That time of year, Again

Yes! It's almost New Years day and I cannot WAIT. No, not for 2011 itself, but for our annual brunch. We had to cancel it last year as it's a huge expense and after the adoption and Christmas it just would not fit into out budget. We are back in action this year and I hope never, EVER have to miss it again.

I have not been so EXCITED about cooking in ages. Even for Thanksgiving I was dreading cooking. My menu is all ready, My check list of what to cook what day, what time and what to freeze, store, needs early prep, needs chopping early.... All on the list. I am hoping the list keeps me inline and on track. I tend to go on tangents (don't say IT Bobby!) Today I am prepping bread for french toast, it's best to slice your bread, let it sit out over night on a wire rack to get hard, then dip in your egg mixture, it absorbs better and holds its shape. I am also doing the Banana split cheesecake today, 2 things of hummus, and some prep work. Tomorrow is finish french toast, make cake pops and pie pops (that's right! CAKE AND PIE POPS, I ROCK!) and tomorrows i'll rap my lil weenies in bacon to prep for cooking Sat morning.

But, here is what is on the food menu:
Waffles
French toast
Cinnamon rolls and Raspberry sweet rolls
Eggs,
Bacon
Sausage
Egg n a Basket (it's slices of black forest ham in a sm muffin pan with an egg baked in it, there is other stuff in there too...)
Biscuits n Gravy
Salmon w/dill (very good with scrambled eggs)
potatoes O'Brien
hummus
Meat Balls (maybe) more of an appetizer
Deviled eggs
lil weenies wrapped in bacon
fruit salad
Turkey (yes a turkey, I LOVE turkey had to have an excuse to make one)
Sweet potato hash (yummy!)
cake pops
and pie pops

If I can find a decent prime rib roast... that too. maybe.

Bob's Mom will keep saying why so much food, but usually only the desserts are left. Everyone is filled on everything else by dessert time.

One More Day

The Excitement is mounting here at our house, Well for Bobby and I. It's Sabrina's second Christmas and she's much more aware now (just enough, I bought most of her gifts while she was with me, and it didn't seem to make a difference. We did not go to over board (you parents know it's hard at this point not to), but she did get a TON of clothes, and that's just from us and my Mom. But Everything is good and we got through another year, Next birthday #2. HOPEFULLY she will be all well for that one. She still as 3 incisors that need to come in, so lets cross fingers they are done by then. We want CAKE!!

Well have to go finish making my Mac n Cheese we are taking for the Christmas dinner. Man that mac n cheese is good, but it's a PAIN to make. I'll post a pic, there is a 10 cheese one and 6 cheese. Everyone loves them.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

So Glad that Is OVER

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone. There were some wins, and some loses. We had a pretty good menu we ate about an hour and a half later than I had planned but honestly all the food came out great. Desserts... that is another story.
Here is what we had (since we forgot to take pictures).
Turkey (and NO Mom, I didn't have to cook it all day)
Ribeye roast
Corn bread dressing
Creamy garlic & Chive mashed potatoes w/cheese
zesty green beans
Smokey sweet potato souffle
Pomegranate glazed carrots
and
rolls
Pumpkin cheesecake
and Red velvet cake
My Drama.... I needed cream cheese and mascarpone for the frosting and I thought it said either or. Every store around us was out and stupid me decided to just use creme fraiche... bad idea. It had a weird tang to it. I should have just used more cream cheese and left it at that. The mascarpone has a very lovely sweet taste I love and I could not remember what creme fraiche tasted like, it's been a few years since I've used it. Boo hoo.

But everything was still good. My nephews came over and plus my Mom and her husband were here. Everyone enjoyed everything and especially enjoyed Sabrina's antics. She was the life of the party, we all laughed so much. I don't want to cook another big meal again for a few months. I am still exhausted.

Tex Mex Treats

I have to share this recipe for one of her daily snacks/treats.  She loves this one and last night I but a bit of a spin on it.  We have a tough times getting her to eat meat especially fish.  She is a typical kid and very back and forth.  One day she likes something the next the "that's nasty look" pops on her face.   We are lucky most of her snacks she likes and gobbles down readily, same with her breakfast oatmeals.  So here it is, give it a try.

Oh and since Bobby did not post an update yet, it was a whole week of either climbing out or I'd her her on the monitor just as she'd start climbing and run in and get her.  FUN FUN.

Tex-Mex Rice Cakes (Makes 14-16 Cakes) *see add in at 7 and 8 for salmon
1 Cup Cooked Brown Rice
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs
1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
3/4 Cup Frozen Corn, defrosted
2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped
1/2 Tsp Salt
2 Eggs, whisked About
2 Tbsp Vegetable or Canola Oil for cooking
1. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs.
3. Add eggs to the rice mixture and mix to combine.
4. Using about a 1/4 cup of the mixture, shape mixture into patties.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add patties, cooking 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Serve alone or with salsa.
For adding the salmon
7. divide recipe in half
8. put 1 3oz can of  salmon into mixture

A Different Kind Of Dinner (well for Us)

I thought I'd try something different.  Everyone is constantly talking about chicken & waffles, and I can't eat chicken so I kept thinking of compromises.  I didn't really want to do turkey and waffles (but I did).   So, I made Bobby the chicken & waffles and mine with turkey breast.  I used a recipe for the waffles that is cheddar cheese waffles, for some reason my head said I'd like that more than just plain old waffles or buttermilk waffles.  My head knows it's business.  Also I wanted to batter the meat in a buttermilk batter, I found several recipes that just floured the meat but that for me was not going to make the skinless breast have enough flavor. Sabrina and I had already gone to the store that day and I was out of buttermilk, yes I keep buttermilk in the fridge, I use it a lot in recipes.  So I used an amber ale to make my batter, deep fried the meat, made the waffles in my Belgian waffle maker and the maple infused syrup (maple syrup in a sauce pan, throw in a few fresh thyme leaves and a bay leaf then let it get to a boil).  OH MY GOODNESS!  this was SO good.  It was beyond filling.  WE WERE STUFFED.  Of course the turkey breast were much larger than the chicken breast so I could not even finish that.  But now I can say I've had chicken and waffles, (sort of).  I'd make it again that is for sure, but next time i'd go get the buttermilk.  The ale worked out in a pinch, but the buttermilk batter would have been much fuller and fluffier.  

I made Coq Au Vin the other night and darnit if I did not forget to take a pic of it along with... yes yes  My yes MY lemon cheesecake.  I made a recipe for a lemon cheesecake I have been working on for a while and this was my first run with it.  We had a wine tasting party Saturday night so I made the Coq Au Vin, my Mango Mojo pork chops My mac and cheese (yes that recipe is mine also)  I made a 6 cheese Mac and a 10 cheese mac.  The TEN went fast.  Most people had 2 or more servings.  I also made for dessert berrimisu. Also you can see from the pic I made Sabrina some mini frittata's for her dinner and snacks.  I love those things.

Singletons....? WHAT!

I was talking to a friend today and she asked me how Sabrina was doing.  I told her fine and asked how her daughter was and if she was still planning on having a second soon.  She told me no and that it was a long story and how about us.  Were we going to have a second.  I had to think about this as it's a constant battle in this house.  So I said I'm not sure, the cost is high and the economy is what it is which makes things worse.  She then told me DON'T have another one, there is a new movement of people called Singletons that have only one child and will not have another as it impacts their financial situation  and as she put it to me, It's hard on Mothers like her who are in their 30's and working.

Ok, I'm in my mid 40's and working.  No, I will not be giving birth to a child but, more and more women are having children after 40 and unfortunately in their 60's ( I just threw up a bit in my mouth.  SIXTY! come on science, STOP IT!) Oldest Mother.  I know times are tough, but I think about Sabrina being an only child and it just does not make me happy.  I put her in her room to play while I folded her clothes,  She sat on the futon in her room and started to fall asleep.  She has, books, toys, stuffed animals and the list goes on.  She gets bored with us I think.  Bobby says, oh she has us to play with, but I do not think in our 40's we PLAY like kids play.  So a little different.  Lavishing the attention is not an issue, I think it is more get down on my level, lets play my way until we're done.  For us done is 20 - 30 minutes later when our OLD bones start to rattle and shake.   I would like to have another, it isn't anything do or die.  Two just seems perfect.  We will see what the future holds for us I guess.   Singleton Moms.

Trying new phone app

I wanted to see if i could use this phone app for posting. We will see if this ramps up my post to some degree. Doubtful, im still air headed.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.3.1

Ok Michelle, here is the Vegetarian Chili Recipe

I did not use the garbonzo beans.  I did not think we would like the taste so I changed those to pinto beans.

I have to say, this taste GREAT!  This is an awesome chili.  I also did not use the vegetarian burger crumble, but instead boca makes a soy ground meat substitute so I used that.  The chili powder I used was pretty hot, which I LOVE.  I also added ground cayenne pepper.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chile peppers, drained
• 2 (12 ounce) packages vegetarian burger crumbles
• 3 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and season with bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook and stir until onion is tender, then mix in the celery, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and green chile peppers. When vegetables are heated through, mix in the vegetarian burger crumbles. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 5 minutes.
2. Mix the tomatoes into the pot. Season chili with chili powder and pepper. Stir in the kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in the corn, and continue cooking 5 minutes before serving.

Wow I didn't notice I had been away so LONG

Been busy lately.

We started a Cleanse on 8/02 and it last till 08/22.  The first week of this has been so rough.  It starts with you can only--- ONLY east fruits and vegetables for the first 10 days, no caffeine or juices.  So herbal tea is good, and water, they give you recipes for a few other drinks to make and for a few meals also.   Did you know it is DIFFICULT to make recipes out of JUST vegetables.  I tried going to vegetarian sites and most have noodles or rice in them (which no, we cannot have) so I can't use these.  A few of the Vegan sites I looked at also were difficult to do.  I have had to use my brain (OUCH THIS HURTS) to come with some recipes so we are not JUST eating simple things like broccoli, cauliflower or corn, But dishes.  I thought I was being so clever when I purchased a spaghetti squash and kept thinking what to do with it.  I remember oh they peel apart like stands of noodles if you bake them so i'll make a spaghetti out of it.  Then someone at work told me her Vegan sister has been doing that.  CRAP!  I thought I was so clever.  But it was good, the sauce came out pretty good considering I just winged it.  I could not find a sauce that looked right.  We can use canned veggies with no sugar plus a few other no's so I got around all that and came up with a sauce. 

Yesterday we had a take on Moussaka I found and had to tweak a bit also.  It was very good I think (should have taken a photo).  Tonight I am making a Zucchini style lasagna.   We will see how that comes out.  I have been thinking about how I want to do it for the past 4 days and I am starting to get it down good in my head.  I also found online a vegetarian chili recipe, nothing but veggies so I'm going to make that tomorrow. 

On day 11 we can have fish (some fish) and we can have organic turkey, chicken or red meat ever other day. So I think i'm going to stick with just some fish, salmon and tilapia and the chicken for Bobby and Turkey for me.  I think the first 10 days are so hard because you are supposed to be ingesting protein shakes also, but I HATE protein shakes, but if -- IF I am going to work out I will drink them.  So I worked out 4 days last week, and we will see how this week goes.  I has left me pretty drained and tired.  I still have not got my strength back and last workout was Thursday.  It's pretty cool cause I dropped 9.5 pounds this week and I Think Bobby did 8 or 9.  I expect to put half of it back on if I go back to just eating willy nilly. But I didn't eat too bad before, my LACK of meals kills me.  I have to learn to eat more a day, especially on weekends.  Most weekends I forget to eat and just have dinner, NOT GOOD people.  Very bad, body stores the fat and you retain it.  I just get busy and forget.  I still am not eating enough through the week or drinking enough water, but I'm trying harder now.   I plan on if we have a bad day like say we have pizza one night, for the next 2 days after we will eat like this cleanse dictates, fruits and veggies workout workout.  I am hoping it keeps weight off till the wedding in NY come October.  I need to fit into my suit.  or sew 2 of them together and make one big suit.

2012

We are sitting here watching 2012. HORRIBLE, Our opinion of course.  Every sequence with John Cusack is him barely escaping some death and disaster. Now even in the end... he escapes death.  Why, why. KILL HIM,  what is going on with this movie and people. It stole so many  pieces from other movies that were supposed to be the AHHH they lived moment.  I was glad about one thing (SPOILER ALERT if you haven't seen it stop reading now).  I was glad when they were going to "The Ship" it turned out not to be a spaceship but those arc things.   Not that it made any more sense.  right after ALL of that, everything stopped.  No more destruction, or disaster, just calm waters

UFH! and people wonder why I don't go to the movies anymore.

Tonights Dinner

I made Shepard's Pie tonight.  It is one of my FAVORITE dishes.  I do hate all the peeling and chopping, but good Shepard's Pie is SOOO worth it.  People, MAKE this.  To me it's more of a Sunday meal but any day works.  I also made bread with it, I was going to make a salad and am glad I did not.  The bread and pie filled me up.  One bowl.

Enjoy!

For lamb and vegetable filling

• 10 oz pearl onions
• 4 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 2 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 5 carrots, cut diagonally into 1/3-inch-thick slices
• 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

For mashed potato topping

• 2 lb russet (baking) potatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Special equipment: a wide 3-quart heavy flameproof casserole (about 2 inches deep; not glass); a potato ricer or a food mill fitted with medium disk

Prepare filling:
Blanch onions in a 2- to 3-quart pot of boiling salted water 1 minute, then transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of cold water to stop cooking. Drain onions and peel, trimming root ends with a paring knife. Wash leek slices in a bowl of water, agitating them, then lift out and drain in a medium-mesh sieve.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Pat lamb dry and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Put lamb and 3 tablespoons flour in a sealable plastic bag, then seal bag and shake to coat lamb.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in casserole dish over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then brown half of lamb, turning, about 6 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon garlic and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Transfer browned lamb and garlic to a plate with a slotted spoon and repeat with remaining lamb and tablespoon garlic (do not add more butter).

Add wine to casserole dish and deglaze by boiling over high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, 1 minute, then stir in tomato paste and boil, stirring, until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add broth, water, thyme, browned lamb with any juices that have accumulated on plate, onions, leeks, carrots, turnips, remaining teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over moderately high heat, then remove from heat.

Cover dish with lid or foil and braise lamb and vegetables in middle of oven, stirring once or twice, until lamb is tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Season with salt and pepper.

Make topping while filling cooks:
Peel and quarter potatoes. Cover potatoes with salted cold water by 1 inch in a 4-quart heavy pot, then simmer, uncovered, until very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain in a colander.

Bring cream, milk, and butter to a simmer in same pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until butter is melted, then remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper. Force hot potatoes through ricer into hot cream mixture and stir gently to combine. Keep warm, covered.

Assemble and broil pie:
Preheat broiler.

Make a beurre manié by stirring together remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and remaining 2 tablespoons flour in a small bowl to form a paste. Spoon 1 cup cooking liquid from casserole dish into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Whisk in beurre manié, then simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Gently stir sauce into lamb and vegetables.

Spoon potatoes over lamb and vegetables and spread evenly with a fork, making a pattern with tines. Broil about 3 inches from heat until top is golden, about 3 minutes.

Veggies Simple recipe

Some days Sabrina will ONLY eat veggies.  She is not big on meat and sometimes if a recipe has meat in it she will not eat it.  I made this recipe for her when she is like this. She loves this and gobbles it down.  I will have to remember to put the broccoli and parsnip version on.

Recipe: Veggie Mash

1. Sweet Potato

1. Parsnip

1/2 a butternut Squash

1. Leek white parts ( cut up to the solid green part)

1/4 cup olive oil (reserve 1 tbsp for leeks)

2 tsp garlic minced

1/2 cup broth ( you can use any type I use Veggie)

Peel and chop up veggies

place veggies and garlic on a cooking sheet

drizzle olive oil (minus the 1 tbsp for leeks)

cook in a 375 degree oven for 3o minutes or until veggies are soft

while veggies are roasting mince leeks

Saute in a 2qt sauce pan till tender (or translucent)

When veggies are done put in sauce pan with leeks

( Here is a weird thing I do, I put a quarter of the broth in the saute pan with the leeks, let it cook down then add the veggies and the remaining broth)

mash up ( I try to leave some chunks)

season salt & pepper to taste

Enjoy!

I think she loves all those sweet tasting veggies and the fact that they are roasted add even more flavor.

The Thing About Making Meals For Infants and Toddlers

I love, LOVE making Sabrina's food.  But man! Do I hate all the chopping.  Since she has to have things a certain size (and we want to be certain) I chop and chop and chop and STILL I get these nasty stains (sorry could not resist).  I made this Lasagna for her, actually last week, when I started writing this post and fell asleep each time I started).  She loves this, the first night I made it and she had it I was worried she didn't, Bobby didn't know that was her dinner and started feeding her something else.  I gave him the lasagna, he got her to eat 3 bites and that was it, she didn't want anything else.  I didn't know he had already fed her.  Well 2 days later he fed it to he again and since any time she has it she eats it up.  Oh yeah, this makes a good sized sheet of lasagna, so I chopped it into meal sized sections and froze.  This should not sit in the fridge for more than a few days and should not be left frozen for more than 30 - 45 days.

Recipes for your vegetarian baby - Pumpkin Lasagna

1 lb butternut pumpkin/squash, peeled and chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

9 sheets of instant lasagna

8 oz (2 cups) grated Cheddar

*homemade tomato sauce

*To make the tomato sauce, combine fresh chopped tomatoes, garlic and Italian herbs to taste.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 deg F, 180 deg C.

Boil or steam the pumpkin until tender, then mash.

In a skillet/frying pan, heat the oil and saute the onion and garlic until soft.

Stir the onion mixture into the mashed pumpkin, mixing well.

Place 3 lasagna sheets in a long, deep oven dish (greased).

Top with half of the mashed pumpkin, then a sprinkle of the grated cheese and 1/3 of the tomato sauce.

Repeat the layers, and finish with the last pasta sheets, cheese and remaining tomato sauce.

Bake for about 30 mins, until the pasta is done.

Chop as necessary, refrigerating any leftovers for up to 2 days of freezing for up to one month.

This was a BIG snack HIT for Sabrina

I made this last month for one of her snacks.  (Yes I do a few breakfast a week, a few dinners and a couple of snacks)  She loved it.  I so ENJOY the look on her face when she gets something new.   Many people were shocked with some of the recipes calling for things like onions or leaks or seasonings you consider adult stuff, But I think that is what makes them better foodies later in life.  She loves those things, LOVES veggies.  Simple recipe--- carrots, sweet potatoes and leaks.  Steam till soft, mash OR puree depending on age and they love it.  All those veggies have a sweet taste, kids love em.  Now back to the snack:

Tex-Mex Rice Cakes (Makes 14-16 Cakes)

1 Cup Cooked Brown Rice
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs
1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
3/4 Cup Frozen Corn, defrosted
2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped
1/2 Tsp Salt
2 Eggs, whisked About
2 Tbsp Vegetable or Canola Oil for cooking

1. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs.
3. Add eggs to the rice mixture and mix to combine.
4. Using about a 1/4 cup of the mixture, shape mixture into patties.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add patties, cooking 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Serve alone or with salsa. 

NOTE: I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup put about a tablespoon and half of the mixture in it then just turned them out, then started frying.  EASY.

OH!  You'll find most of the recipes are easy, But MAN do you have to do a TON of chopping if you are feeding food with texture for the over 8 months and so.  Tiny chopping take up my nights.

G....

Things We Cooked Today

Bobby told me I should be posting some of the meals I make for Sabrina so I will try and start.  I'll have to work on not being lazy and taking some pictures also.

Apple Breakfast Bars
1 1/2 cups quick rolled oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups raw apples, shredded

Combine all ingredients. Let stand 10 minutes. Press mixture into 8" x 8" baking dish.  Bake at 375? until lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Loosen with spatula, and cut into bars while warm. Serve hot for breakfast or snack **Freezes Well**

And

Rice Cooker Mac & Cheese (Serves 4-6)

2 Cups Pasta (I used macaroni, but you could also use rotini, faralle or bite size pasta)
1 1/2 Cups Chicken Stock (I use low sodium stock)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Whole Milk
1 1/2 Cups Cheese ( I use a 3 cheese blend of cheddar, mozzarella and monterey jack)

* Option: You can also add a cup of finely chopped broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, butternut squash or frozen peas. Do so in step #2.

1. Place the first 3 ingredients in the rice cooker and cook for 15 minutes.
2. Open the lid, add the milk and cheese, stir to combine, close the lid and cook for an additional 20 minutes (25 minutes if you want it to have a crust on the bottom).

*Rice cookers can cook at different heats, so make sure to check the mac & cheese after if cooks for 30 minutes once or twice.
3. Serve.

She loved both. Tomorrow we cook 2 more dinners and 2 more breakfast and a snack.  Man this is tiring.

The Mongolian Pork Chops

I think the chops came out very good.  Bobby said he really enjoyed them.  My baby carrots did have a bit of a problem I left them in the oven to keep them warm after they were done and they were a tab bit sticky as they had maple syrup in them.  I forgot about bread until I was almost done cooking, UGH, I hate when I do that.

Well now I have to get back to my bread machine disaster.  We were talking about this pizza bread we used to make with cheese and pepperoni in it so I decided to make it for him tonight.  I think I must have dozed off or something because it's got way too much yeast in it.  It's like a Lucy moment, the top is about to lift off the bread machine that is how huge it is.

So it ended up being Mongolian Pork Chops, candied baby carrots and Medeterranian couscous and a Malbec.

A Long Week for a Holiday

We SO enjoyed that short week.  I cannot wait for the next holiday, (July 4th)  I am trying not to use any vacation days so that they can be put towards family vacation days.  Bobby has some astronomical amount of vacation hours so he took a week off last week, got a bunch of stuff done around the house, we went to his folks house for Memorial Day and had a great time, Sabrina got in the pool with all the kids and loved it.

Today is day 1 of my week for making her food for the week.  So I need to come up with some before I go to the gym.  We on the other hand are having Mongolian Pork chops and I cannot wait.  I made the marinade last night and put the chops in (DELICIOUS).  We will see how they come out, I know I'm making baby carrots with that but not sure what else.  I think i'll make bread too if I have time.  Sabrina's meals are so easy, BUT, they require SO much chopping that it takes forever.  At this stage in her life I do not want much of her food pureed, more chunky so she bites into it.  She needs oatmeal for her breakfast which is quick and easy.  I just make enough for 4 days and it's usually just oatmeal, milk, grated apple or mashed banana and a dried fruit I mince up like fig or apricot even prunes (gotta keep her regular).   I'll post after dinner on how the Mongolian pork chops came out.

This was Pretty Darn Funny

Sabrina Takes the Cake

It has been one full week since the First Birthday debacle and she finally feels well enough to eat her cake, so we put a candle on it today sang to her (which she loved) and we had cake.  It was hilarious at first because she didn't know what to do with it,  We were trying to get her to just rip into it but she would only put her mouth on it and stare at us.  She seemed to like cake. 

This was one WILD week.  It started with the sickness from the ear infection, now we think she has an allergy to cows milk, she has a bad bout of eczema on her back and cheeks, and throws up from it, So no more weening from formula to milk for now.  She also does not like her milk from a sippy cup and the daycare wants her to have it that way, OH WELL again, to bad, she will not drink it that way, she sips it, then abandons the whole thing, if you then put it in a bottle she drinks it down till it's gone. 

The next item, we have had a horrid beginning of separation anxiety, you parents know what fun that is.  Everyone has been shocked because she's the kid that just LOVES to go to everyone.  She did not want to be out of our arms thursday - yesterday.  Today, she is her old self again.  She always just bounces back quickly and gets on with life.  I just LOVE that kid.  I know she is gonna be a bad ass as a young adult and into adulthood, (excuse my use of the "A" word).  But I truly believe she'll accomplish anything she sets out to do.

Happy 1st Birthday Sabrina

What a day! After cooking and prepping stuff all last night and today the one year old party is done and over, 2 hours of party for about 17 hours of work.  FUN!  The bad part, the kid didn't even get to go to her own party.  YES, you read that right, she got a 102 fever after her nap and was in no mood to be bothered with parties.  She was burning up, screaming and crying, I gave her some tylenol (the good thing since children's Tylenol is liquid she likes it and just drinks it).  She felt better half an hour b4 the party ended so I decided to dress her and run her over to the park about 4 or 5 minutes away and that way the family and friends (some who drove very far and were so understanding) could at least see her,  She was fine till we got there then the WHOLE crying thing started again.

We have been home for just over an hour and she's been Ok, playing with gifts right now. She did have a lil crying spell but that went away as she started opening presents, We are keeping a close eye on her tonight, I'm sure she's just teething, she's had flushed cheeks all week and her gums are red, but I am sure she if fine.

We love you little girl.

We Survived the first night in Cai

After a LOOONG ride we made it last night around 9:40pm California time.  She did not do too bad on the ride.  She did have a moment where she realized "HEY, I've been in this moving Chariot for a VERY long time".  We went through who knows how many Baby Einstein and Sesame Street Dvd's, bobby sat in the back with her like a trooper (even though it KILLED his back).

She loves the hotel bed for some reason.  Maybe she is trying to tell us we need a King sized bed (good girl).  The bad thing, she would not sleep.  She slept for about an hour and a half in the car and that was a great relief.  But man, she was wound up last night.  I think she didn't fall asleep until after 1am.  But we are here she woke early and so did we, now to just get to court and get this done, then the lunch with the birth mother tomorrow.

I'll have to post pictures after court today (so everyone can see how we were forced to dress...

Another Year Another Year Backwards

Well Yesterday was 44 and I spent the day doing my and Sabrina's laundry.  Cleaning and worrying about our upcoming trip to Cali.  No, I'm not at all worried about the court proceeding or anything to do with the Adoption.  It's the whole going to Kia's mothers house for lunch.  You just never know what to expect.  I'd hate to do anything disrespectful of her or her family.  Kia is such a nice lady and we would do anything for her but, this whole thing does have a nervous aspect.   When it's a restaurant everyone knows there is a point where you just get up and leave. Say your good byes, go your seperate ways and it's all done.  In someones HOUSE, they have more control and it's easier to manipulate the situation to your needs.  Guess it's just Grandma jitters.

Can't wait till I'm 156.  I bet I will not have any JITTERs then.  I'll be more like the NY mean curmudgeon neighbor "GET OFF MY LAWN you damn yuppies with you kids, didn't you ALL die in the 2050's!  HA.  I'm gonna love my robotic innards, (yes, this is a WHOLE different post).

I hope we get to see our Cali friends and family when we are home, it is the one thing I think we both HATE about being away.  We love the coast and loved living in Cali, but our friends, we miss SO MUCH.  I'm not so sure we have ties so close these days.  I hope in my head we do. ( Kim and Gerry are such great friends, I'm so glad we found them!) Can't WAIT till they have their kid ( I"m hoping we have a Son by then, Yeah I said it). Ok I'm going to bed, when a post crosses 2 days it's bad

 

 

It's a New ZOO Revue

Ok, not coining the old "corny show" Newzoorevue  

BUT, we had our FIRST family Zoo day and it was fun.  Kinda sad cause our girl was tired the first 30 or 40 minutes there, she had a short nap in the car.  Then she got to feed the Giraffes and see some monkey's close up and she kinda perked up from that.  Well it cost 8 billion dollars to go into the zoo on a one day pass and 80 bucks for a year long family pass. so we opted for the family pass.  Even if we only go 2 more times it is a saving of a GINORMOUS amount.  

We had so much fun as a family and for a first trip to the zoo it turned out perfect, The park was PACKED, we had several people tell us how cute or beautiful she was and that just makes your heart SWELL.  Proud parents, that is what we are.  Our girl is smart, active, cute and resourceful, who could ask for more.  She will Totally make it in the world.

Also, why do I always look like the GROUCH that stole valentines day in pics.  I look mean as hell in my pic,  Plus, those Lions were LAZY!

 

  

 

Beef Tenderloin dinner

I prepared this beef tenderloin last night for dinner and it was superb!  I was having a really difficult time trying to think of what to make for dinner, I had some steaks, a pork tenderloin, pasta and the beef tenderloin.   We don't eat a lot of red meat and I try to only have it every other week ( no not cause it's bad for you, but my crappy digestive system has a hard time digesting it).  So I did a search for the pork tenderloin and didn't like any of those recipes, didn't really want pasta, I'm not a huge fan, so searched for the beef tenderloin.  WOW, this recipe is simple and it rocks!  Talk about a beautiful piece of meat it was just divine, simple and so tasteful.

With this I made mashed potatoes that I put through a ricer (if you do not know what a ricer  check out the link)  I added fresh rosemary to the potatoes along with the usual salt and pepper plus I used heavy cream instead of milk to give them more body.  but here is the star of the show, the beef tenderloin.  I would try this if I were you, like I said, it was simple and pretty quick.

Making Bobby Cookies

I forgot, I found this recipe for Chocolate Chip cookies called Bev's chocolate chip cookies.; I am gonna try them for bobby.  He likes oatmeal cookies but not with raisins. So I thought this might be a good recipe for him. I'll have to comment on how they came out. this is supposed to be a much better for you cookie but still taste great. so we will let Bobby be the judge.

Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup rolled oats 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup canola oil 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Grind oats in a blender or food processor. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth and creamy. With the mixer running, add the dry ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfuls, at least 1 inch apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until firm around the edges and golden on top, about 15 minutes. Cool the cookies for 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Recipe reprinted by permission of © EatingWell Magazine. All rights reserved.

Nutrition Information about 2 1/2 dozen cookies - Facts Per Serving: Calories: 99 Fat. Total: 5g Carbohydrates, Total: 12g Cholesterol: 11mg Sodium: 64mg Protein: 1g Fiber: 1g % Cal. from Fat: 45% Fat, Saturated: 2g

The Kids

I just LOVE our nieces and nephews.   They are all pretty good kids, all smart and fun.  They all LOVE Sabrina and just adore spending time with her, (especially big cousins Christina and Natai who makes her laugh).  Christina is such a big cousin, she is VERY protective of Sabrina and always looking out for her.  I hope they ALL always stay that way and look out for each other.

I wish I had a good pic of my brothers boys, but alas, they are like their Uncle and do NOT like taking pictures.  They are good boys a little bottled up and really need to get out with friends more.  They spend the majority of their time together.  Matter O fact the middle one was accepted to ASU, U of A and NAU and doesn't want to go to any.  I know it's cause he's afraid of being without his brothers.  We keep trying to convince him to go we have told him we will help him find grants, scholarships whatever he needs. He is still on the fence and I KNOW he's not going to go.  Even his Dad is pushing him hard to go.

I hope Sabrina never has second thoughts about furthering her education, even if she is not great at everything, find the things you are good at and build upon them.  You can round yourself much easier that way by growing off those strengths.   I can't wait till I can go back to school.  (Well, honestly I can wait even MORE till we start work on number 2.  I know we probably will not have a second until mid to late 2011 or 2012, but I'm patient)

Oh well time to go do some cleaning before Missy wakes and we have to go shopping.  I LOVE taking her shopping.

G....

Well It's Official!

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone. May your blogs, your post, your dreams, your voices be strong in 2010!