Boy Blog Pimpin'

I have been working on my resolution to add some male bloggers to my list.  It's been an exhausting search!  I am proud to announce my first addition~ Captain Motime.  He cracks me up! He's also informed me that compared to Minnesota, Indianapolis is subtropical. I hope you will visit him and share the love! 

Brrrrr

I kept thinking it was a little chilly in my house this evening~ a little drafty perhaps, but once I checked the weather, I knew what the real problem was.  It is ONE freakin' degree outside. 

Have I mentioned how much I hate winter?  Yeah, I thought so.

Food Friday~ EGGS!

Individual Cheese Strata

This recipe makes a single serving. This strata is similar to a souffle'. It is a great use for stale bread.

1-1/2 slices white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed and  buttered
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/8 tsp. onion salt or powder
1/8 tsp. salt 
4 drops hot pepper sauce

Cut bread into strips; place with buttered sides down along the sides and bottom of a 10-oz. custard cup. In a bowl, lightly beat the egg; add milk, cheese, onion salt, salt and hot pepper sauce. Pour into custard cup. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until puffy and golden brown.  

Green Chile-Cheese Puff

I copied this recipe from the Food Network show, Cooking Live, with Sarah Moulton, because it looked delicious.  I have not prepared it myself, but I have every intention of doing so soon.

4 fresh polbano chiles (about 3/4 pound)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
6 large eggs
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 pound freshly grated Monterey Jack (about 2 cups)
Fresh tomato salsa, as an accompaniment

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and oil a 9-inch glass pie plate.

Roast and peel poblanos. Wearing protective gloves, cut chiles into 1/2-inch dice. Melt butter. Into a small bowl sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat eggs until doubled in volume, about 3 minutes. Add butter, flour mixture, and cheeses and beat well. Stir in chiles and pour mixture into pie plate. Bake custard in middle of oven until top is puffed and golden brown and a tester comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.

Serve cheese puff immediately (it will fall slightly) with salsa.

Bacon and Cheese Pie

Guess what I'm having for dinner!?

1 unbaked pastry shell (9")

1 lb. bacon, sliced, cooked and crumbled

1 large tomato, peeled and sliced

1 cup (4 oz.) Cheddar cheese, shredded

3 eggs, separated

3/4 cup sour cream

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

Paprika

Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 minutes longer. Cool completely. Sprinkle bacon over the crust. Top with tomato and cheese.

Beat egg yolks, sour cream, flour and salt until smooth. In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into sour cream mixture; spread over cheese. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 6 servings.

Spanish Potato Omelet

 

This recipe this is a traditional dish in Spain.  This omelet differs from American omelets, in that it is thick and cut into wedges, resembling a quiche.  I've made this dish for picnics before, because it is also good at room temperature. 

3/4 cup olive oil
4 medium potatoes, pared and cut into 1/8-inch slices
1 medium onion, cut into 1/8-inch slices
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Heat oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet until hot. Layer potato and onion slices alternately in skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, turning frequently, until potatoes are tender but not brown, about 12 minutes. Remove potatoes and onion with slotted spoon; drain, reserving 3 tablespoons oil in skillet.

Beat eggs, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper in large bowl; gently stir in potatoes and onion. Sprinkle remaining salt over potatoes.

Heat oil in skillet over medium-low heat until hot. Pour egg and potato mixture into skillet. Cook, uncovered,  until potatoes begin to brown on bottom and edge of omelet is firm (center will not be set), about 7 minutes.

Shake pan occasionally to prevent omelet from sticking. Place large plate over skillet; invert omelet on plate. Slide omelet back into skillet. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until eggs are set and potatoes are golden brown, about 2 minutes longer. Turn onto serving plate; cut into wedges to serve.

 

Tortilla Quiche

 

I love quiche, however, I don't really like pie crust, so that's why this recipe really appealed to me.  The tortilla crust comes out light and crispy. It is a great source of calcium, and adds extra nutrition if whole-wheat tortillas are used. This  is adapted from a Kraft Foods recipe.

1 cup milk

2/3 cup nonfat, dry milk

5 eggs

1 tsp. garlic salt

1/3 tsp dill weed

1/3 tsp. salt

1 cup grated swiss cheese

1 1/4 cup cooked, chopped broccoli

3 tortillas, (7 1/2" each)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray bottom of 9 1/2 inch pie pan with cooking spray.  Mix wet and dry milk together with eggs and spices until well blended.  Place one tortilla in bottom of pie pan, cut the others in half and over-lap to form sides.  Spread broccoli, then cheese over crust.  Pour egg mixture over all and bake at 45 minutes,(test middle with a knife), then allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting.

A Whale of a Tale

Did you hear the one about the sperm whale that exploded in Taipei?  Really!  It's true.  You may be able to see a picture and read the story here.  If that link doesn't work for you, read the story here.

The story, which was in the news today, reminds me of another whale explosion that you can read more about once you stop laughing, (or cringing.)

Tomorrow is Food Friday!

E stands for... Eclairs, English muffins, empanadas, escarole, elderberry, eggnog, enchiladas, endive, escolar, eggplant, elk, eel...

EGGS! Yes, it's an eggspecially tasty Food Friday!  I love eggs and will share some of my favorite recipes with you~  I hope you do the same!

Woo Hoo!  I knew if I waited long enough that either Spring would come or a miracle would happen, and I was right!  One of my neighbors shovelled my front walk and my driveway today.

Sometimes it pays to act helpless!

I'm gonna try this in the summer now.  I wonder how long my grass will get before someone comes to my rescue?!

 

 

Is it April yet?

School was cancelled today due to the latest "Wintery Mix".  Ugh.   Snow is bad enough.  Being snowed-in with 2 young children is a truly harrowing experience.  Tomorrow I will dig a tunnel to the car and take them to the Indianapolis Children's Museum, (the world's largest!), and let them burn off their energy somewhere else.    As a kid, snow days rocked!  As a parent, snow days suck rocks.

I was able to spend some time online today, and had a fun diversion that Sunflowerkat sent me.  Several of you received copies of this getting-to-know-you-better type email, and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.  What resulted was several replies in my inbox, and judging by the address line on those I've gotten so far, everyone sent their answers to the people on my list.  And, while many of you are mutual friends, I'm sure that my ex Mother-in-law is wondering who the hell all these people are.  Hee!  Thanks to everyone who participated.  If you didn't get a copy of this and want one, let me know.  I may write another entry about the results once they're all in.  (You know who you are).  I love learning new things about my friends, and am always amazed that even with my friend Carol, whom I've known for 25 years, I still manage to learn something new about her.  Like that her favorite drink is Iced Tea.  Hmm.  Maybe that's because we always drink Champagne when we're together.  Heh.

It's always fun, too, to hear from friends you haven't talked to for a while.  In today's case, Babyfishfel lives!!!! Woo Hoo! 

 

First Annual Blah Blah Blogger Awards

Because everyone loves awards, today is the announcement of the First Annual Blah Blah Blogger Awards. This is to give my fellow bloggers the recognition and embarrassement that they deserve.  The reward earned from this not-so-prestigious award is the satisfaction you'll get in knowing that I took the time to link your name.  Congratulations to all the winners. 

The following is a list of the categories and the winner of each:

Most likely to get a journal because I bugged them to death~ Snappie

Most likely to post entries about her kitty~ Lifeonhold

Most likely to never add a guestbook~ Perpetual Blonde

Most likely to participate in Food Friday~ Copssister

Most likely to wear hoop skirts and admit it online~ Singsongkitty

Most likely to be separated from me at birth~ TVJunkie

Most likely to become a celebrity with a blog~ Freeepeace

Most likely to like cake and write about it~ Ophelia

Most likely to make me spew food all over my keyboard~ GreenTuna

                                   (continued below)

Blah Blah Blogger Awards (cont.)

Most likely to have every lipgloss ever made and list them~ Teem

Most likely to be the only one read by Overg~Highwaygirl

Best blog written in a foreign land~ Raptorgirl

Most likely to start a new journal and be given a hard time for never making entries~ Barkley

Most likely to keep and scan everything she's ever had~ Alphawoman

Most likely to say something chauvenistic, yet funny~ Damnbigmatt

Most likely to brag about her family~ Smilin'Mon

Most likely to speak Greek~ Mensch

Most likely to write the longest entries, ever~ Sunflowerkat

Most likely to have a new entry each of the dozen times I visit daily~ KatJam

Most likely to read my blog but never comment~ Mheh

 

 

Just Say Snow

The weatherman was wrong.  We didn't get the "Wintery Mix" of freezing rain, snow, sleet, and ice that was predicted.  All we got was snow.  And it wasn't the 2-4 inches he predicted.  It was 6 inches, damnit. 

My Mom had the nerve to call from the Gulf of Mexico during this snowstorm to tell me how lovely their vacation has been so far. This, I suppose was to punish me for the naughty things I did as a child. 

So far, I've come up with a half a dozen good reasons not to shovel my driveway.  The best one is because I've decided not to go anywhere until April. 

'Twas a sad week for many.  The world of entertainment lost a few of its stars.  I already mentioned Bob Keeshan, known by most as Captain Kangaroo.  This week also saw the passing of Ann Miller and Helmut Newton. 

A Side of Rehash~ leftover from Food Friday

I've had a couple of inquiries about the chocolate torte posted below, wanting to know if the almonds may be omitted.  Although I have made this recipe twice, and have made it with the almonds, (I grind them almost to a powder), I'm fairly certain that the recipe will not suffer by omitting them.  Try it and see. 

I will give you my recipe for Raspberry Coulis, which I had to dig for, since I generally just throw this one together.

2 Cups unsweetened fresh or frozen raspberries

2 Tbs. sugar, (you might add up to another Tbs, according to taste)

2 tsp. cornstarch

In small saucean, cook raspberries over medium heat until soft.  Combine sugar and cornstarch; stir into raspberries.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes.  Strain sauce through seive. 

I always pour my sauce into a squeeze-type bottle with a pointy nozzle, so that I can create designs on the plate when serving.  Keep this sauce in the refridgerator, and bring it to room temp to easily squeeze.

Flourless Chocolate Torte

This recipe is posted for Mheh, who asked for a dense, (hee), chocolate cake recipe.  Mike lives in Canada, where there is no such thing as cake mix.  (That's almost the truth).   I serve this torte with a raspberry coulis, (I cook down a bunch of raspberries, fresh or frozen, with a bunch of sugar, then strain once it's syrup-y)  AND fresh whipped cream.  It would be good with a white chocolate sauce, or just dusted with powdered sugar, also.

12 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

12 Tbs.  unsalted butter

1 Cup plus 1 Tbs. granulated sugar, divided

5 large egg yolks, at room temp

5 large egg whites, at room temp

1/3 C. very finely ground blanched almonds

(1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly greased (or coat with nonstick cooking spray) a 9-inch springform pan.  Line the pan with a piece of parchment paper and grease or spray lightly again. (2) Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler, or in the microwave.  (Ask me for directions if you are unsure about this!!) (3) In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and 3/4 C. of the sugar, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted. Remover the pan from the heat and stir in the melted chocolate. (4) In the 4 1/2 qt. bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, using the whisk attachment, whip the egg yolks and 3 Tbs. of the remaining sugar on high speed until pale, and tripled in volume, about 5 minutes.  (May take longer with a hand mixer).  Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate mixture. (5) Place the egg whites in a clean 4 1/2 qt. bowl of mixer.  Using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until the whites start to turn frothy.  Slowly add the remaining 2 Tbs. of sugar and beat on high until the whites become stiff, (but NOT dry). (6) Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold the whites into the chocolate mixture.  Fold in the almonds.  Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.  remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.  (The top of the cake will crack: this is normal for flourless cakes).  remove the side of the springform pan and cool the cake on a rack completely. 

Lemon Bars

I am a choco-holic.  I always say  unless a dessert is chocolate, it isn't worth chewing. However, there are a few non-chocolate desserts that earn my praise, and this is one of them.  I first made this recipe in 8th grade home-ec class, and it has been in my recipe file ever since.  This is my most-requested dessert.

For the crust:

1 C. flour

1/4 C. powdered sugar

1/4 C. butter, melted

Mix flour and sugar, then add butter and blend well with fork.  Press into 8X8 pan.  Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  (I turn oven down to 325 if using a glass pan).

For filling:

1 C. sugar

2 Tbs. flour

2 eggs

3 Tbs. lemon juice, (nothing beats fresh-squeezed)

1/2 tsp baking powder

Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.  Add eggs and lemon juice, then mix well.  Pour over crust.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Cool.  Cut while slightly warm.  Dust top with powdered sugar.

Notes~  double ingredients for 13X9 pan.  You can make Key Lime Bars by substituting Key Lime Juice for the Lemon Juice.  I sometimes add a cup, or so, of fresh blueberries to the filling mixture for Blueberry-Lemon Bars.  I sometimes garnish the top with lemon zest after dusting with powdered sugar.

Coca-Cola Cake

In the book As American as Apple Pie, author Phillip Stephen Schulz reports that an Indianapolis housewife created this recipe. Since the Coca-Cola Company was located in Atlanta, this cake became popular throughout the South.  There are many variations to this recipe, this is the one I use, and it is very good.

For the Cake:

2 C. sifted, all-purpose flour

1 C. firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 C. granulated sugar

1 C. unsalted butter, softened

1 C. Coca-Cola

1/2 C. Dutch-processed cocoa powder, (European style) [I have used Hersheys' cocoa before, and it works pretty well]

1/3 C. lowfat buttermilk, at room temp

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 C. miniature marshmallows

Prehat over to 350 degrees.  Lightly coat a 9X13 baking pan with cooking spray and dust with flour.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and granulated sugar.  In a heavy, medium saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, Coke, and cocoa.  Heat until the butter has melted, stirring often.  Increase the heat to medium-high and bring just to a boil, stirring often.  Remove from the heat and pour over the flour mixture in the bowl, whisking constantly until well blended and smooth.  Whisk in the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla until well blended.  Stir in the marshmallows.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs adhering to it, 30-35 minutes.  When baked, the cake top will have a crater-like surface where the marshmallows have melted.  Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

(Icing recipe below)

Coca-Cola Icing

For the icing:

9 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, coarsly chopped (I use choc chips)

1/2 C. unsalted butter

1/3 C. Coca-Cola

1/3 C. light corn syrup

1/2 C. miniature marshmallows for garnish, (I omit these)

In the top of a double boiler set over simmering, not boiling, water over low heat, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and whisk in the Coke and corn syrup until well blended.  Wet aside to cool to room temperature.  Then spread the cooled icing in an even layer over the top of the cake.  Sprinkle with marshmallows, if desired.  Cut into squares and serve.

 

My Tribute

Goodbye Captain Kangaroo. 

 You will be missed.

Food Friday!

Desserts are on the menu today!

I will post a couple of my favorites later, but I'll leave a quickie for now...

 

Four Layer Bars

1 (18.25 oz) pkg yellow or chocolate cake mix

1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted

1 egg

3 cups mini marshmallows

1 cup M & Ms

1/3 cup cocktail peanuts, chopped

 

Mix cake mix, butter and egg until combined.  Spread into lightly greased 13X9 pan.  Bake at 375 for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Immediately sprinkle marshmallows, candy, and peanuts over crust.  Bake for 2-3 more minutes, until marshmallows begin to melt.  Cool completely.  Cut into Bars.

This would have given me a good reason to watch the State of the Union Address the other night.  Now I'm sorry I missed it!

 

Tomorrow is Food Friday~ Week D.  Can you take a guess what the food du jour will be?  Can you?  Huh?  Huh?  Can you?

Edited to add~ Singsongkitty and Snappie guessed correctly!

 

Pop Quiz

Because TVJunkie is my twin, I've posted a Quizilla-related entry, as well.

These are just some random quizes that caught my eye...

Do you have real singing talent?

Does the city you live in suck?

Do you deserve to particpate in society?

What type of bitch are you?

What type of candy are you?

How bored are you?

 

 

My answers?  You have no singing talent what so ever, so forget about it / No /  There was no point to you even taking this quiz...look at you, locked in that little box called a TV with your anime...and stuff.  You don't participate in society; chances are it doesnt bother you / Annoying Bitch / A peppermint /  You are EXTREMELY bored. I didn't think someone could even be that bored and still be alive. You obviously have some issues. I do, too, but they're VERY different issues, so I'll shut up now.

I'm getting Spring Fever!  Well, frankly, I've had it since October, but today I decided to do something about it. 

I just sorted, labled and am preparing some seeds for planting.  These are seeds I collected last year~some from my own gardens, some from friends.  So far, I've got deep purple Morning Glories,  yellow, brown, and pink Columbine, Sunflowers, Bronze Fennel, Escarole, Rose of Sharon, Four-O'Clocks, Lillies, Midnight Phlox, Cleome,  Miniature Japanese Maple, Catnip, and Bittersweet William.

For the last two months I've been poring over seed catalogs and have selected a few new seeds to purchase.  I'll list the types I order once I've narrowed my list down a bit.

If any of you are interested in exchanging some seeds now, or in the spring, let me know.  Seed exchanging is a great way to share something wonderful!

Newsflash!

I just heard that prarie skirts are back in style. 

I hope this is just a cruel joke.

Moanday

My weekend had it's share of ups and downs. 

The Colts lost.  Boo.

We got the Limo. Yay.

 

Lonny took the day off, so we're going to play.  I'll be back to blogging tomorrow.

My motto:  If you don't have a good time, at least have a good story!

 

Cheese-Stuffed Chicken with Bacon

This recipe is special enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough for any night of the week.  Try varying the type of cheese and herbs, for a twist.  This makes 4 servings.

2- 1oz. sticks sting cheese

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lbs)

1/2 tsp. dried sage

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

4 strips bacon

Heat oven to 500 degrees.  Cut the cheese sticks in half crosswise.  Pound the chicken breasts lightly to an even thickness.  Sprinkle the rough side of each breast with sage, salt and pepper.  Roll each, seasonings inside, around a cheese stick, tucking in the ends so the chese won't leak out, and secure with toothpicks.  Wrap each breast with a strip of bacon and put in a roasting pan.  Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is browned, about 15 minutes.

Crustless Potato Quiche

  I used to manage a Bed and Breakfast, so I have several recipes that I relied on.  This one was my personal favorite.  It's easy, delicious, and different. 

5 eggs, beaten

3 Cups frozen hash browns, (I use the cubed kind)

4 oz. cheddar cheese

1/2 C. cottage cheese

1 green onion, chopped, (optional- I usually just use a dash of onion salt)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

Paprika

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 9" pie pan.  In large bowl, mix all ingredients well.  Pour into pie pan.  Sprinkle with paprika.  Bake for 30-40 minutes, until set.  Let stand 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

 

Puffy Cheese Strata

This is an excellent do-ahead recipe for breakfast or brunch.  I sometimes make this for dinner, as well. 

8 slices white bread, crusts removed

1 1/2 c. each Monterrey Jack and Sharp cheddar cheese. (or use your favorites)

4 eggs

1 1/4 Cup milk

Whisk together milk and eggs.  Line 2 quart casserole dish with 4 bread slices, cover with 1/3 cheese mixture.  Place remaining bread on top, then pour egg mixture over the top, then cover with remaining cheese.  Refridgerate several hours or overnight.  Remove from fridge 45 minutes prior to baking.  Bake, covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then remove cover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes. 

I like to add sliced mushrooms, ham, onions, bacon... whatever!  Just place them  between the layers of bread.

Food Friday~C is for Cheese

It's Food Friday again!

I started Food Friday as a way for me to share my passion with others, since I don't participate in Photo Friday.  I've been choosing the theme in an alphabetical order each week, and whoever would like to participate can either post a food-related entry on their own blog, in the comment section of mine, or you can email me your idea and I will post it here.   I was hoping to see some entries other than just recipes, so get creative!  Post food photos, (Rappy) , share food stories, tips, or questions~whatever tickles your pickle. 

To kick off this Friday, I am posting one of my appetizer staples.  It is quick and easy, and is suitable for a cocktail party, or just for snacking on in front of the T.V.

 CHEESE STRAWS  

2 sticks butter
1/2 lb. New York sharp cheese
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 c. plain flour, not sifted
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream the cheese and butter together. Mix dry ingredients together. Add alternately to creamed mixture. Use cookie press and make straws, ( I usually roll mine by hand into long sticks) or roll into small balls and press with fork on cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 12 minutes at 375 degrees. They should just begin to turn golden.  Do not overbake.

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is FOOD FRIDAY.

C is for Cheese. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLURRY!

Mmm~ Strawberry Cheesecake!  Virtually baked for Blurry's 32nd birthday.

Lord Help Our Colts

I am feeling better today, thank you to everyone who expressed their concern.  I've been drinking plenty of hot tea and I got some good rest yesterday and last night, and hope to have this thing beat by the weekend. 

Speaking of the weekend... The Colts play The New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., Sunday at 3 pm.  This will be a tough game for the Colts, as the Patriots have won their last 13 games.  The Gillette Stadium also poses some challenges~ the Colts practiced Wednesday afternoon here at the Union Federal Football Center with the doors to their covered practice field open to simulate the freezing temperatures expected in Foxboro.

The community spirit here in Indy is contagious!  Everywhere you look there are Colts flags and banners, and everyone is sporting blue and white clothing.  Tonight there is a pep rally and concert at the RCA Dome, and it's guaranteed to be a fun night for Colts fans.  We are so proud of our team and coaches, I wish them the best.  Just getting to the Superbowl would be a proud moment for our team, and a proud moment for me, as I stand to win $2,300 if we win this Sunday.  Keep your fingers crossed for me and for the Colts.  Our symbol is a horseshoe, which is supposed to be lucky.  Let's hope it works this season!

[sniffle, sniffle, cough, cough]

Yes, it's official~ I'm sick.  It's only a cold, but still, I feel like a slug.  I stopped at China King earlier and got a quart of Hot and Sour soup and some steamed dumplings, and though they tasted good, it did nothing to clear the fog in my head.  So, I spent the next 4 hours on the couch, with the TV on, and in my cold-induced haze, I dreamt that I was on Trading Spaces and that Vern kept telling me that I'd have to put a 10th coat of paint on the wall.  When I woke up, Trading Spaces was on, and Vern was giving some woman painting instructions.  Heh.

So, I'm off to brave the world to have dinner with my folks tonight, and will pick up tissues and medicine while I'm out, but no matter how bad I feel when I get home, I will not miss seeing the new Bachelorette and The Mole, while trying to make my chat buddies feel sorry for me.

Popdex

Popdex is site that ranks the popularity of other websites. They rank the current most popular sites on a daily basis.  Generally, the top sites are news-related sites, but there's almost always at least one surprise.  Today's shocker is #9- Abandoned Bicycles of New York City. 

 I occasionally visit to see what's hot in the world of websurfing.  I love to look at the  Top 100 sites of all time, and am always amazed at how many of those sites are listed either here on my blog, or in my computer's Favorites category.   At the same time I'm always astounded that some of these sites are so popular, such as Wil Wheaton Dot Net, (Um, yeah, little Wesley from "Star Trek, The Next Generation") I mean Wil is actually pretty entertaining, but what makes him so damn popular?  Also, one of my favorite surprises is that the #100 favorite of all time is Talk Like A Pirate Day.  Well, blow me down!

Are any of your favorites listed?

Which ones surprised you?  

Congrats to Snappie!  In the course of a week, she and her husband found a house in another state and moved in.  Whew! It took me months just to move across town!

A Good Thing

I just found out that my next-door neighbors are moving in April.  Yipee!  No more listening to her and her husband fight, no more getting asked to watch their annoying baby, no more having my packages opened by her 6 year-old, no more daily phone calls from her wanting to borrow something, no more pretending to like her!! 

And, to sweeten the deal~  she wants all the boxes that have been stacked in the denial section of my garage.

I'm hoping that a cute bachelor moves in instead.  Or an old lady who loves to babysit.

Happy Birthday Overg!

Enquiring Minds Want to Know...

Why The Hell I Went to Ohio Last Night~

I was in the middle of the Saturday Night Routine... Dinner, (waiting for pizza delivery), baths, getting outfits ready for church in the morning, etc... when Lonny called and wanted to know if it was possible for me and the kids to accompany him to Ohio.  Like, immediately.  Although having kids is not conducive to spontaneity, I said "Sure!"  So, around the house I dashed like a mad-woman, packing things for a semi-overnight, and making sure that things were in line for church in the morning.  I absolutely had to be at church because I was scheduled for nursery duty.  Lonny showed up shortly thereafter and off we went.

Now~ the reason we had to go to Ohio was because Lonny recently inherited a LIMOUSINE,  so he needed a ride there in order to drive it back.

The drive there was fine.  Jacob slept, Alex entertained herself with a flashlight, stickers, and gummy bears, and Lonny and I schemed the entire way about starting a small Limo business in Indy.  We arrived at our destination near Dayton around 10 p.m.

FOUR HOURS LATER, and after much dicking around with The Limo and Auto Zone, it was determined that the modulator, (um, whatever), needed replacing, and at that point in time it was too late to do anything about it.  Remember, I had to be at church Sunday morning.  So, we left.  Without The Limo, and arrived home at 4:30 Sunday morning.  I stealthily got the kids in bed, only to have to wake them three hours later.  We made it to church on time, however groggy, with the knowledge that immediately after church we would have to trek back to Ohio with a new modulator and two very cranky children. 

Luckily, the return trip didn't happen today.  Lonny had made arrangements for someone who could fix the car to go with us, but that fell through, so my children spent the day napping at home, and I spent the day on the phone with Lonny trying to come up with Plan B.

So, no real story here, but thanks at least for faking some interest;)

In a perfect world...

The Colts would win the SuperBowl on the same day that A.S.S. airs.

Oh, that and I'd win the powerball the night before.

AND, I'd have a babysitter that weekend.

 

Hey!  It's MY fantasy, damnit.

Hello from the Buckeye State! Lonny and I took a little road trip tonight, and I thought I'd check email, (none) and comments, (also, none). So, I'm gettin' no love online this weekend, except from loveaccess.com, but that's a story for another night.

BB4 Revisited

Like Green Tuna, I have been visiting the BB4 archives lately.  I found this one posted by Overg on August 25, 2003.  It's even funnier today.

5:36 HT

Rob and Jee have found a spider. They proclaim it a black widow, and bring Alison out to warn her that it will kill her. They point out that it has two red dots.

Now, I don't know how to spot a black widow, nor do I really care. What I do care about is the introduction of deadly animals to the Big Brother house. I am for it, and really think the producers out to be more aggressive in this cohabitation program.

Jee kills the spider. He swung a shoe at it, but I'm pretty sure his inane personlity did the job long before his footwear made contact. There's no way something the size of a spider could survive even a brief exposure to those two.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATJAM!

Boef Carbonnade (Beef in Beer)

This is one of my oldest and best-loved recipes. 

Heat 1/4 C. vegetable oil in medium skillet over medium heat.  Add 1 clove minced garlic, and one thinly sliced onion.  Cook until transparent.  Transfer to small bowl.  Cube 2 pounds round steak.  Shake in a bag with 3 Tbs. flour, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.  Add up to 1/4 C. additional oil to skillet.  Brown meat on all sides, then transfer to oven-safe casserole or crockpot . Add onions , then 2-3 sprigs minced flat-leaf, (Italian), parsley, 1/3 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. thyme, and 1 crumbled bay leaf.  Pour one bottle beer over top and then add 1 T. brown sugar.  (No need to stir).  Cover and bake 3 hours at 325 degrees.  (300 degrees for glass dish).

Serve with rice, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes for a stick-to-your-ribs meal. 

Magic Cone

The hell??

 

(I stole this link from DamBigMatt's journal.  'Cause that's just the kind of friend I am.)

Beer Marinade

This recipe is excellent for marinating shish kebobs, pork, steak, chicken or fish.

1/2 bottle of beer

1 Tbs. oil

4 tsp. Teriyaki sauce

1/4 tsp. hot sauce

1 clove garlic, finely chopped.

This is enough marinate for 2 pounds of meat.  Cover meat and allow to marinate in refridgerator for up to 2 hours for fish, longer for other meats. Discard marinade before cooking.  (Though, I sometimes will drain off the sauce, bring it to a boil, then use to baste on meat while cooking).

 

Microwave BBQ Chicken

This recipe saves time and energy, as well as being easy and delicious.

2 1/2 lb cut up broiler fryer

1 cup catsup

1/4 cup worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup vinegar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 each med. onion, chopped

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp salt

1 tsp celery seed

1/4 tsp liquid smoke

2  dashes red pepper sauce, (such as tabasco)or a pinch of cayenne.


1.Cut chicken into pieces; cut each breast half into halves.

2. Arrange chicken skin sides up and thickest parts to outside in oblong baking
dish, 12 x 7 1/2 x 2-inches.

3.Mix remaining ingredients in microwaveable bowl.

4.Microwave uncovered on high (100%) 3 minutes; stir.

5. Microwave until mixture boils and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Pour sauce over chicken. Cover loosely and microwave on high (100%) 10
minutes.

7. Rearrange chicken and baste with sauce.

8. Cover loosely and microwave until chicken is done, 10 to 15 minutes, basting with sauce every 5 minutes.

Servings: 8
 

Notes:

This recipe can be made with your own sauce, or bottled sauce instead.

I usually make skinless chicken breasts only.  If they are large, you may need to increase cooking time slightly, unless they're boneless, then you should decrease time slightly.  Bone-in chicken is my favorite.

I always serve this with cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw.

Crockpot Beer Cake

As strange as it seems, this is a great recipe... especially in the middle of summer, [sigh], when you're cooking outside on the grill and you don't want to heat up the kitchen by using your oven.  This dessert takes a little time to cook, so plan accordingly.

2/3 C. butter, softened to room temp
1 1/2 C.packed brown sugar
3 eggs
2 1/2 C. flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 1/2 C. beer~ honey lager is great, but any will do.
1 C. chopped walnuts, optional
1 C. dried cranberries or raisins~ I used chocolate chips once with success.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time mix well. Add flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg to creamy mixture alternately with beer. Stir in walnuts and raisins.

Pour mixture into well buttered and floured cake pan that will fit into crockpot. Cover tin with four or five paper towels. Put into pot. Put lid on crockpot loosely to allow steam to escape.

Cook on high for 3 1/2 hours or until cake is done, (test with toothpick).

Remove pan from pot and allow cake to cool on wire rack for 15 minutes before removing from pan.

Note: A old coffee can works great as a cakepan for this recipe! 

 

From Anna's kitchen.

 

FOOD FRIDAY!

Yes, it's that time again.... FOOD FRIDAY!

Today's theme is Barbeque and/or Beer,  so dust of that recipe collection and join the fun.  I'll be posting my recipe shortly.   Ya'll come back now, ya hear?!

*Snort*

While we're waiting for our first glimpse of ASS, you might want to visit this site. Just don't blame me if you get in trouble at work.

And, because I know you're suffering from Big Brother withdrawl, check this out.  This made me snort my hot tea and singe my nose.

 

Trashy

It's Wednesday.  Trash Day.  The first Trash Day that I've remembered in THREE weeks.  Luckily it's been freezing here, so the month's worth of diapers, cat litter and other assorted stink bombs piling up in my garage went basically unnoticed.  This would be an entirely different kind of entry if it were the middle of summer.      Anyhoo~  There is a limit on  the number of garbage bags that one can set out for pick up, and although that number is somewhat sketchy around here, (say, between 6-9), I'd exceeded that amount by... a lot.  Remember, it was Christmas Trash.  And I have children.  And cats.    SO~ I put what I thought was an acceptable number of bags out at the curb, and then began to bestow my neighbor's, (on both sides), curbs with my extra bags, in an attempt to trick the trashmen into taking every last Hefty away.  As I shut my garage door and brush my hands together in that I-just-accomplished-something-major kind of way, I noticed that there was a dog roaming the neighborhood, looking for select garbage to tear into.  It's a pain in the ass when a dog tears up the garbage, let alone when your garbage isn't just limited to your own curb.  So, I stood guard.  And for the first time in THREE weeks, the trashmen were late.  When they finally came, imagine the looks on their faces when Crazy Lady, (me), welcomed them by jumping up and down in the middle of my driveway, clapping and woo-hooing for all to hear.  The first thing I did after my Trash Sentry?  Made a shopping list to buy trash cans.  Giant ones.  And then I added a perpetual entry to my AOL calendar for Tuesday nights.  It will now remind me to, "Get the trash to the curb, loser."

Batteries Not Included

Note to everyone who gave my children toys that required batteries:

Nice try.

Those toys are now in a blissfully quiet heap, and the batteries are in a drawer, safely lying in wait until one of my remote controls needs some fresh power.

Why does EVERYTHING these days have to make noise?  Do toymakers feel that my daughter doesn't have enough imagination to make her Barbie talk?  Does the Barbie Townhouse really need a talking shower?  Hell, I don't even want MY shower to talk, let alone hers.  Do they think that my son needs a Blue's Clues Microphone to be heard?  Trust me, he doesn't need help.  Ask the neighbors.

People, (usually ones without children), think that I am cruel and unusual to take the batteries out of my children's toys.  To them I say~ Most of these toys work just fine without batteries, and I'd rather let my children create their own imaginary world than allow their wee brains to be turned to mush.

 

Next week~ Toys With More Than 5 Pieces, and a map to the local Salvation Army.

Wanton Lust

Just got a belated Appetizer entry for last Food Friday!  This sounds so yummy, I want some RIGHT. NOW.  

From the Mensch Files...  

St. Bacchus' Wontons 

1 can lump crab meat, picked over1/2 pound cooked shrimp, shelled, deveined8 oz white mushrooms, cleaned, sliced thin4 - 6 green onions, sliced thin1 T butter2 T Worchestershire sauce1 8 ounce package of reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)2 packages wonton wrappers Orange marmelade (optional), for dipping Saute mushrooms in 1T butter and 2T Worchestershire sauce until soft.  Cool and tranfer to food processor.  Add softened cream cheese and process until smooth.  Transfer to a large bowl and gently fold in seafood and onions.  Chill at least 30 minutes. Place one tablespoon of the mixture in the center of the wonton wrapper and fold.  Moisten wrapper edges with water to seal. The wontons can then be fried in 1" of vegetable oil and served hot with orange marmelade.  Wontons can also be steamed for 5 - 6 minutes in a bamboo steamer.   Wontons will also keep after frying/ steaming on a cookie sheet in a low oven.   

the Unofficial HTcon group announcement

Hamstertime fans~  some of you have already gotten an email concerning an unofficial Hamstertime gathering in Vegas, most likely in October.  For those of you who haven't received the email, please send me your email address, and I will send you the web address for the discussion group.  The first step is seeing who is interested and what dates work best for the majority of the group.  Start saving your pennies now!

 

Please note that this event is NOT sanctioned by Hamstertime.  Because Highwaygirl said so.

A side of Rehash?

Well, another Food Friday came and went.  I'd like to thank the many, (well, three), people who participated in last week's Appetizer Awareness~ (I just made that up). 

 TVJunkie posted a delicious-looking picture and description of one of her favorites from the Cheesecake Factory.

Always the over-achiever, Copssister listed FOUR yummy recipes.

Singsongkitty posted an original recipe, thus proving her creativity and talent.

Thank you ladies, for helping make Food Friday so tasty.  For those who chose not to participate, or if you forgot~ Bite me. 

Just kidding.  There's always another Friday!  In fact, just to give you plenty of advance notice, this week's theme will be Barbeque &/or Beer.

Chop Chop

Okay people~  It's Monday.  The holidays are over.  Get back to work, and resume blogging.  I have been suffering from SJD, (Severe Journal Deprivation), since before Christmas, and it ain't pretty.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts?  Oh Yeah!

We just blew away the Broncos 41-10.

Next week?  Kansas City.  Be there~ and don't forget your horseshoe hat!

Happy Birthday Teem!

It's Teem's Birthday! 

And in other Good News...

My beloved Snappie has a blog now!  Visit her site and wish her well as she moves from Texas to Arkansas, although she doesn't have a guestbook set up yet.  Convincing her to add one will be my next life-mission.  Do you hear me Snappie?  I will not be denied!

I'm out of room in my "Other Journal" area, so I will start listing new journals under "Favorite Sites".

I have a feeling that it will be a David Night. You know~ when I haven't cleaned my house in a week, or shaved my legs in even longer.  You can pretty much bet that my phone will be ringing sometime later today.  And I'll either have to come up with a good excuse or a decent razor.

True Love

This is a picture of Jacob taken yesterday.  I think he's the cutest boy in the world! 

A is for Appetizers

It's Food Friday! Woot!

Time for a generous helping of...

Toasted Almond Crab Spread

1 8oz pkg. cream cheese, softened

1&1/2 C. (6 oz.) shredded swiss cheese

1/3 C. sour cream

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 can (6oz.) crabmeat, drained, flaked, and cartilage removed, OR 1/2 C. fresh crabmeat, OR 1/3 C. imitation crab meat

3 Tbs. finely chopped green onions, divided

1/3 C. sliced almonds, toasted

Assorted crackers

In a mixing bowl, combine the first five ingredients.  Stir in crab and 2 Tbs. onions.  Spread into ungreased 9 inch pie plate.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes,or until heated through. (Can be microwaved).  Sprinkle with almonds and remaining onions.  Serve with crackers.  This makes 2 cups of dip.

 

Recipe from 2000 Taste of Home ~ Annual Recipes

Reminder!!

Don't forget that tomorrow is FOOD FRIDAY!

The next 26 weeks will be Alphabetically-themed, so we will kick off the New Year with Appetizers. 

Next week~ Beer. or Bananas. or Barbeque. 

 

 

 

Happy New Year!

I am spending the first night of the year in chat with some of my favorite people~ Overg, Blurry,TVJunkie, GreenTuna, and Mheh.    How did you spend the first day of your year?