Kitchen Sink Crock-pot Soup
WARNING: The above picture was taken on the hubby’s iPhone. My camera was indisposed taking pictures of the newest little angel, Sweet Baby Jane, which let’s be honest – is MUCH more important than taking pictures of my soup. Proceed….
Last year we got home from a trip to warm and sunny Cabo San Lucas, only to be welcomed by pouring rain, cold wind and an even colder house. We landed at LAX and the girls and I were still wearing our swimsuits and shorts when Mother Nature turned reality back on with a giant slap to our goose-bumped keesters. We were cold and grumpy and ticked off that we weren’t on the beach anymore. Of course, after being gone for a week, our fridge consisted of a jar of pickles, some sticks of butter and coffee creamer. Unless you’re pregnant – that ain’t dinner. So, I rummaged through our pantry for a bit….
Six Cup Salt Crusted Pork
Don’t be scared. Don’t close your eyes. I promise this recipe is not as crazy as it looks. And I promise it’s easy. And the pork isn’t salty. And you will love it. And re-pin it. And if you don’t know what it means to “Pin It” then we need to talk.
Fried Chicken
It’s January 10, 2012 and here in California it has been between 75-90 degrees for the last two weeks. I’m not gonna lie – it’s been really, really nice to have a summer break in the middle of winter. I’m sure some of you are thinking of stabbing the computer with butcher knives reading this as you shovel your driveway for the umteenth time this week. But here’s the deal: us Californians are accustomed to nice weather for most of the year. So when it is raining, windy and cold; we are grumpy, short tempered and cold. In addition, studies have shown that 90% of California drivers are incapable of driving in any weather other than bright and sunny. Seriously, most of us just can’t do it. We freak out. Of course now that I’ve put it out in the universe that our weather has been nice, it is going to start raining immediately. Quick, knock on wood! (Hubby?)
Thai Red Curry Chicken
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In 2003, on a beautiful afternoon in the middle of California’s Indian Summer, I married my hubby. We said our vows in blistering heat with sweat dripping down to you know where and we sealed our commitment with a kiss.
And then we partied.
We danced and drank mojitos and visited with (almost!) every single one of the 200 guests. We fed each other cake and I was a good sport when he dolloped some on my nose. We watched a dear friend of ours (who is now an ocular plastic surgeon) try to smoke a cognac dipped cigar while four inch flames leapt from it as two other friends (mere feet away) tried to relay a sincere message to us on our wedding video.
It. Was. Perfect.
Braised Short Ribs
It’s windy here. Like, 60 MPH windy. I can handle rain, cold temperatures, blazing heat— but wind? It messes with my sanity. It’s a good thing I don’t live in a city that the Chumash Indians named after their word for “WINDY”. Oh wait, I do. Yep, that’s what Simi means. The Valley of the Wind. I’ve lived here since I was a baby but I swear I don’t remember it being this bad growing up. It’s seriously getting on my nerves. The “everyday-ponytail-look” shows way too many of my roots. It looks like I haven’t been to the salon in a year. But I can’t go now. I’m on a very tight hair schedule for the next seven months given the three bachelorettes, three bridal showers and three weddings that I will be a major part of in the next year. You hear me girls, don’t you? You gotta plan those hair salon visits accordingly.
Chimichurri Steak (And Thanksgiving Debrief)
Wheredya go?
I’ve missed you so,
Seems like it’s been forever,
That you’ve been gone….
It’s been a week. I’m so ashamed. I’ve missed my computer, designing new recipes, and posting them for you. So, what’s new? Anything happen to you? Thanksgiving – that’s right. How was yours? Did ‘ya do Black Friday!?!? Did you eat turkey leftovers till Monday even though you probably should have tossed them on Saturday?
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pomegranate and Hazelnuts
I take no credit for this one peeps. Last year I was watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay. It was my absolutely favorite episode EVER. Three reasons why:
#1: It’s Bobby Flay. I love him and my ultimate dream (besides winning the lottery) would be to have dinner with him. Don’t worry, I’d bring the hubby along.
Baby Pumpkins with Brown Sugar Applesauce
I just spent the day helping my dear friend make an absolutely killer display of sweets for her son’s preschool Thanksgiving feast. We made ridiculously adorable cupcakes (honestly – I spent three hours decorating each one of these fine little guys), pilgrim hat cookies, popcorn balls, fruit kabobs for a chocolate fountain; the list goes on (as will the sugar coma when 24 little three year olds get their grubby little hands on these treats). Needless to say, I’m kind of beat. But I’ve been thinking about posting this recipe all day because it just oozes Thanksgiving. I mean really, applesauce served in a pumpkin that’s slow roasted in the oven? Fuhgetaboutit.
Slow Roasted Red Onion “Dressing/Stuffing” with Hot Italian Sausage
It’s 9:45 on Monday night. I’m chilling with a glass of wine working on cleaning up my iphoto “events.” Rather than be called “events” I feel they should be called, “homage to your daughters….(and food!)” Rarely will you see Ry or I in the monthly upload of pictures from our camera. It’s usually more like: Buggies, Buggies, Pixie, food, food, Pixie, Pixie, Pixie, Buggies, food, food, food. Granted, neither Buggies or Pixie can use the camera yet (nor can the food) so I guess that lowers our chances right off the bat. Plus, I’d rather look at all three of them over Ry and I anyday. Food included. 😉
Switching tangents…WOW! I can’t believe Halloween has come and gone. Pixie turned four. And Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK? How did that happen? Here I thought I had all the time in the world and instead I realize that 16 people will be banging down my door in a little over a week. I know, I sound like, “Woe is me!” Dismiss that because I love it. I love having all of my family and friends gathered around our table to give thanks for the year we’ve had; whether successful or not – we always have things to be thankful for. It’s been a hard year, a crucial year and a year filled with laughter and love and kindness.
Turkey Milanese
I host Thanksgiving at my house every year. I LOVE thanksgiving. The whole family gathered around the table cooing and cawing over the amazing feast before them. And we make it a family affair in the preparation too. I prepare most of it, and the family enjoys it. 🙂 No, most of the ladies bring dishes. But because I host it, I’ve widdled away all of the nonsense with new recipes and have instead centered our meal around the traditional comfort foods…with a twist. Last year for Thanksgiving, my local grocery store was giving away a free turkey for every $100.00 I spent. I have two kids and a husband. Needless to say, I wound up with 3 turkeys this year. So, we cooked up the final turkey a few weeks after the holiday and I made a few different turkey recipes in lieu of the classic Oven Baked Turkey. Among them, a turkey-salad for Ryan to take to work. But my absolute favorite leftover turkey recipe is Turkey Milanese.
Hubby’s note: Did I mention I’ve gained weight? This is one of the reasons. But SOOOOO worth it. There’s only so many leftover turkey sandwiches I can stand.