Yesterday I me up with a dear friend of mine whom I grew up with. She and her hubbie and sweet little girl now live in Nevada, so I haven't seen her in several years!
We met at Chick-Fil-A , as apparently they don't have those where she lives. When they come to Texas to visit family, they get as much of the Golden, chickany goodness as possible.
Once we entered the restaurant, she asked her adorable little 3 year old girl what she would like. Perhaps some chicken nuggets or strips? Her daughter proclaimed loudly, "No mommy, I want a hamburger!" You gotta love those little independent personalities.
After lunch I went to my folks house in Carrollton and my mother and I whipped up a batch of the most amazing gingersnaps. It is a super easy recipe- sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger...I'll have to dig up the exact measurements and post a little later. These would be perfect for the summer with a little peach ice cream!
I can however post what I made for dinner last night- pulled pork sandwiches and Down Home cheesy grits.
I have to admit, the pulled pork was REALLY hard work (note the sarcasm)
Ingredients-
1 barbecue season dry rubbed pork shoulder already seasoned from the store. (Yes, I cheated, but I'm a big fan of things that make life less complicated)
Place the pork shoulder in a crock pot, with 1 cup of water.
Cook on low for 10 hours.
When finished, this will practically shred it self! I served it on butter toasted buns with pickles and some additional BBQ sauce.
Whew, that was tough.
Now for some real cooking.. The cheesy grits
You will need:
3 cups water
3/4 cups instant grits
pinch salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 yellow onion chopped
1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
ground pepper to taste
1 cup grated Cheddar/ Jack cheese.
Prepare your grits according to the package directions
In a separate saute pan, place your butter and let it melt. Add your chopped onions and caramelize. Add your garlic and lightly toast, don't burn! Add your cooked grits and stir. Now is the time to add your fresh ground pepper- I used about 4-5 twists and a pinch of salt (about a 1/4 teaspoon)
Now comes the magic, ad about 3/4 cup of your cheese and stir until melted.
Pour all of the mixture into a bowl and top with remaining cheese.
If you really want to be sinful, you can add some crumbled bacon on top.
This makes enough to serve probably 4-6 people so adjust if you don't need as much!
This was delicious and my house still smells like a Carolina kitchen:)
Tonight we will use the left over pulled pork for tacos. I'll lightly fry up some corn tortillas and serve with avocado and shredded lettuce, cilantro, onion and a squeeze of lime. Yum.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Lessons from the stay at home mom in training:)
Ok, so I normally am a proponent of meat. I love it, beef, chicken, turkey, fish you name it, I'll eat it. Well, except for liver. I won't touch that. However, I digress.
For lunch today I made a veggie wrap to kind of mimic one that Ihave had at one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas, Breadwinners.
Warm veggies mixed with a little cool lettuce, avocado, jack cheese and creamy hummus. I must admit, it turned out pretty good.
SO, I decided to share with everyone.
Again, I am lacking pictures, I need to work on that!
Some of the ingredients might sound a little strange, but trust me, it is reallllly good. I almost made another one as soon as I finished the first one!
I doubled the recipe here so you can make it for you and another person:)
You will need:
1 red pepper, cut in thin strips
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup button mushrooms sliced ( I used the ones from a jar, but you can use fresh- they will just take longer to saute)
hummus
slices of avocado
lettuce
jack cheese shredded
kosher salt
olive oil
black pepper
flour tortillas (get the bigger ones, they are easier to roll)
Here's what you do!
Get out your favorite saute pan and saute the red pepper strips first in about a tablespoon of olive oil, throw in a pinch of kosher salt and saute for about 4 minutes, then throw in your onions and mushrooms. You might need a tad bit more olive oil just to make sure these don't stick. Use another pinch of the salt and use a bit of fresh ground pepper. Saute until onions are nice and caramelized and the mushrooms have cooked down. It should take a few minutes.
While your hot veggies are doing their thing, take a tortilla and spread a couple teaspoons of hummus all over it- this will act as the "glue" that holds the wrap together.Then, grab a couple lettuce leaves and place on 1/4 of the tortilla. Next to the lettuce put a couple slices of avocado, then grab some of your hot veggies and layer next to the avocado, throw a couple pinches of the shredded jack on the hot veggies and roll! Make sure to tuck in the sides as the veggies kinda like to slip out. I cut mine in half so it would be easier to eat, and I wanted to see what it looked like all rolled up, but you can do what you like:)
If you want you can dip in a little salsa, but my preggy tummy isn't handling spice so well these days.
This is crazy delicious and if you are trying get more veggies in your diet, this would be one way to do it.
Next time, something with meat, I promise.
For lunch today I made a veggie wrap to kind of mimic one that Ihave had at one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas, Breadwinners.
Warm veggies mixed with a little cool lettuce, avocado, jack cheese and creamy hummus. I must admit, it turned out pretty good.
SO, I decided to share with everyone.
Again, I am lacking pictures, I need to work on that!
Some of the ingredients might sound a little strange, but trust me, it is reallllly good. I almost made another one as soon as I finished the first one!
I doubled the recipe here so you can make it for you and another person:)
You will need:
1 red pepper, cut in thin strips
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup button mushrooms sliced ( I used the ones from a jar, but you can use fresh- they will just take longer to saute)
hummus
slices of avocado
lettuce
jack cheese shredded
kosher salt
olive oil
black pepper
flour tortillas (get the bigger ones, they are easier to roll)
Here's what you do!
Get out your favorite saute pan and saute the red pepper strips first in about a tablespoon of olive oil, throw in a pinch of kosher salt and saute for about 4 minutes, then throw in your onions and mushrooms. You might need a tad bit more olive oil just to make sure these don't stick. Use another pinch of the salt and use a bit of fresh ground pepper. Saute until onions are nice and caramelized and the mushrooms have cooked down. It should take a few minutes.
While your hot veggies are doing their thing, take a tortilla and spread a couple teaspoons of hummus all over it- this will act as the "glue" that holds the wrap together.Then, grab a couple lettuce leaves and place on 1/4 of the tortilla. Next to the lettuce put a couple slices of avocado, then grab some of your hot veggies and layer next to the avocado, throw a couple pinches of the shredded jack on the hot veggies and roll! Make sure to tuck in the sides as the veggies kinda like to slip out. I cut mine in half so it would be easier to eat, and I wanted to see what it looked like all rolled up, but you can do what you like:)
If you want you can dip in a little salsa, but my preggy tummy isn't handling spice so well these days.
This is crazy delicious and if you are trying get more veggies in your diet, this would be one way to do it.
Next time, something with meat, I promise.
Monday, April 5, 2010
New Orleans
We spent this Easter Weekend with Ryan's family in LA. No, not L.A. as in Hollywood, but Louisiana!!
We left on Thursday after Ryan got finished with work and started our road trip. After a short stop in Houston to pick up Ryan's momma, and sister and brother-in-law, we took off early Friday morning.
We went to New Orleans on Friday and enjoyed some amazing food at the Acme Oyster House. Ryan had been talking about this place for several months and it lived up to our expectations!
I think we took in our monthly allowance fried goodness- catfish, shrimp, french fries covered in cheese and gravy, and we also ate PO boys, gumbo and I can't remember what else we ordered. By the time we left, I think we were more waddling out the door then walking!
We spent the afternoon wondering down the streets of the French Quarter. I will use Ryan's mom's favorite word to describe the experience. Weird. Sort of old world beauty mixed with the interesting culture that is New Orleans.
Actually some of it was really beautiful, all of the old buildings that have been transformed into restaurants, art galleries and more. Then,there were street performers, gypsies, two of whom got into a yelling match,artists and of course more then an eye full on Bourbon Street.
Saturday morning we had fully intended on heading back to the French Quarter to enjoy the delicious delicacy known as beignets, but the city was hosting the annual Easter Race so getting into the area where they were was impossible! We decided to forgo the beignets and travelled into the 9th ward to see the progress that has taken place since Katrina.
It really is an amazing mix of progress, new buildings and re-building and then buildings that are still abandoned, crumbling and marked with spray paint to denote what rescuers found.
The new homes going up are really incredible, have funky architecture, crazy colors, you just have to see it to appreciate it. Unfortunately, we left our camera in Dallas, so hopefully we will get some pics from Ryan's sister to post up eventually.
We headed out from there to Baton Rouge to enjoy a fantastic Louisiana feast-Ryan's family knows how to cook!!! From the homemade muffalletas, jambalaya, lemon bars, desserts and this crazy drink called a yellow bird, I think we all gained about 5 lbs! We also competed in a ping-pong tournament with family. I proved that once again my talents lay more in the creative arena:) We all had a blast though.
Next year will be our turn to host, well at least Houston side:) It will be a blast to have the family together again, and we will have to make sure the have all the Texas favorites- brisket, maybe some Tex-Mex:)
We left on Thursday after Ryan got finished with work and started our road trip. After a short stop in Houston to pick up Ryan's momma, and sister and brother-in-law, we took off early Friday morning.
We went to New Orleans on Friday and enjoyed some amazing food at the Acme Oyster House. Ryan had been talking about this place for several months and it lived up to our expectations!
I think we took in our monthly allowance fried goodness- catfish, shrimp, french fries covered in cheese and gravy, and we also ate PO boys, gumbo and I can't remember what else we ordered. By the time we left, I think we were more waddling out the door then walking!
We spent the afternoon wondering down the streets of the French Quarter. I will use Ryan's mom's favorite word to describe the experience. Weird. Sort of old world beauty mixed with the interesting culture that is New Orleans.
Actually some of it was really beautiful, all of the old buildings that have been transformed into restaurants, art galleries and more. Then,there were street performers, gypsies, two of whom got into a yelling match,artists and of course more then an eye full on Bourbon Street.
Saturday morning we had fully intended on heading back to the French Quarter to enjoy the delicious delicacy known as beignets, but the city was hosting the annual Easter Race so getting into the area where they were was impossible! We decided to forgo the beignets and travelled into the 9th ward to see the progress that has taken place since Katrina.
It really is an amazing mix of progress, new buildings and re-building and then buildings that are still abandoned, crumbling and marked with spray paint to denote what rescuers found.
The new homes going up are really incredible, have funky architecture, crazy colors, you just have to see it to appreciate it. Unfortunately, we left our camera in Dallas, so hopefully we will get some pics from Ryan's sister to post up eventually.
We headed out from there to Baton Rouge to enjoy a fantastic Louisiana feast-Ryan's family knows how to cook!!! From the homemade muffalletas, jambalaya, lemon bars, desserts and this crazy drink called a yellow bird, I think we all gained about 5 lbs! We also competed in a ping-pong tournament with family. I proved that once again my talents lay more in the creative arena:) We all had a blast though.
Next year will be our turn to host, well at least Houston side:) It will be a blast to have the family together again, and we will have to make sure the have all the Texas favorites- brisket, maybe some Tex-Mex:)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Yummy!
In my quest to really capture this housewife thing, I created my own recipe last night as a twist on an old favorite. Chicken pot pie casserole.
Really, I promise it is good. Think of it as something your mom would have made on Sunday after church. It is warm, filling and if you are craving comfort food..this is it! Plus, it is a great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies. My sweet husband hates carrots, but I caught him standing over the casserole dish last night after dinner was over, sneaking another spoonful!
I should have taken a picture of it, it turned out really pretty, but...we devoured half of it last night!
Pictures of leftovers aren't so pretty.
Here is what you need:
4 skinless , boneless chicken breasts
1 can of jumbo buttermilk biscuits( needs to be 8 count)
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
3 tablespoons of flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp celery salt
pinch of kosher salt
1 small package frozen peas
1 1/2 cups diced, cooked potatoes
1 1/2 cups diced, cooked carrots
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350
Slice chicken into 1/4 inch strips and saute in a little bit of olive oil or non stick spray. Sprinkle with the pinch of kosher salt.
While chicken is cooking through, mix together the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl-
minus the biscuits. Those will go on top of the mixture.
Mix in cooked chicken and pour into a 9x13 baking dish.
Cut the biscuits in half so you have 16 pieces and arrange over the top of the dish.
Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Bump the heat up to 375 for the last 5 minutes so the biscuits get nice and golden and the mixture is bubbling. Make sure to let the casserole sit for at least 10 minutes so everything will thicken.
You might have to play with the time a little as I know all ovens are different.
This is seriously good and really easy to make. And if you want to be good you can use reduced fat biscuits and reduced fat cream of chicken and mushroom soups.
Make it tonight, and your family will thank you:)
Really, I promise it is good. Think of it as something your mom would have made on Sunday after church. It is warm, filling and if you are craving comfort food..this is it! Plus, it is a great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies. My sweet husband hates carrots, but I caught him standing over the casserole dish last night after dinner was over, sneaking another spoonful!
I should have taken a picture of it, it turned out really pretty, but...we devoured half of it last night!
Pictures of leftovers aren't so pretty.
Here is what you need:
4 skinless , boneless chicken breasts
1 can of jumbo buttermilk biscuits( needs to be 8 count)
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
3 tablespoons of flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp celery salt
pinch of kosher salt
1 small package frozen peas
1 1/2 cups diced, cooked potatoes
1 1/2 cups diced, cooked carrots
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350
Slice chicken into 1/4 inch strips and saute in a little bit of olive oil or non stick spray. Sprinkle with the pinch of kosher salt.
While chicken is cooking through, mix together the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl-
minus the biscuits. Those will go on top of the mixture.
Mix in cooked chicken and pour into a 9x13 baking dish.
Cut the biscuits in half so you have 16 pieces and arrange over the top of the dish.
Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Bump the heat up to 375 for the last 5 minutes so the biscuits get nice and golden and the mixture is bubbling. Make sure to let the casserole sit for at least 10 minutes so everything will thicken.
You might have to play with the time a little as I know all ovens are different.
This is seriously good and really easy to make. And if you want to be good you can use reduced fat biscuits and reduced fat cream of chicken and mushroom soups.
Make it tonight, and your family will thank you:)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Playing Housewife
Well friends,
I am now part of the un-employed- actually it is rather an interesting story. I have been in the past job for almost 5 years- publicity and promotions for movie studios. It is a great company, but the job was starting to wear on me just a tad- late nights, stress, deadlines, the usual . I had been thinking for a while that I should maybe think about searching for another career. SO I took a big step last Thursday and actually decided to pray about it. Let me tell you right now that prayer works, but be careful what you pray for!
I asked that HE would show me, make it abundantly clear, if I was supposed to be doing something else. That afternoon I was laid off!! An answer, but not quite the way I was expecting it:)
SO for now I am getting to clean the house, something I haven't really been able to do in a long time, updating my resume, searching for my new career and reaching out to friends I haven't talked to in a long time.
I'm getting to take time to cook, read and really for the first time in a long time, de-compress.
I think my dogs are the happiest that I am home, no one has chewed, peed or otherwise destroyed the house because we are not here:)
I am actually really excited about the next step in life. I know that God is completely in control and HE has been so faithful to both Ryan and I. We are in his hands and I am excited to start this new chapter in life.
By the way in discovering yummy new things to cook, I think I'll post a few recepies here on our blog.
Tonight- Salmon- yumm.
I think I'll do a soy/brown sugar glaze
Mashed new potatos, french green beans and something citrus for dessert- maybe lemon cream pie!
I'm off to the store!
I am now part of the un-employed- actually it is rather an interesting story. I have been in the past job for almost 5 years- publicity and promotions for movie studios. It is a great company, but the job was starting to wear on me just a tad- late nights, stress, deadlines, the usual . I had been thinking for a while that I should maybe think about searching for another career. SO I took a big step last Thursday and actually decided to pray about it. Let me tell you right now that prayer works, but be careful what you pray for!
I asked that HE would show me, make it abundantly clear, if I was supposed to be doing something else. That afternoon I was laid off!! An answer, but not quite the way I was expecting it:)
SO for now I am getting to clean the house, something I haven't really been able to do in a long time, updating my resume, searching for my new career and reaching out to friends I haven't talked to in a long time.
I'm getting to take time to cook, read and really for the first time in a long time, de-compress.
I think my dogs are the happiest that I am home, no one has chewed, peed or otherwise destroyed the house because we are not here:)
I am actually really excited about the next step in life. I know that God is completely in control and HE has been so faithful to both Ryan and I. We are in his hands and I am excited to start this new chapter in life.
By the way in discovering yummy new things to cook, I think I'll post a few recepies here on our blog.
Tonight- Salmon- yumm.
I think I'll do a soy/brown sugar glaze
Mashed new potatos, french green beans and something citrus for dessert- maybe lemon cream pie!
I'm off to the store!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
SNOW DAY!!!!
It snowed here in Dallas today!
I got to work from home, so that means, I got to see the girls play in the snow!
Lilly and Dixie both seem to love it- in short little snippits, then the are ready to come back in and warm up!
To be quite honest, I'm actually really glad I got to stay home today. I was able to get a BUNCH of work done and still had time to do some much needed housework. I could get used to this!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
End of 2009
Well I suppose if Mr & Mrs Williams can finally update their blog then so can we. You know it has been a while when you have to go back and catch up with what you wrote just so you know where to begin. Well to sum it all up we have been busy. Spend Thanksgiving weekend down at the farm with a stinky skunk who decided that he wants to live under the house. Dixie had a great time getting to explore all that is the farm and gave a curious effort to get into the tank, maybe next time. December was full of events mainly our Home Team Christmas Chili Cook-Off Party where I might have committed myself to one session of Bikram Yoga.
Here is a picture of our Hometeam
For Christmas Day we had some friends and Heidi's folks over for a Christmas brunch and then kicked everyone out so we could take a Christmas nap after putting away a couple of cinnomon rolls, pancakes, & breakfast casserol. Due to scheduling conflicts we had our Headley Christmas with Heidi's folks and her brother and his family on Sunday but we all had some left over Christmas Cheer so fun was had by all.
Oh and we were bums for New Years Eve...
I know this was kind of random but Heidi is the writer in the family and there is to much to cover for my abilities.
Have a great 2010!
Here is a picture of our Hometeam
For Christmas Day we had some friends and Heidi's folks over for a Christmas brunch and then kicked everyone out so we could take a Christmas nap after putting away a couple of cinnomon rolls, pancakes, & breakfast casserol. Due to scheduling conflicts we had our Headley Christmas with Heidi's folks and her brother and his family on Sunday but we all had some left over Christmas Cheer so fun was had by all.
Oh and we were bums for New Years Eve...
I know this was kind of random but Heidi is the writer in the family and there is to much to cover for my abilities.
Have a great 2010!
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