Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Quick Solo Dinner

I spend about a week a month flying solo. While I love to cook, sometimes it feels a little ridiculous to drag out all that stuff for just me. I'm always trying to come up with things that are delicious (because who wants cereal for dinner?) and easy. My latest favorite solo creation is a little Mexitex wrap and of course I have pictures. If anyone wants the recipe, let me know. But really, the pictures should suffice.


Gather the ingredients

This is my new favorite food product and can be found in your local grocery.

Marinating chicken with cilantro, lime and olive oil.

Slice it all.

Saute in skillet.

Stack ingredients inside Flat Out wrap

Fold and Voila!

Monday, April 27, 2009

We Belong in the Zoo

What a gorgeous weekend it was in Atlanta. Sunny skies, warm weather and most importantly, NO RAIN! Brent and I decided to take full advantage of being outside and headed to the Atlanta Zoo. I love animals and a trip to the zoo just makes me all warm and fuzzy. We took the new DSLR camera along for some fun. Here are a few (too many) shots.

Quite possibly the world's tallest goat.

Swine - no flu.

Chow time for Yang Yang

The newest Panda, Xi Lan.

Lun Lun smiling for the camera

Orangutan

Mmmm..grass.

Don't mess with him.
Slasher the Komodo Dragon.

Kiki aka Mama.

Athanaisi and his "Pride"

As unique as a fingerprint
Love is in the air

I eat 3 bales of hay and drink 40 gallons of water daily.

Jalal - Sumatran Tiger


The Ants Come Marching One by One...

Last Friday night after work I had a surprise picnic planned for Brent. He had been traveling all week and Anders and I were ready for him to be home. So I packed a some delicious treats and went about leaving a few clues at home for Brent. I guess he figured out where and when to meet me AND he remembered Anders. The weather couldn't have been more perfect! These are just a few shots I took of my two faves while we were lounging in Piedmont Park. Seriously, could I be more blessed? I love my life.


Love this!

Taking it all in

Picnics are hard work.

Can we get the squirrels?

People watching.



Game Night

Once a month my husband, sister, brother, sister-in-law and myself have game night. We start the evening with dinner and finish with side-splitting fun. Seriously, we can't make it through a night without crying from laughing so hard.

Here are a few pictures from our last Game Night Pub Style hosted at my house.

Place setting

Newspaper for placemats - it is a pub afterall




Appetizers

Bison "Pub" Burgers on Sourdough Muffins

Crudite

Malt Vinegar "Chips"

Brent and I waiting to eat

Scott and April

Sara smiling pretty

Scott and Brent playing Scene It

"I got a big head and little arms"

I see you...you see me?


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Apricot-Sesame Chicken



I had some leftover apricot-jalapeno jam that I made and used that to create a completely new recipe. I love the apricot-jalapeno jam and recommend you try it on toast, biscuits, pork, chicken and even vegetables.

Apricot-Sesame Chicken

1 pound boneless/skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 Tablespoon Honey
5 Tablespoons B’s Apricot-Jalapeno Jam - recipe follows
(You can substitute apricot preserves.)
1 teaspoon ginger
2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 Shallots, thinly sliced
Salt & Pepper
1 crown of broccoli, thinly sliced
Cornstarch
Peanut or Sesame Oil (vegetable oil will work but offers less flavor)

Combine honey, apricot-jalapeno jam, ginger, sesame seeds and soy sauce and set aside. Season the chicken with salt & pepper. Pour enough cornstarch in shallow dish and lightly dredge the chicken in the cornstarch. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over med-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides in two batches, giving the chicken enough space to cook. Remove from pan and repeat. Next add more oil if necessary and cook the red pepper flakes for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add in the shallot, garlic and broccoli and saute for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add sauce mix to vegetables. Return chicken to skillet and toss in sauce to coat. Let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes while the sauce thickens. Serve with brown or white sticky rice.

B’s Apricot-Jalapeno Jam

10 to 12 fresh jalapeno peppers, stems removed and seeded
1 large red bell pepper, stems removed and seeded, cut into chunks
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup dried apricots, chopped into equal small pieces
6 cups granulated sugar
3 ounces liquid pectin (found on the baking aisle)

Place jalapenos and red bell pepper in a food processor or blender and pulse until chopped with small chunks of pepper remaining. In a large stockpot, combine pepper mixture, vinegar, apricots and sugar. Bring to a boil and let it boil rapidly for 5 minutes keeping watch to make sure it doesn’t boil over. Remove from heat and skim off any foam that is on top. Let the mixture cool for 3 minutes and add the pectin. Stir well. Place into glass container. Refrigerate to congeal and serve.

This will keep in the refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks. It can also be placed in sertilized jars for longer shelf-life.

Bon Appetit!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Peeps, Jellybeans and Fun

Yesterday was Easter and I had a great time sharing the day with my family. My Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister-in-law and Sister made their way to our house for supper.

As some of you know, I don’t take this entertaining thing lightly. The planning for big holiday meals generally begins about two weeks in advance. First, I decide on the menu and then move on to the table decor and parting gifts for those who attend. Easter was no exception.

Here are a few pictures from the day:

Nostalgic Peeps Centerpiece

Everyone gets a basket.
The table is set.
Mom and Dad

Scott, April and Sara

Mom and Sara

B and B-rent

April and Sara

Me and my dad.