using the insert as your guide. Then, you cut the circle, place it into the reassembled pan, and spray with a non-stick cooking spray. Spray the sides of the pan, also...then, you'll actually be able to remove the bars, later! A little fussy, but not difficult....that part is later, lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHWWIOkHZbs/UHf-shbO0sI/AAAAAAAACVQ/hcGFMBYnvWo/s1600/Espresso+bars+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHWWIOkHZbs/UHf-shbO0sI/AAAAAAAACVQ/hcGFMBYnvWo/s320/Espresso+bars+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that you are ready.......we cook! First, buzz the broken-up graham crackers with the white sugar in your processor....until they are the texture and size of fine breadcrumbs...just like you'd do for a cheesecake crust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5Dt6fcmtBI/UHf_HFDrqKI/AAAAAAAACVY/EcbMpm4kqrw/s1600/Espresso+bars+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5Dt6fcmtBI/UHf_HFDrqKI/AAAAAAAACVY/EcbMpm4kqrw/s400/Espresso+bars+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, melt ye a stick and a half of butter....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PonOsMrdUW0/UHf_KCr2RQI/AAAAAAAACVg/LlxxhHjdHHU/s1600/Espresso+bars+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PonOsMrdUW0/UHf_KCr2RQI/AAAAAAAACVg/LlxxhHjdHHU/s400/Espresso+bars+6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, combine the two, and press on to the parchment paper bottom of your spring form pan.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypjRWEtVw9w/UHf_Mfm_fbI/AAAAAAAACVo/oyA23DmDzL8/s1600/Espresso+bars+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypjRWEtVw9w/UHf_Mfm_fbI/AAAAAAAACVo/oyA23DmDzL8/s400/Espresso+bars+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake as per the recipe, until golden brown, and set aside...this is what it should look like when it comes out of the oven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNWPM-an6jI/UHf_3tgWqhI/AAAAAAAACVw/LND-IjZF7ko/s1600/Espresso+bars+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNWPM-an6jI/UHf_3tgWqhI/AAAAAAAACVw/LND-IjZF7ko/s400/Espresso+bars+9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now we begin the hardest part of the recipe....not that it takes any special skills, mind you, one just must have a candy thermometer, and make sure that you can devote your full attention to this part. I have several sugar burn scars on my hands that can attest to the dangers of cooking with caramelized sugar! Get the cream, additional butter, and brown sugar going in a saucepan...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziF--oe8Pic/UHgAe-sei3I/AAAAAAAACV4/HvYyd5CS6fg/s1600/Espresso+bars+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziF--oe8Pic/UHgAe-sei3I/AAAAAAAACV4/HvYyd5CS6fg/s400/Espresso+bars+8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, place your candy thermometer into the mixture, and keeping the mixture bubbling along at a good clip, but not boiling over (see burn comments, above, ahem...), cook until your thermometer reads 240 degrees. The recipe states that this should take 5 to 7 minutes. Mine took longer, as I was very cautious about boiling caramel! Here's what the <strike>death cauldron</strike>, um, caramel looks like, as it neared the 240-degree mark...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fImsbb-Iq1M/UHgBW-xb_cI/AAAAAAAACWA/F-vMU5ln7BU/s1600/Espresso+bars+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fImsbb-Iq1M/UHgBW-xb_cI/AAAAAAAACWA/F-vMU5ln7BU/s400/Espresso+bars+10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that's a hucka-hucka burnin' love right there! Immediately after you have reached that magical caramel-forming temperature, carefully.....and without kids, pets, or torchable skin nearby......pour on top of the semi-cooled graham cracker crust. Here's how that layer looks...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r23xq-kyBxw/UHgB7OugLgI/AAAAAAAACWI/vUjeaER2Jhk/s1600/Espresso+bars+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r23xq-kyBxw/UHgB7OugLgI/AAAAAAAACWI/vUjeaER2Jhk/s400/Espresso+bars+11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get that saucepan and candy thermometer soaking in some hot tap water straight away....unless you LIKE scraping off hardened caramel, later....why no, I don't have close personal experience with that...how dare you think so! (wink-wink). Now, pop the whole pan into the freezer for ten minutes, to firm up, sigh with relief (the hard part is over), and make the chocolate layer....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the heavy cream, in the top of a double boiler (mine is always just two saucepans, one inside the other) over simmering water...stirring frequently until the chocolate is melted...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IztE1WRWtfY/UHgC072elTI/AAAAAAAACWQ/ZLJ6UBPCvhs/s1600/Espresso+bars+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IztE1WRWtfY/UHgC072elTI/AAAAAAAACWQ/ZLJ6UBPCvhs/s400/Espresso+bars+12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the mixture is smooth, and all the chocolate chips are melted, stir in your instant coffee (or espresso), and incorporate into the mixture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nGCpijntjQ/UHgDIVdF9qI/AAAAAAAACWY/yVSnYUrhXP8/s1600/Espresso+bars+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nGCpijntjQ/UHgDIVdF9qI/AAAAAAAACWY/yVSnYUrhXP8/s400/Espresso+bars+13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yummmm....starting to look chocolatey-delicious! Now, remove your spring form pan with the first two layers done, from the freezer, and pour the chocolate right on top of the caramel layer....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8AIP7-J0Hk/UHgDjbhMPbI/AAAAAAAACWg/0afdcpX9LeM/s1600/Espresso+bars+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8AIP7-J0Hk/UHgDjbhMPbI/AAAAAAAACWg/0afdcpX9LeM/s400/Espresso+bars+14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point, I tapped the pan gently on the counter to settle the chocolate, and release any air bubbles. Guess what? You are done! Pop that lovely dessert in the refrigerator (for at least an hour), and go do what I did.....clean everything so that A: you are not scraping hardened caramel off everything for hours, and B: You actually have a clean kitchen to prepare your supper in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the dessert has chilled for at least an hour, take it out and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes. I took mine out as I served supper....now here is another tricky part, but if you follow the instructions on the recipe, all will go smoothly. Wet your sharpest cutting knife with hottest tap water, wipe it dry, and gently run around the edge of the pan...encouraging the chocolate to separate...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PwBVLlZBNI/UHgE3FSbzaI/AAAAAAAACWo/OKfTa-d3HTE/s1600/Espresso+bars+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PwBVLlZBNI/UHgE3FSbzaI/AAAAAAAACWo/OKfTa-d3HTE/s400/Espresso+bars+15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, we plate! Unhinge and open your pan, remove the bottom (the crust will be firm), and peel off the parchment. Place the whole disk on a cutting board, and cut into serving-size bars. Warning....this is so rich, even the most die-hard sweet tooth may only be able to eat one small bar at a sitting! My results?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17PVlIm4b-A/UHgFazBEHuI/AAAAAAAACWw/7wu5UygpBBQ/s1600/Espresso+bars+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17PVlIm4b-A/UHgFazBEHuI/AAAAAAAACWw/7wu5UygpBBQ/s640/Espresso+bars+16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What can I EVEN say about this treat? They are unbelievably delicious! Incredibly rich, chewy from the caramel layer, crunchy from the graham cracker layer, and creamy from the chocolate layer....every texture and taste that you could want in a sweet treat. My sweet tooth is small, however, and I can only manage about half of one of these! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A worthwhile, though not beginner-level dessert...that is still in my fridge (in an airtight plastic container), for when we have a sweets craving. Stay tuned for the soon-to-be famous "bowling banquet beans", a gourmet supper, and those sweet little Kitchen Angels. Eat well, my friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With love and kindness to all,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pixie</div><div align="center"></div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064456133535525530noreply@blogger.com1