tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13660849191137244072024-03-05T06:21:11.173-08:00A Tale of Two BloggersTwo Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-76362801623396089332011-03-26T03:22:00.000-07:002011-03-26T03:22:01.002-07:00Random Acts of Kindness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RTAwD-IbHqrotKel9DA7fjiilg3sjajZbOQ4uE2b4vB2ULL6wKEMjlAznZ2lh795RR-agKfRmLohXggZHI14WW_q9fZYfkhGI9h7vJR_TXsaNDQ87HsQ7V3TOa9aWxaRk_i_Acr1_VSO/s1600/Picture+7.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RTAwD-IbHqrotKel9DA7fjiilg3sjajZbOQ4uE2b4vB2ULL6wKEMjlAznZ2lh795RR-agKfRmLohXggZHI14WW_q9fZYfkhGI9h7vJR_TXsaNDQ87HsQ7V3TOa9aWxaRk_i_Acr1_VSO/s400/Picture+7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576256520545018450" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How often do you do something and expect nothing in return? I know that I rarely think of doing things that are completely selfless. This weekend we (two bloggers) will be going around town doing random acts of kindness for as many people as we can. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the next couple weeks we'll post about all the fun things we did and hopefully that will inspire you to do something nice for someone you've never met. We filled a small booklet of 3 X 5 cards with notes for people, which we will leave at each thing we do. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Each note has the following verse and a short, anonymous note...</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." I Peter 4:10</span></span></p><div><br /></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-33414884566243656962011-02-13T02:40:00.000-08:002011-02-13T02:40:00.616-08:00What's Cooking: Kale Chips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieRikxGjtqYwDI6oPwOS00xd_d4ieMxd9tOon35gpfDrtnZoXVEuP0B0bA4FVCFAitVDJPTmlkgWW0ASqFNBK2k-IPTnZF6ICkv2mcjEyWweWMy2kt7DPbJd6GR0961VIMhV9UwfoDKCu/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieRikxGjtqYwDI6oPwOS00xd_d4ieMxd9tOon35gpfDrtnZoXVEuP0B0bA4FVCFAitVDJPTmlkgWW0ASqFNBK2k-IPTnZF6ICkv2mcjEyWweWMy2kt7DPbJd6GR0961VIMhV9UwfoDKCu/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568081962867752146" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Until a week ago I'd never heard of Kale. It's a lettuce type vegetable that's apparently really good for you. The recent issue of Real Simple suggests making Kale Chips with it and I tried it out. </span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiKecuAqX2oABG3tNMkZYFpIYPdqQBArJTem5hsXkXTwLDSfadGSIe-4bRkSt6JM6hboqoSMYKOvc0_glZ3r04HOBbVc1FfLBLyThYwRp0vt1IeIDmdaSUmFvaVFw056Q8lzfiJiuZL1Q/s1600/Picture+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiKecuAqX2oABG3tNMkZYFpIYPdqQBArJTem5hsXkXTwLDSfadGSIe-4bRkSt6JM6hboqoSMYKOvc0_glZ3r04HOBbVc1FfLBLyThYwRp0vt1IeIDmdaSUmFvaVFw056Q8lzfiJiuZL1Q/s320/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568081950287471538" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After washing the kale, rip off the main stalk and rip it into little bunches. Then toss it in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper. Put the pieces on a baking sheet and cook at 300 degrees for about 25 minutes. </span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYVm7hv0H1Ilfeai14rq8CmmvOAo0o7AdQ6lYyqJDzcD4L83GFH61rSzKT8DEsYANIjKhP-yVfX-cP2hEBc5KtsMynDzLeS36yy72f04DRiZAOkZB-hzdyKwbTMrlKhkdb9hUuzVdWJiO/s1600/Picture+3.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYVm7hv0H1Ilfeai14rq8CmmvOAo0o7AdQ6lYyqJDzcD4L83GFH61rSzKT8DEsYANIjKhP-yVfX-cP2hEBc5KtsMynDzLeS36yy72f04DRiZAOkZB-hzdyKwbTMrlKhkdb9hUuzVdWJiO/s320/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568081927887318354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(the finished chips)</i></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The final product are crispy little ugly leaves, but they taste almost exactly like potato chips! I don't know if I would have believed it if I hadn't made them myself, but they really do. The after taste is a bit odd, but not bad and much healthier. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by moi. </span></i></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-6576023555892261952011-02-06T02:47:00.000-08:002011-02-06T02:47:00.776-08:00Make Your Own Bunting Stationary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX-EkM78254C8wgRyX682vHv4mfdGfXyf5ywjgYsHSX0YP1PSTAQU6R6qTCYApDVVcV_JK2l_q1RdwD5_EeMlENz_N6LfVIpu0YuRqfhtimKVwAC0pVhVUEusakaA4OjMDSu0BCM2fOTg/s1600/Picture+4.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX-EkM78254C8wgRyX682vHv4mfdGfXyf5ywjgYsHSX0YP1PSTAQU6R6qTCYApDVVcV_JK2l_q1RdwD5_EeMlENz_N6LfVIpu0YuRqfhtimKVwAC0pVhVUEusakaA4OjMDSu0BCM2fOTg/s320/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568083706351314450" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It seems like we get loads of junk mail. No matter how many paperless bills I sign up for, it still comes streaming in. So here's a great way to put those security envelopes to good use. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">When you receive one with a pattern on the inside, save it. Once you have a few different patterns, cut small triangles out of the pattern. Then take some blank stationary (I cut my own out of card stock) and make a diagonal line with a sharpie in any color you choose. </span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDd-QQIFBEiIBfjJkZKfyLS0ftaUgkI2hiKm6GwTlpMI65Qs4G66MeUWM4spf-RAkcYtI9GdDytXe2fkk3U4YiklM9LZrMrQU00t3kJgNgpFo1JOYXkceIBnS3S3wvS87Cc-s8rU7ccLx/s1600/Picture+5.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDd-QQIFBEiIBfjJkZKfyLS0ftaUgkI2hiKm6GwTlpMI65Qs4G66MeUWM4spf-RAkcYtI9GdDytXe2fkk3U4YiklM9LZrMrQU00t3kJgNgpFo1JOYXkceIBnS3S3wvS87Cc-s8rU7ccLx/s320/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568083693211646850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Use a glue stick and glue the various patterned flags across the card, along the line. The finished cards look like bunting is strung across them and they're perfect little blank cards. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by moi. </span></i></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-48316716420317283592011-01-29T20:47:00.000-08:002011-01-29T20:55:51.371-08:00How To Poach An Egg<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu0oSY8QkEi1hVqircea-eitO2OAOai6wy879vi6K72XW4ySEv1J71Rz6LlnXHQnASii_y8GDeK9wmWPUCUHKBSoL-zPbJ7LDskATpK3-6xI1kfHFuHoV5r1UQHi4L5gzl3qAxt-WH8g2/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu0oSY8QkEi1hVqircea-eitO2OAOai6wy879vi6K72XW4ySEv1J71Rz6LlnXHQnASii_y8GDeK9wmWPUCUHKBSoL-zPbJ7LDskATpK3-6xI1kfHFuHoV5r1UQHi4L5gzl3qAxt-WH8g2/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567836201644856018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I finally learned how to poach an egg. I followed a step-by-step tutorial from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/how-to-poach-an-egg-smitten-kitchen-style/">Smitten Kitchen</a>. I dropped the egg into a whirling pot of water and (after a few tries) I had a poached egg! The instructions are brilliant and include pictures. If you've ever been afraid to try it, I was, this is the time. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photo by moi. </span></span></div><div><br /></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-37941594833837791542011-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:002011-01-21T11:38:10.481-08:00TV Wall Decoration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAujfWMTtbPSBXyJPYVsE4b85aii_04WEx6Nrw6Pm9N8XPdNji0i4F5QdO-stCJOI50AEZsKGnC5mrMfluRVmeORKNpmLo53eDcaBdongWksKq0BKruGEG7JCdzCo1cMuWCBBUu_SaRoI/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAujfWMTtbPSBXyJPYVsE4b85aii_04WEx6Nrw6Pm9N8XPdNji0i4F5QdO-stCJOI50AEZsKGnC5mrMfluRVmeORKNpmLo53eDcaBdongWksKq0BKruGEG7JCdzCo1cMuWCBBUu_SaRoI/s320/IMG_1172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564724378161513138" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm not sure how to decorate the open space about a TV. In theory, you'll be looking at the TV when you look at that wall, so you don't want a busy piece of art or something above it. There was a small white shelf on the wall when you moved in (as seen above) and we decided to put a few open cubes up to add a little something. I would love to get a <a href="http://www.tvstands.com">flat panel TV stand</a> and a flat screen TV to open up some space, but that's not currently in the budget. </span></span></p></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_IpLopmQeq3Vp3y7GGMRGb04DjTU1oK3OK592omKiNPPMj2JybLKy4gN35CAS4mLtOixLHL7kFOpGJ1v3SqkCsoBrWSx5V_KL2fVvFIjQy1YEl9du6qns8D111gPDXl0uZ8M5T9Z9Iuq/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_IpLopmQeq3Vp3y7GGMRGb04DjTU1oK3OK592omKiNPPMj2JybLKy4gN35CAS4mLtOixLHL7kFOpGJ1v3SqkCsoBrWSx5V_KL2fVvFIjQy1YEl9du6qns8D111gPDXl0uZ8M5T9Z9Iuq/s320/IMG_1533.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564724373196775650" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Instead we added these cubes, which hold some fun items. The jar of sand is from our sand ceremony in our wedding and the wooden heart was a souvenir from a trip I took to Austria. </span></span></div><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQNjmbcM8mhAzcvJSKxezoGsknVolFl1LQsp5z3vDnW03coFz9M8y5cKMzIICq8gDHVa7eUslrtPUg_jkF2WWPgFNGFEnf6-o2NUSgkqTZqVLHrNobRAOrwFv1gTt7xDElBcjDXJ2TFXW/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQNjmbcM8mhAzcvJSKxezoGsknVolFl1LQsp5z3vDnW03coFz9M8y5cKMzIICq8gDHVa7eUslrtPUg_jkF2WWPgFNGFEnf6-o2NUSgkqTZqVLHrNobRAOrwFv1gTt7xDElBcjDXJ2TFXW/s320/IMG_1534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564724366316672402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the above picture you can see how it looks now. I'm curious what other people put above their TVs. </span></span></p></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by moi. </span></i></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-32970771637439253642010-12-15T03:39:00.000-08:002010-12-15T03:39:00.458-08:00Bathroom Cabinet Organization<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJM_nCBvOksXrLnhJz6FcoPaLXUM0Gqf0PnetL_syJ0H76hzdTL-PpieLVBPrL9PCUKCEn2SVOQWJE0oxToaAIpqFq3_aglu-tMGODZImScWwvAJMejrAXyTpSi00yjRr-SqgSXPWvKd8/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJM_nCBvOksXrLnhJz6FcoPaLXUM0Gqf0PnetL_syJ0H76hzdTL-PpieLVBPrL9PCUKCEn2SVOQWJE0oxToaAIpqFq3_aglu-tMGODZImScWwvAJMejrAXyTpSi00yjRr-SqgSXPWvKd8/s400/IMG_0264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548846998306315554" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sometimes the simple things in life can be the most frustrating things. Like opening your bathroom cabinet every morning and having stuff fall out or never being about to find what you're looking for. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When the problem is simple, the solution usually is to. I found an </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HMBVM0/ref=oss_product"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">OXO Good Grips</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> organizer set on amazon and I knew it would be perfect. </span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67CAwEE45iZgz2NeFwLG-hk1l-6XvrGPJYVbnY1z6IQ1Xaq_Qu2eJGQz6ojEBlJqBH4zbc9ICwoug4-cq7SJytmJt9dcDDbfN3Jo6hrg_U_Ur517huKRBMr2mbJnbyg13zx1FKAZWuD_Y/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67CAwEE45iZgz2NeFwLG-hk1l-6XvrGPJYVbnY1z6IQ1Xaq_Qu2eJGQz6ojEBlJqBH4zbc9ICwoug4-cq7SJytmJt9dcDDbfN3Jo6hrg_U_Ur517huKRBMr2mbJnbyg13zx1FKAZWuD_Y/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548846996737795618" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The best part is that both pieces (the holder cup and dividing shelf) have a rubber-like substance on their bases. This means when I clumsily reach for something it won't easily knocked over. Just one more thing to make my life a little easier. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by moi. </span></i></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-43661298173493610432010-12-06T03:07:00.000-08:002010-12-06T03:07:00.352-08:00What's Cooking: Tomato and Meatball Soup<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lT6TAlqJqBMOnYWGNy0Qk-KO0STHL96LBG7OJ6GmAX4IisT7ZltA4I-s1LjqLJtMfUpDJyTON_YbGpfUqs7g_momcfRsamUq5MhPpVoaDzjjR_7Cmt8cijKWZx0rTf2mTrKDhwT1QA72/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lT6TAlqJqBMOnYWGNy0Qk-KO0STHL96LBG7OJ6GmAX4IisT7ZltA4I-s1LjqLJtMfUpDJyTON_YbGpfUqs7g_momcfRsamUq5MhPpVoaDzjjR_7Cmt8cijKWZx0rTf2mTrKDhwT1QA72/s400/1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543257165235814690" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I finally got a chance to make something in my dutch oven! I found a recipe for Tomato and Meatball soup and tried it out. It was delicious! This one will definitely become a winter staple at our house. </span></span><br /></span><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMQDcVo_ARZrH2FBvdU6Ia9J7BK8QqCSDojEbCGuZKUwZl8M64NbRM0lNvaZCEHLLFAYWPqicyzhmGeh6iVAdjYkjWAmRZgkxN4syNlDgd1IdQSNOwFg-kCsanKRJ0kEUWR1A5lVfveFf/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMQDcVo_ARZrH2FBvdU6Ia9J7BK8QqCSDojEbCGuZKUwZl8M64NbRM0lNvaZCEHLLFAYWPqicyzhmGeh6iVAdjYkjWAmRZgkxN4syNlDgd1IdQSNOwFg-kCsanKRJ0kEUWR1A5lVfveFf/s400/2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543257143824387874" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I made the meatball mixture from scratch and was skeptical about how it would turn out. I's never cooked raw meatballs in a soup, but it worked!</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVzTnPakjyOgbhlpjagt1PqVBFiUIPB-O8knWzoMCLmDnUYQjGCUAOSwA-JmzAYvk5DKcETUweDT4nNFBB7v74lrbwHyknXj7fsIYdUPb7uxHtQbQVMRUlzCJ0OKlsf5BaZ1tu8b-0oHw/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVzTnPakjyOgbhlpjagt1PqVBFiUIPB-O8knWzoMCLmDnUYQjGCUAOSwA-JmzAYvk5DKcETUweDT4nNFBB7v74lrbwHyknXj7fsIYdUPb7uxHtQbQVMRUlzCJ0OKlsf5BaZ1tu8b-0oHw/s400/3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543257120013535234" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's the complete recipe and directions from the wonderful </span><a href="http://hiphostess.blogspot.com/2010/10/tomato-and-meatball-soup.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hip Hostess</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tomato and Meatball Soup</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Serves 6 to 8</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meatballs</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 slices of white sandwich bread, torn into large pieces**</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 cup skim milk</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 cloves of garlic, minced</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 tsp fresh thyme, minced</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 large egg, slightly beaten</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3/4 tsp kosher salt</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 tsp pepper</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 lb extra lean ground beef</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Soup</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 Tbsp olive oil</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 carrots, small diced</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 onion, minced</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 Tbsp tomato paste</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 garlic cloves, minced</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 tsp fresh thyme, minced</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 tsp dried oregano</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3/4 tsp salt</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 tsp pepper</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes in puree</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 cups low sodium chicken stock</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">grated Parmesan</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">julienned basil</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meatballs</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, place the milk and bread and allow to soak for a minute or two. Using a fork whisk the two ingredients to combine. Stir in the parm, garlic, thyme, egg, salt, and pepper. Add the meat and mix together with a fork to keep the mixture light and not dense. Wet your hands and roll 1-inch meatballs, placing them on the baking sheet. You should have 30 - 35meatballs. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Soup</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cook the pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cool water and set aside. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the meantime, heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook an additional 5 - 7 minutes until translucent but not brown. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until garlic becomes very fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes and stock. Add the meatballs without stirring, and bring the temperature up to a simmer. Cook until meatballs are tender but cooked through, about 15 minutes. Add the pasta to the soup and season with salt & pepper to taste. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Serve each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan and julienned basil on top.</span></span></p></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtPmn0kMNwIyOeYzkSvUCIRQ06Cp4JCNkaz-0SMVCPIoCo0NkUnKrDD23zwFzBUUY5NsY_m5swcs3kNkmjG9TtXy9yeiHyZ1EHYdRvLoi2KRFEeXtDTjJq4OAlxLk-kDApr3Bv2gy2T6x/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtPmn0kMNwIyOeYzkSvUCIRQ06Cp4JCNkaz-0SMVCPIoCo0NkUnKrDD23zwFzBUUY5NsY_m5swcs3kNkmjG9TtXy9yeiHyZ1EHYdRvLoi2KRFEeXtDTjJq4OAlxLk-kDApr3Bv2gy2T6x/s400/IMG_0226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543257109151577522" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After Flannel Man and I each had a big bowl we still had plenty left to freeze for another night. It was the perfect hearty meal for a cold night. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by moi. </span></i></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-23004201197417072142010-11-29T04:55:00.000-08:002010-11-29T04:55:00.533-08:00What's Cooking: A Whole Chicken<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCcdpmC9eEUSejpgMXWghFhxxLSK1adBxnDItoUjON6yRufEImr1siXBcEpzfEgZ9QoCzztnh3hApOBA1ke97rj2dXBBOTKJi6NiDs3a6DbmCm0HUFLEQX6lDlAqdIxNGmkjNOMVSW3qJ/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCcdpmC9eEUSejpgMXWghFhxxLSK1adBxnDItoUjON6yRufEImr1siXBcEpzfEgZ9QoCzztnh3hApOBA1ke97rj2dXBBOTKJi6NiDs3a6DbmCm0HUFLEQX6lDlAqdIxNGmkjNOMVSW3qJ/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538509133095949138" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I made a whole chicken in a crock pot. Woo hoo! It's like the simplest thing ever, but it was still pretty intimidating... it's a whole chicken. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All I had to do was rinse off the chicken and sprinkle paprika and minced garlic on top. Then I cooked it 7 hours on low. When I got home form work it was hot and ready. The meat was literally falling off the bone. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's a great how-to that I followed at <a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/whole-chicken-in-a-crock-pot/">The Happy Housewife</a>. </span></span></p><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqbItqAEZoDVtXhLkM8ByjzF-gl4lil2vvH86URCCo3qSzmqHAaNcrR7KrV05wFo5MgV1VGSI24EjmOJZpTLJz5wR8q3Y1JQAnq1Gr02LiMBAeTB8srCE1U1YxnvTQ05NvE_ioU5EthLn/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqbItqAEZoDVtXhLkM8ByjzF-gl4lil2vvH86URCCo3qSzmqHAaNcrR7KrV05wFo5MgV1VGSI24EjmOJZpTLJz5wR8q3Y1JQAnq1Gr02LiMBAeTB8srCE1U1YxnvTQ05NvE_ioU5EthLn/s400/IMG_0260.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538509125884796546" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We ended up with a ton of meat that made for a wonderful dinner and lots of leftovers. It also taught me not to be scared of cooking things that seem "big." </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-47918031995111992132010-11-22T07:38:00.000-08:002010-11-22T07:38:00.634-08:00What's Cooking: Parchment-Baked Halibut<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96WyNy6ZFC89bsOtDIvD-6O1waxzlUYFrADm3cD7npejR1eB1jZTghCOxiYSA-vJCAR1rJw7-J6jyPIRaLw0agGXEvBOis8qyFIhrskUtM_lMf0TXoHsQ-0KwH0QVZwXb_8ZoZjwSSN8o/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96WyNy6ZFC89bsOtDIvD-6O1waxzlUYFrADm3cD7npejR1eB1jZTghCOxiYSA-vJCAR1rJw7-J6jyPIRaLw0agGXEvBOis8qyFIhrskUtM_lMf0TXoHsQ-0KwH0QVZwXb_8ZoZjwSSN8o/s400/IMG_0157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538502925293911026" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So here's a post just for the halibut... sorry. Anyway, I made halibut for the first time and I wasn't impressed. It was expensive and not fantastic compared to salmon or other basic fish. It was simple to cook though. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You place the halibut steak (yeah, I didn't know it was called that either) inside a piece of parchment paper. You fold it over and create a little pocket for each one. Put slices of orange into each pocket and cook for 12 minutes at 400 degrees. </span></span><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29Skyym8htx1PA6NtOHV4x7s_gyssfPB89-sCn6uu2KhDzvbqMLiEFAnUh22_Rz-9BxrGqC29BF1jJMBEz4o0m6nwVpn5Vg71k6EJCGvQrOOVR1HTht0ktfywEFv3GoSdZhjON9dvb1x-/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29Skyym8htx1PA6NtOHV4x7s_gyssfPB89-sCn6uu2KhDzvbqMLiEFAnUh22_Rz-9BxrGqC29BF1jJMBEz4o0m6nwVpn5Vg71k6EJCGvQrOOVR1HTht0ktfywEFv3GoSdZhjON9dvb1x-/s400/IMG_0155.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538502919686668130" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-72848652762634307842010-11-15T05:22:00.000-08:002010-11-15T05:22:00.150-08:00One Year Anniversary<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJoHELjkNZXWxlJXrKEtbmJYOiyqNCd5Ta12jPxXOg8z7AfgjsAi6cyv3AAHg_33rcVt1zLk6Zha1thfJEE178Nz_rx0f_q2SRJw5U37PcEY1ZHZIN4Ut3zJWutzD14Bk3BAQfGNNUYQ1/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJoHELjkNZXWxlJXrKEtbmJYOiyqNCd5Ta12jPxXOg8z7AfgjsAi6cyv3AAHg_33rcVt1zLk6Zha1thfJEE178Nz_rx0f_q2SRJw5U37PcEY1ZHZIN4Ut3zJWutzD14Bk3BAQfGNNUYQ1/s400/IMG_0205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538500578042065170" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In October Flannel Man and I celebrated our one year anniversary. We enjoyed a bottle of wine we bought in Napa Valley and we broke out the frozen top tier of our wedding cake. It's been a great first year and I'm blessed to have him in my life. </span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1S6x96Vp3GhT4i6OAmgFZ5cKSsyCUnaOdSEOhiORFRYwI0kIxlBrEKie5CZtU4uxQ1EHfUr6LIMS2KkzLYkpvytR7ErREKAzeBIHn5QOpQtCJDCISKZhlZhyphenhyphenumAgkuXgif0FDrrljr5/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1S6x96Vp3GhT4i6OAmgFZ5cKSsyCUnaOdSEOhiORFRYwI0kIxlBrEKie5CZtU4uxQ1EHfUr6LIMS2KkzLYkpvytR7ErREKAzeBIHn5QOpQtCJDCISKZhlZhyphenhyphenumAgkuXgif0FDrrljr5/s400/IMG_0207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538500572820539714" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The cake was actually surprisingly good. We kept it in a plastic ice cream container in the fridge and it some how kept really well. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-7879074830699359572010-11-11T19:08:00.000-08:002010-11-11T19:21:52.565-08:00What's Cooking: Pasta With Bacon and Cauliflower<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmtNkbJ01gSK84ZhGEKdD3m_iWaIiI6y6E82aE4UgaFZf3L5Iyl2jvQ6Lpov-DmQ8BK3qzl4G8bVLYkGfteXdUzRHDCbIYxf4nOzxRc0h4fYuLWBW_aaBWNIWMirFJgSY3-AxkwOC4djs/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmtNkbJ01gSK84ZhGEKdD3m_iWaIiI6y6E82aE4UgaFZf3L5Iyl2jvQ6Lpov-DmQ8BK3qzl4G8bVLYkGfteXdUzRHDCbIYxf4nOzxRc0h4fYuLWBW_aaBWNIWMirFJgSY3-AxkwOC4djs/s400/IMG_0185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538495594010136786" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This recipe was really delicious, but it's super rich. I've never used </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">pecorino in a recipe before. Actually I didn't know what it was before this (it's a type of cheese). It has a really distinct taste that was wonderful with the cauliflower. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaluwQVLfIN8EVZGlYvEeM0BZqHS4k9V00q7dU0z18Avo3_SZ98mWijcKieqhACkyVzZyORB7Oud2Fcd3-zN9zPwcdwRO7YaVyHa3mi48RU0-qdkZe6Dso1ExWad6WAzIoCbSGon62IQb/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaluwQVLfIN8EVZGlYvEeM0BZqHS4k9V00q7dU0z18Avo3_SZ98mWijcKieqhACkyVzZyORB7Oud2Fcd3-zN9zPwcdwRO7YaVyHa3mi48RU0-qdkZe6Dso1ExWad6WAzIoCbSGon62IQb/s400/IMG_0187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538495590718580018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The recipe is from Real Simple ...</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Ingredients</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• 12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 box)</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• 6 slices bacon</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• 1/3 cup fresh sage leaves</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• 1 small head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• salt and black pepper</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• 3/4 cup grated pecorino (3 ounces)</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Directions</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ¾ cup of the cooking water, and return the pasta to the pot.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. Add the sage to the drippings in the skillet and cook over medium heat, turning once, until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. Add the cauliflower, ¼ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper to the drippings in the skillet and cook, covered, for 2 minutes.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. Uncover and cook, tossing frequently, until golden and tender, 3 to 4 minutes more.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6. Add the reserved pasta water and ½ cup pecorino to the pasta; toss until creamy. Add the cauliflower, sage, and bacon and toss. Sprinkle with remaining pecorino.</span></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi </i></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-78297127578029666142010-11-09T15:02:00.000-08:002010-11-09T15:21:25.803-08:00Make Do or Do Without<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5mqEnQ6ObchLQOAtDnDiaolzEn9613gl2fWEzU9UVnKm24zdmfow3aPKb_IC3aUkITAkOPGlXVqAzI0Ysl4Z_0dbNqjkBWYi_EqSAG2oN8KL9XmXkdrFpDSLym6nL2CPGRI-kF3ADVdE/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5mqEnQ6ObchLQOAtDnDiaolzEn9613gl2fWEzU9UVnKm24zdmfow3aPKb_IC3aUkITAkOPGlXVqAzI0Ysl4Z_0dbNqjkBWYi_EqSAG2oN8KL9XmXkdrFpDSLym6nL2CPGRI-kF3ADVdE/s400/IMG_0258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537689380942740738" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At what age are you officially suppose to grow up and get real furniture? I’ve been wondering about that lately when I look at our mismatched <a href="http://www.diningroomsdirect.com/">dining chairs</a> and hand-me-down green table. Don’t get me wrong, I love these pieces, but I’m wondering how long it’s acceptable to scavenge for chairs when we have guests over. Last time we had a dinner party we used a bench as supplemental seating.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have bookcases from rummage sales, dressers from friends who moved cross-country, etc. The only furniture we have bought at a store is our bed and a couch. Both of those items were from massive sales at Value City furniture and we saved up for awhile before getting them.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Flannel Man and I tend to go off the assumption that if we can’t get it at a yard sale or buy it used from friends and family, then we probably don’t need it. Once we have a bigger family we’ll probably invest in a table with matching chairs (and by invest I mean find it on Craig’s List), but until then I’ll stick with the old saying “use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.”</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo by moi. </i></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-3411886253721754562010-10-20T05:39:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:34:21.393-07:00Book Binding<div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQL1-CEhJUSRoZ7iYj8lHUP7pwVcI2xmW6XhnWOIs-kWk1yJ6dZUmWj4hDJ-0jMaBKbJiGEs85QggNJ7VOeKOh5YsvklJHNoRw7limysQ6dGEuyJBGwxBmQmfEkzU_T5otcAUie0gTtuT/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365754762364050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQL1-CEhJUSRoZ7iYj8lHUP7pwVcI2xmW6XhnWOIs-kWk1yJ6dZUmWj4hDJ-0jMaBKbJiGEs85QggNJ7VOeKOh5YsvklJHNoRw7limysQ6dGEuyJBGwxBmQmfEkzU_T5otcAUie0gTtuT/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" /></a></div><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">For my one year wedding anniversary gift for my husband I wanted to do something in the vein of the traditional first gift: paper. So, I called in the big guns. One of my good friends got her masters in book binding and she was kind enough to teach me how to make a book.</span></p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeFVkuAI8xHk4BTrAxWX3XM328iBBlvH_dxtNOPTmlgK4OH3iqNCs6_J-NL1TwrQ4MwBBBHSP2R5fSk3GmlfwNRFtFV2NNYXjIjyAqVehL4kbG1o0f74Y-7vlIwQ1jiOmjJ11D7hiSGaI/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365750528977970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeFVkuAI8xHk4BTrAxWX3XM328iBBlvH_dxtNOPTmlgK4OH3iqNCs6_J-NL1TwrQ4MwBBBHSP2R5fSk3GmlfwNRFtFV2NNYXjIjyAqVehL4kbG1o0f74Y-7vlIwQ1jiOmjJ11D7hiSGaI/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br />We started by cutting thick pieces of cardboard for</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">the front and back covers and the spine.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDRkbhyykgCq6CskSe6ZuQHCmsEvrPXYJl4HNU2QDL-I1lcj6X-dxgWKHk_ENPsixfv9shJeExSwQlhogxlVpjhQ1PJFjSqVDawT-iOUqzbj15gVL73LV_tX4L084Biks81vT_a1tJQp2/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365747167794386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDRkbhyykgCq6CskSe6ZuQHCmsEvrPXYJl4HNU2QDL-I1lcj6X-dxgWKHk_ENPsixfv9shJeExSwQlhogxlVpjhQ1PJFjSqVDawT-iOUqzbj15gVL73LV_tX4L084Biks81vT_a1tJQp2/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" /> </a><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br />Next, I cut a pieces of paper to wrap around all three pieces. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I cut off the corners so that the whole thing would have fewer creases.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEWeVnIP1UR8-Hd2JrSOX6tQpMt2XTEjqXJNnjLzc-6l_x4PSHvBWdI9eSNLmoHVaa9WHN_Xnomok9aUUamnFD56Ti3AMl0itLdG6Gj0qkOoZP_t-ishSxXhjWHfUdwAq9FQ9DWwzAJHh/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365739757651810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEWeVnIP1UR8-Hd2JrSOX6tQpMt2XTEjqXJNnjLzc-6l_x4PSHvBWdI9eSNLmoHVaa9WHN_Xnomok9aUUamnFD56Ti3AMl0itLdG6Gj0qkOoZP_t-ishSxXhjWHfUdwAq9FQ9DWwzAJHh/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" /> </a><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Using her glue, mixed with water, and a brush, </span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I glued the paper around each of the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">cardboard pieces. </span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then I picked out a large sheet of marbled </span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">paper to add a second layer to the book.</span></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8spzRGG-zQ-D5f74QFF_iKPaTFmFfN8A22Rg8yue9pf5aHLDvWt2S4zK7gNFwjcfw2tiOK7rkiNWnAOVaf_4MgEz0JN6g7okyusHhAdP-U3DxFaWu01rP0-zcK6WR004gCqvwwN9Qbtk-/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365400846294338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8spzRGG-zQ-D5f74QFF_iKPaTFmFfN8A22Rg8yue9pf5aHLDvWt2S4zK7gNFwjcfw2tiOK7rkiNWnAOVaf_4MgEz0JN6g7okyusHhAdP-U3DxFaWu01rP0-zcK6WR004gCqvwwN9Qbtk-/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" /></a> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I cut a strip of thick white paper to give the spine some strength,</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">then added a brown sheet of paper over the top of that.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-x-mNFcpg5SXcajC5Ne2YeDdMbK2CvZe7GexYKFULLTpBOKYNXHwR3JFSYZYwzu2Hy-06sWJPjLHyAZ6dE8EG0dSzNwyJIEFMADRk8unAEL-A7BJCfTpwTAMI1aScFhHpFwy9xotZiTX/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365398435924866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-x-mNFcpg5SXcajC5Ne2YeDdMbK2CvZe7GexYKFULLTpBOKYNXHwR3JFSYZYwzu2Hy-06sWJPjLHyAZ6dE8EG0dSzNwyJIEFMADRk8unAEL-A7BJCfTpwTAMI1aScFhHpFwy9xotZiTX/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" /> </a><p align="center"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><div style="text-align: center;">This is how the covers and spine look before the paper is added to the inside.</div></span><p></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I ripped four sets of signatures of paper for the inside.</span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"> Each signature is made up of four pieces of paper </span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">cut to the same size and folded over. </span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I tore the paper, using a ruler, to give the edges a rougher look.</span></p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa6BQjVfLizLzFDoXpZLFD31IbSIzpnT5wNViCH6v59WRBCvEkXTal-jZd4gLskc1rRJ99uT0eGLMl8bbKKAFKAYnbKEP2i9cLEYtC9NwPobdqUS6kf6rQMPjDzdVRGhJe9XP9hJo2Xrc/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365395021745042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa6BQjVfLizLzFDoXpZLFD31IbSIzpnT5wNViCH6v59WRBCvEkXTal-jZd4gLskc1rRJ99uT0eGLMl8bbKKAFKAYnbKEP2i9cLEYtC9NwPobdqUS6kf6rQMPjDzdVRGhJe9XP9hJo2Xrc/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Using an awl I puntured the spine with four holes in a row in three different spots.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47k8pG9adFM52XXLCGfg6E75hES7DWrCBTn4WKenyjN2lv8buRPk_ZSGZ09-3nZaKzF9iMGRs_FwjGQWsLpH_rCuefmoB6Qm-jUYuWof5DFENSwQSyFuWmj1wdQzdPAnRKEld1fVir3Et/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365383255069170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47k8pG9adFM52XXLCGfg6E75hES7DWrCBTn4WKenyjN2lv8buRPk_ZSGZ09-3nZaKzF9iMGRs_FwjGQWsLpH_rCuefmoB6Qm-jUYuWof5DFENSwQSyFuWmj1wdQzdPAnRKEld1fVir3Et/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" /> </a><p align="center"></p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><div style="text-align: center;">Then I stitched each of the signatures into the book, </div><div style="text-align: center;">looping through the spine twice for each one.</div></span><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WDgFgW0SkVfWt9JzIHCixt-l-KGuhGHXl0Xcf3XyZ_AC-M2yqQKa0DGPr_U86CCaQtfbEWq_wecKW42ngSbd8YipQo0ExLZFJKgWuaA3acUOdbimKDxdVWxCIxZvA7VgR8x5Bndyzm94/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529365382217149522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WDgFgW0SkVfWt9JzIHCixt-l-KGuhGHXl0Xcf3XyZ_AC-M2yqQKa0DGPr_U86CCaQtfbEWq_wecKW42ngSbd8YipQo0ExLZFJKgWuaA3acUOdbimKDxdVWxCIxZvA7VgR8x5Bndyzm94/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">The finished spine had a crisp look. The finished book (shown at the top) turned out beautifully. This is a very simple outline of a complicated process and there's no way mine would have turned out well without my friend's help.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">When it was complete I filled the first few pages with some of my favorite memories from our first year of marriage. I'm planning to add to it each year. </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Photos by moi.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </p>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-616953378691777172010-09-30T11:05:00.000-07:002010-09-30T11:13:07.317-07:00What's Cooking: Red Potato Casserole<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjDrZcvbhhmfsZ_wXkIGyrnHY5LrZ22eld2slSekjYkESg0aANWDvwP7GKr39YC1sPyEKCMQqfjrF-YEtvDf31QF7p1k2vEUgRkMuH0yVv5asPci8eNJlMXRQu5ONGP_HcS1XbLz3dwfd/s1600/IMG_0169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjDrZcvbhhmfsZ_wXkIGyrnHY5LrZ22eld2slSekjYkESg0aANWDvwP7GKr39YC1sPyEKCMQqfjrF-YEtvDf31QF7p1k2vEUgRkMuH0yVv5asPci8eNJlMXRQu5ONGP_HcS1XbLz3dwfd/s320/IMG_0169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522769463203443186" /></a><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>INGREDIENTS: </b></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1/2 cup Light Ranch Dressing </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1/4 cup Real Bacon Bits </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-2 lb. small red potatoes, quartered </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley </span></span></p><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEBwKQ1BZESKsL9QpZVH4DOQL_jsF7xthXWri4DRgzza9aYQIZe36zUYtO9EXyQyGQuqbB6ooObxhxcVCYdeU8FEDnO0oafQ6zJABQNrn-xGg2i9or6GtLt7cuNineW8N867jeFTOIxGK/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEBwKQ1BZESKsL9QpZVH4DOQL_jsF7xthXWri4DRgzza9aYQIZe36zUYtO9EXyQyGQuqbB6ooObxhxcVCYdeU8FEDnO0oafQ6zJABQNrn-xGg2i9or6GtLt7cuNineW8N867jeFTOIxGK/s320/IMG_0167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522769458666480114" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>DIRECTIONS: </b></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">HEAT oven to 350°F.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1) Mix first 3 ingredients in large bowl. Add potatoes; toss to coat. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2) Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3) Bake 55 min. or until potatoes are tender, uncovering after 40 min. Sprinkle with parsley. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">***I cooked them for closer to 2 hours.</span></span></p></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DWQN7z2iodjwOrbElfj8c2Wq7LTRjV1XMVQqXOpfa4IxmSeoGInvQhu6O5n_baF6EzvMOEZFBn0pPwFxwKQIxvo_QuptNFUd0kEyXMRORlRueUSii6iGYS5mwIjmvsPGi5nqZzrEhQ8r/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DWQN7z2iodjwOrbElfj8c2Wq7LTRjV1XMVQqXOpfa4IxmSeoGInvQhu6O5n_baF6EzvMOEZFBn0pPwFxwKQIxvo_QuptNFUd0kEyXMRORlRueUSii6iGYS5mwIjmvsPGi5nqZzrEhQ8r/s320/IMG_0168.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522769454389254322" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">This recipe was delicious, but it took twice the time listed to cook. I also screwed up, because I forgot to quarter the potatoes before I coated them in the cheese and dressing. So cutting them up was much more difficult than it needed to be. They were great warmed up even 5 days later. So if you made the casserole at the beginning of the week you could use it as a side a couple times.<br /></span></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-34062032561781745242010-09-27T09:44:00.000-07:002010-09-27T09:54:48.227-07:00What's Cooking: Orange Julius<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe96m0naKzJWYP92Qe7hvBpwJH7afu7GXi6u-B_XO_LNWwBWG_B_Y2SdQcDj2o3epWzOQ2R3vLpzbHc5P1wh-ZW0s3QiOVNfoxqV2AMzEFvL5NQZbjpR5h5mdxlvyejSnWC07ONgiHmQ2F/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe96m0naKzJWYP92Qe7hvBpwJH7afu7GXi6u-B_XO_LNWwBWG_B_Y2SdQcDj2o3epWzOQ2R3vLpzbHc5P1wh-ZW0s3QiOVNfoxqV2AMzEFvL5NQZbjpR5h5mdxlvyejSnWC07ONgiHmQ2F/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521636256098132962" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For Monday night football games, Flannel Man's family used to make a pitcher of Orange Julius and a big bowl of popcorn. I, on the other hand, had never had an orange julius. So we got out our blender and whipped up the delicious drink using this recipe... </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>INGREDIENTS</b>: </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate<br />1 cup milk<br />1 cup water<br />1/4 cup regular sugar </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/4 powdered sugar </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />8-9 ice cubes</span></span></p><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlwAHmoiv71LD-v8Bd8n5Y28Mq5TkDzX255fspCdSxegWqDJAcTmKa-ApYYP0DmC9Me7CDTyMUaUM2zrwMi6jekZCWRHc4I32oeuirtz7RpaM2FayWutIBKCxD-moATWnIW5ZG0C_2rgR/s1600/Picture+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlwAHmoiv71LD-v8Bd8n5Y28Mq5TkDzX255fspCdSxegWqDJAcTmKa-ApYYP0DmC9Me7CDTyMUaUM2zrwMi6jekZCWRHc4I32oeuirtz7RpaM2FayWutIBKCxD-moATWnIW5ZG0C_2rgR/s320/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521636250442216850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>DIRECTIONS</b>: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in blender.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />2. Blend for about 1-2 minutes, adding ice cubes one at a time. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We poured the drinks into fancy martini glasses and sipped away. On a side note, adding a splash of rum is wonderful too! </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-48049834685841400502010-09-24T09:03:00.000-07:002010-09-24T09:12:19.928-07:00What's Cooking: Baked Acorn Squash<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguONWdBQmnZzgYZ-qE6pQMlzImFFfrSqJAp7yrFgScoKcfvLAWXc_niqkaq3UFarFb79BRtWRSVv2IGo_VpH-CpbSp7k_Hah10yXMfBEm5mzVVy-yZMFEcrbQ_lI2uxnW_7mZDXQ4xziFC/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguONWdBQmnZzgYZ-qE6pQMlzImFFfrSqJAp7yrFgScoKcfvLAWXc_niqkaq3UFarFb79BRtWRSVv2IGo_VpH-CpbSp7k_Hah10yXMfBEm5mzVVy-yZMFEcrbQ_lI2uxnW_7mZDXQ4xziFC/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520511796072063458" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My sister gave me some yellow acorn squash the other day and I had no idea how to cook it. So yay for google and millions of recipes at your fingertips. Here's the one I used... </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BAKED ACORN SQUASH </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yield: 4 servings.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 med. acorn squash</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 to 4 tbsp. butter</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Salt</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 to 4 tbsp. brown sugar</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. Wash the acorn squash well and cut in half, lengthwise.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. Remove seeds.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. Place the half squash cut side down in pan. Pour boiling water to 1/4 inch depth. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Turn cut-side up; sprinkle with butter, salt and brown sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until tender. </span></span></p><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-3X6InDjD8a7PDgb6YQCEACQKIRRM0U_ud_OtInlAw_v1mD1QC3mhOkUltjTHLfZEqKxXCl5qtMGuz2HAlNOJ1AB2BfDcgPxHXKvcWVQdTHLE24OaHxjEoec_39nLC-4lpYNsf-DXrNc/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-3X6InDjD8a7PDgb6YQCEACQKIRRM0U_ud_OtInlAw_v1mD1QC3mhOkUltjTHLfZEqKxXCl5qtMGuz2HAlNOJ1AB2BfDcgPxHXKvcWVQdTHLE24OaHxjEoec_39nLC-4lpYNsf-DXrNc/s320/IMG_0159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520511789974930498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I laid the halved squash in the pan and after 30 minutes in the oven I turned it and added the rest of the ingredients. </span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCCb85vwH6qNoRT2Ki_Wn7nI-roZRbDa0-iJxzVqe1CBlC00XBD657Uxg8gz5ofsZomyFIT2z21p4v2EKE71E6YJbclg0qhTXc3UyaFZ6_EGq3FLBPsgMOIAJm6zV5eTWpYv0Rvzjly_F/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCCb85vwH6qNoRT2Ki_Wn7nI-roZRbDa0-iJxzVqe1CBlC00XBD657Uxg8gz5ofsZomyFIT2z21p4v2EKE71E6YJbclg0qhTXc3UyaFZ6_EGq3FLBPsgMOIAJm6zV5eTWpYv0Rvzjly_F/s320/IMG_0160.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520511779856246402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The butter and brown sugar melted beautifully. After a total of 1 hour in the oven, the squash was very tender. The hardest part was scrapping it out of the shell without burning myself or ripping the shell apart. </span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJONEDMfV663qeGEggWsELJezasBpSluXAGW5_ig1awAzw6s3p_rAUJDi54ZaNza9r3c9MYt6wCYLP3vrF8NwUcFYh4C-nExbU0F4IecDJgT4_az8b1Hqjq_oXcOeP_q56sg2gegER-oC/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJONEDMfV663qeGEggWsELJezasBpSluXAGW5_ig1awAzw6s3p_rAUJDi54ZaNza9r3c9MYt6wCYLP3vrF8NwUcFYh4C-nExbU0F4IecDJgT4_az8b1Hqjq_oXcOeP_q56sg2gegER-oC/s320/IMG_0163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520511778420475922" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It created a mashed potato-like mush that tasted pretty good. In the end I'd say I'm glad I tried it, but it was way too much work for something we didn't absolutely love. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-20238017647310561282010-09-20T06:02:00.000-07:002010-09-20T06:02:00.599-07:00What's Cooking: King Crab Legs<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qQ5guGnCQ-SflHXT6R8W3JF6AQM74UYzIYOtNgrLeSzHgjyRpkqCOjFgXqL1ylUWIFURCFrczLBp27eY1X-cnZ0Zk9Y_H1RZqq9LlJTwNnmDI7YmEbutKXCTmhRV8vKR8my4f37xDiNV/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qQ5guGnCQ-SflHXT6R8W3JF6AQM74UYzIYOtNgrLeSzHgjyRpkqCOjFgXqL1ylUWIFURCFrczLBp27eY1X-cnZ0Zk9Y_H1RZqq9LlJTwNnmDI7YmEbutKXCTmhRV8vKR8my4f37xDiNV/s400/IMG_0140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516414207358534162" /></a><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We decided to try cooking Alaskan king crab legs for the first time this week. It was so much simpler than I expected. When you buy the legs they are already fully cooked. All you have to do is thaw them and then follow these directions... </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To bake crab legs</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1.</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2.</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Crack the whole crab legs and place them on a baking tray.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3.</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brush the crab legs with butter or oil, seasoning and lemon juice and bake in the oven for 8 - 9 minutes.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We also made a dipping sauce for them using this recipe... </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Butter Sauce: 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter, 1-tablespoon lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We each had two legs and along with some broccoli and french bread, it was a very full meal. It turned out perfectly and was less expensive than I expected. The 4 legs cost $18, which is too much for a weekly meal, but just right for a special treat. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7_J4MdL37nR-spfKi61milxvzcJOmE0U9EXOg-yw3eTvkZt0bHPHPcI648rkpSin_kIottlZ_US3S2pL-8FKkNIlV78YFwY4lTEmJO67JMIDv_tUUgP2oUaxYaLpncWrYieZQMBnnB3N/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7_J4MdL37nR-spfKi61milxvzcJOmE0U9EXOg-yw3eTvkZt0bHPHPcI648rkpSin_kIottlZ_US3S2pL-8FKkNIlV78YFwY4lTEmJO67JMIDv_tUUgP2oUaxYaLpncWrYieZQMBnnB3N/s400/IMG_0141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516414202199842226" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">During the same weekend I attended an art fair and found a gorgeous pottery piece that I knew would be a great addition to our kitchen. We used it for the first time to serve the bread. The piece includes a small bowl, ideal for dipping sauces, which held some garlic butter for our bread. </span></span></p></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl_XleI5FN09h_XVq_g6kCnutXKIoDbHlSqcD_AFVqziMYo5mH-fkSAXxsWECKHfZYdGojZlq_LgZwElekpesFIXfiy7Ekd_Ur-t_5pLCcMIwhYY8bG_UjDgxFiFHMz58OB4EfG1o1rI7/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG"></a><div></div></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-76724044944258058462010-09-17T13:05:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:12:07.517-07:00Dutch Ovens<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20tizAIqtEVNvj2Pe3Ve30xg_Gpiu8lltskRxocnWOStt4FChRaW8Zx3wfIyB_4ZdBGK4gos0bNrbNyQU7Gz-nO5F_zngqMyn5URBVtlQ-GVvuo2bznRiu3aSG0Mr2Rd2vSDMO_LTS-pb/s1600/650442_fpx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20tizAIqtEVNvj2Pe3Ve30xg_Gpiu8lltskRxocnWOStt4FChRaW8Zx3wfIyB_4ZdBGK4gos0bNrbNyQU7Gz-nO5F_zngqMyn5URBVtlQ-GVvuo2bznRiu3aSG0Mr2Rd2vSDMO_LTS-pb/s320/650442_fpx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517976065991305058" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have a confession. When Flannel Man and I got married I registered for one of Martha Stewart's </span></span><a href="http://www.cookware.com/Dutch-Ovens-C17749.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">dutch ovens</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> at Macy's. I thought it was gorgeous, a deep blue color, coated with a heavy enamel, just perfect. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Perfect for what though? I haven't actually cooked a single thing in it! I'm at a complete loss of what to use it for, so I haven't actually cooked anything in it yet. Flannel Man is currently using it to store his secret stash of jolly ranchers, but I'm pretty sure that's not its intended purpose.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I found this <a href="http://www.cookingcache.com/cat/dutch_oven_recipes/default.aspx">site</a>, which is full of dutch over recipes and I'm hoping to try one this week. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">Let me know if you guys have any great tips for dutch oven recipes. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-43165014471364074672010-09-16T05:23:00.000-07:002010-09-16T05:23:00.549-07:00DIY : Citronella Candle<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxJmkhyLXu7Ooe7eUqSE0oDrHF6btIqjYznJLy_OQS4tJo6Fa5BvRce3UV8PV2GoK89qbbakxYSqZP7amNFP69hVB4_WIema7RItpa4HHuMCriKULQuzvSERbKjDMWkZgm4gonBjgh1DB/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxJmkhyLXu7Ooe7eUqSE0oDrHF6btIqjYznJLy_OQS4tJo6Fa5BvRce3UV8PV2GoK89qbbakxYSqZP7amNFP69hVB4_WIema7RItpa4HHuMCriKULQuzvSERbKjDMWkZgm4gonBjgh1DB/s320/IMG_0135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187421199032018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Flannel Man and I love to sit out on our back porch when the weather's nice and we've been taking a Citronella Candle out to keep the bugs away. Recently our little candle's wick burned all the way down and we couldn't use it anymore.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Flannel Man came up with the brilliant idea to take a strip of an old T-shirt (about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long) and tie a big knot in it. Then he set it in the crater created by the old wick. Then he used a lighter with a long neck to melt the wax around the base of the wick and voila!<br /></span></span><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwhvPdXHssawu5t2co9Dgv6Fiv3skLCj3uMWLn2vdctDRDPsQ9vl_K8G_bSw-0_owR8v7YtSPmLC1kArYpCAeDCpoYEQispXwEw9yjQTyyasGtGCn-J8GiMskr1dFDMuuJbsD94tblw0s/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwhvPdXHssawu5t2co9Dgv6Fiv3skLCj3uMWLn2vdctDRDPsQ9vl_K8G_bSw-0_owR8v7YtSPmLC1kArYpCAeDCpoYEQispXwEw9yjQTyyasGtGCn-J8GiMskr1dFDMuuJbsD94tblw0s/s320/IMG_0138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187409594173234" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So far our new wick has worked perfectly! We've been using it for a few weeks and it burns brighter and longer than a regular wick. It's going to at least double the life of the candle. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-86923433783938819262010-09-12T17:19:00.000-07:002010-09-12T17:22:37.760-07:00DIY: Mirror<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWcaqNnpnaGCqFbIoEy9HBhgs7tvKUTxKS7SLNyLC7B_BKJu6qkrAMXBUDUVT3ak3O_ofREhE_VmSt1tHY5ujtgYv_xR4nT7xeR4UzWu2YR3fAJeuraOACbcPREpbxYCRHmQlPlWb_rjZ/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWcaqNnpnaGCqFbIoEy9HBhgs7tvKUTxKS7SLNyLC7B_BKJu6qkrAMXBUDUVT3ak3O_ofREhE_VmSt1tHY5ujtgYv_xR4nT7xeR4UzWu2YR3fAJeuraOACbcPREpbxYCRHmQlPlWb_rjZ/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516186373255689890" /></a><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; "><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; ">Flannel Man and I returned from vacation to find our half bath mirror cracked and broken. Money is a bit tight right now and I was looking for a way to solve the problem without depleting our funds. I found this gold mirror at Goodwill for $6 and saw nothing but potential. I bought a small can of silver spray paint at Michaels. It was on sale for $2.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iN4LaDblPk0tr9WUmvKF91S66bPnrYOS1IbDN5ycntzuMOPHcnJBjSf7tS8xAN5So_MKRQaTchoWlOE0uX7pCAZ1OHTMfPxHuHBEgSu9i5M6WaJ7v8N6tHhWlfZALxaSIb4SAWD2wnni/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iN4LaDblPk0tr9WUmvKF91S66bPnrYOS1IbDN5ycntzuMOPHcnJBjSf7tS8xAN5So_MKRQaTchoWlOE0uX7pCAZ1OHTMfPxHuHBEgSu9i5M6WaJ7v8N6tHhWlfZALxaSIb4SAWD2wnni/s320/IMG_0121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516186367841344178" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I covered the mirror with saran wrap and shoved pieces of paper underneath the outer frame to protect the mirror. I took it outside, laid paper towels beneath it and then sprayed every inch of it.</span></span></p></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA3pb3Hl1KQNTk0AXBRPt4tEtcOe7nk8Sco3za-VCPwe9l5Jjo42tGXrR1ke3BsPhE3dFnLxPqP4QfxOLuS-DJS70FzX4cCXNEMtRLHJrHlFi7VKI5UGnIq9Cck0fd-qZaU-kz32EIfgo/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA3pb3Hl1KQNTk0AXBRPt4tEtcOe7nk8Sco3za-VCPwe9l5Jjo42tGXrR1ke3BsPhE3dFnLxPqP4QfxOLuS-DJS70FzX4cCXNEMtRLHJrHlFi7VKI5UGnIq9Cck0fd-qZaU-kz32EIfgo/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516186360570457474" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The completed mirror, hanging in the bathroom, is exactly what we needed. It's not perfect, but for $8 it works great for us!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by moi.</span></span></i></p></div><div><i><br /></i></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-78305665794895140692010-09-07T13:06:00.000-07:002010-09-07T13:25:19.492-07:00DIY Lamp<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksL00WDVknZW4iu0eGYjhF9eUGGJHAvEMOM1UUI5iqecs-dBf33zTDLllUR10ykFLF0ej_lBjHIbCdx7nOKZeLt8TfwbW4WPaZrE5lC1ua5DY2SUC58T9P9P1hzm1pD5Q9QteaI37HOEA/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksL00WDVknZW4iu0eGYjhF9eUGGJHAvEMOM1UUI5iqecs-dBf33zTDLllUR10ykFLF0ej_lBjHIbCdx7nOKZeLt8TfwbW4WPaZrE5lC1ua5DY2SUC58T9P9P1hzm1pD5Q9QteaI37HOEA/s320/-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514267358777247890" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here's a great DIY project created by a friend of A Tale of Two Bloggers. This lamp, which originally had a wood and gold metal base, cost only 50 cents at a garage sale.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Learning <a href="http://www.chacha.com/topic/how-to">how to</a> turn it into a beautiful new piece took only a bit of internet research. She used spray paint to cover the unattractive parts. The first layer was a primer, then a black coat, a clear top coat and finally a bit of silver chrome spray paint for the metal. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The shade was 50% off at Target, which was the final touch needed for the project. The final product looks like something I would buy new for $40. It just shows you that you have to sometimes look a bit deeper to see an item's potential. </span></span></p></div><div><br /></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-38547423919358333742010-09-04T10:22:00.000-07:002010-09-04T10:28:33.732-07:00CardStar<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOYWn2ZhzQii3E5npzbiy-ENWR0yJ6LtcYvt2iBYbgj2JULbvmtD7ijPgiCjjmpI7_SygeQHzAISvolvgOCYnQefURZ6jR4eX7DJIn-C3pkxfVliCAVqZiz_hY-aZbY-kbhhimwym1mwO/s1600/IMG_0125.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOYWn2ZhzQii3E5npzbiy-ENWR0yJ6LtcYvt2iBYbgj2JULbvmtD7ijPgiCjjmpI7_SygeQHzAISvolvgOCYnQefURZ6jR4eX7DJIn-C3pkxfVliCAVqZiz_hY-aZbY-kbhhimwym1mwO/s320/IMG_0125.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513110153780122082" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Flannel Man told me about a new iPhone app that's fantastic. I don't know about you guys, but my wallet is full of membership cards. Some are for restaurants I rarely go to, others are for grocery stores or pharmacies. They add up fast and my wallet has been needing to go on a diet because of them. </span></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltT2W2tFEw2LigLSuxODVTmvuNtzMHGnYibSYjhSAX-8mpY9amfOVDpsalcS3a7smeceZ6GAmUM2b3HCcGAtX37P2n8KIjSSfkfTJuW_CRKGjOGy8wzt68XsLyMSx6BLo9_l0fEd9P9Ng/s1600/IMG_0124.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltT2W2tFEw2LigLSuxODVTmvuNtzMHGnYibSYjhSAX-8mpY9amfOVDpsalcS3a7smeceZ6GAmUM2b3HCcGAtX37P2n8KIjSSfkfTJuW_CRKGjOGy8wzt68XsLyMSx6BLo9_l0fEd9P9Ng/s320/IMG_0124.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513110149022951762" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CardStar is the perfect solution! It's a free app (woo hoo!) and it allows you to put in all of the membership numbers listed on your cards. Then it creates individual barcodes that can be scanned, directly from your phone, for each card. Above is an example of how my CVS card looks on the iPhone screen. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2jGEhXAL7OwvFFjktj2TZfX1rTnO8LvwjdOt3aNGJsl3SZP_0zCiMpdmWZp0g73uJCWe4b16GsJzwUWSM8nEljhFaorCrlXS4EIfT_dsc5qTMDI5WcAMl0qPNvTWmjcCVuupW7mj_mKn/s1600/IMG_0123.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2jGEhXAL7OwvFFjktj2TZfX1rTnO8LvwjdOt3aNGJsl3SZP_0zCiMpdmWZp0g73uJCWe4b16GsJzwUWSM8nEljhFaorCrlXS4EIfT_dsc5qTMDI5WcAMl0qPNvTWmjcCVuupW7mj_mKn/s320/IMG_0123.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513110140238097394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Above is a picture of the screen that lists the cards I've put in. Yesterday I tried my CVS barcode and it worked perfectly, but the one for my library card didn't work. If you decide to use this I'd keep all of your membership cards with you until you have a chance to try out the phone barcode version. Still, pretty helpful even if it only allows you to get rid of a few of the cards! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-66881579983946513672010-08-15T06:49:00.000-07:002010-08-15T06:49:00.780-07:00What's Cooking: Mexican Night<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEJErF5rALeaSzPcUzQqzAtCrDDdRU3O1v_uM4sx9wuezqcEhg11mj-80eg79vFBehU1k0RLEBLcrjyrN7ltIWdTBfbTb9bSEhWh1cK6DUNVXM0De8pkTWzLEWtlgSP_D7IaxE_5lY_AV/s1600/IMG_1536.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEJErF5rALeaSzPcUzQqzAtCrDDdRU3O1v_uM4sx9wuezqcEhg11mj-80eg79vFBehU1k0RLEBLcrjyrN7ltIWdTBfbTb9bSEhWh1cK6DUNVXM0De8pkTWzLEWtlgSP_D7IaxE_5lY_AV/s400/IMG_1536.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500824887796653666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(The basics: margaritas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, beef, guac, tomatoes and chips)</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I can't explain to you how much I love Mexican food. It's got to be my favorite ethnic cuisine. Despite this love for all things Mexican related (in the food world), it wasn't until last month that I made tacos at home for the first time. Pathetic, I know, but I had no idea how simple it all was. </span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I chopped up tomatoes, lettuce and fresh cilantro. I browned 1 lb. of ground beef and added 3/4 cup of water and taco seasoning. I got out chips, salsa and shredded cheese. I squashed up an avocado, a splash of lime juice and a bit of cilantro to make guacamole. Then (the most important part) I mixed a batch of margaritas (I usually get a pre-made mix with no alcohol and follow the instructions adjusting to our tastes). After that, just add sombreros and hot sauce and you're ready to go! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-64642166778830891052010-08-12T06:30:00.000-07:002010-08-12T06:30:00.419-07:00What's Cooking: Stuffed Tomatoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFORO-sGIPEUck-Fj6Zhm3Q4xFpUp8QQJEtC8JMDvx2HwvP84Ugcm6dBfASln3ghO3No_iPpjZQMTv-0onlH3liMu-E0YDWHfZpKV72L6T2xSQKPy6DwNOQFzlhGaQCQKtW4mTfQD12KAt/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFORO-sGIPEUck-Fj6Zhm3Q4xFpUp8QQJEtC8JMDvx2HwvP84Ugcm6dBfASln3ghO3No_iPpjZQMTv-0onlH3liMu-E0YDWHfZpKV72L6T2xSQKPy6DwNOQFzlhGaQCQKtW4mTfQD12KAt/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499088531284028562" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Ingredients)</i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Summer is in full swing, which means we have a surplus of tomatoes and cucumbers. As much as Flannel Man and I love to eat them sliced and sprinkled with salt, I thought I'd try to mix it up. I found a recipe for stuffed tomatoes and it was incredibly easy to make. </span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-3tzZvBca5O8byEXKDPBqHzs8TLTzT4SLTdmBBmD_KU7ht8TWWr1jyPxd0mopk43kF869tmOuAYdEByEwGT3Ny2RaDLXXSmuPa73sJ1D8vQxIzzwDXoYRENZQZmpID4PliM7fR06aKL0/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-3tzZvBca5O8byEXKDPBqHzs8TLTzT4SLTdmBBmD_KU7ht8TWWr1jyPxd0mopk43kF869tmOuAYdEByEwGT3Ny2RaDLXXSmuPa73sJ1D8vQxIzzwDXoYRENZQZmpID4PliM7fR06aKL0/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499088514859060514" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Finished tomatoes)</i></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cut the tops off of a few tomatoes and scoop out the insides. Be careful not to get too close to the outside skin. Cut up a cucumber and mix the bits with feta and a tiny bit of olive oil. Once it's mixed together, fill your tomato bowls with the feta and cucumbers and you're good to go! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Photos by moi. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1366084919113724407.post-50476088166499846782010-08-09T07:17:00.000-07:002010-08-09T07:17:00.210-07:00Homegrown Veggies<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXArfwJaAEx_Vyvophg-WpHozFzs3SYdZjnavEQASRXVdRmeKscARerSjfnGiIBpnDkBv6opvmgOt9ARWZ39jDwxa5RlQQJHv9EP7_R2Tw3eEG-5Fn2w2ply7q7ExJfJPWFlWebSqU5OFr/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXArfwJaAEx_Vyvophg-WpHozFzs3SYdZjnavEQASRXVdRmeKscARerSjfnGiIBpnDkBv6opvmgOt9ARWZ39jDwxa5RlQQJHv9EP7_R2Tw3eEG-5Fn2w2ply7q7ExJfJPWFlWebSqU5OFr/s320/IMG_1928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498358249074375202" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fresh produce just tastes different. Veggies from the store taste dull and watery. These tomatoes are the very first from our garden and they smell amazing and taste even better! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photos by moi. </span></i></span></div><div><br /></div>Two Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262123073625236160noreply@blogger.com0