4 tablespoons Olive Oil
½ large Sweet Onion, Chopped
1 tablespoons Garlic Minced
½ teaspoons Dried Basil
1 tablespoons Dried Oregano
1 (11.5oz) can Original Rotel Tomatoes
2 (14 oz) cans Petit Diced Tomatoes
In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil on Medium High. Add onion and stir for 1 min. Add Garlic and stir for 1 min. Add Basil and Oregano and stir for 1 min. Add Rotel and stir for 1 min. Add Diced Tomatoes and stir for 1 min. Reduce heat to Med-Low for 20 min. stirring occasionally. Serve over pasta. Garnish with Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese.
Yields: 6 one cup servings.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Recipe #12: Chicken Enchiladas "The Best You Will Ever Have!!!!"
8 flour tortillia shells
2 Chicken Breast Baked or Grilled and chopped1/2 Zuccini Cubed
1/4 Red onion chopped
16 0z Pepper Jack Cheese divided in half
1/4 cup Cilantro chopped fine
3 Scalliions thinly sliced
1 16 oz can Ole Elpaso Red enchilada Sauce
1 16 oz can Ole Elpaso Greene Verdes sauce
Fill each tortillia with chicken zuccini onion cheese(reserve 1/2 cheese for topping) and cilantro.
Roll and Place in baking pan
Cover in Reserved cheese, sprinkle with scallions and top with green and red enchilada sauce.
Bake for 30 min at 400 until warm throughout and bubbleing in the middle.
Cover in Reserved cheese, sprinkle with scallions and top with green and red enchilada sauce.
Bake for 30 min at 400 until warm throughout and bubbleing in the middle.
Recipe #11: Sweet and Spicy Breakfast Rice
If have left over corn on the cob from last night summer cookout, this is a great way to use up that corn.
4 Tbs 50/50 Smart Balance (butter and olive oil) Heat in Stir fry pan on Med -Hi
1/4 Cup Red Onion Finely Chopped Add to oil
1 Jalapeno seeded and chopped fine Add to onions and Oil
Stir 2 min
3 Cobbs of corn cooked and cut off the cob Add to pan and stir 1 min
1/4 tsp paprika add and stir
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper(optional) add and stir til golden
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped fine add and stir 1 min
4 Cups cooked Rice Fold in rice until well mixed
4 Eggs and 1 Tbs milk whipped together Pour over Rice mixture
and fold in once or twice.
Let Eggs cook in Rice for 3min.
6 oz Jalapeno Jack Cheese Shredded Sprinkle over Rice Mixture
(If you like less spice use cheddar) Fold into Rice once or twice.
Makes: 6 One Cup Servings
Serve: With Fresh Fruit For Breakfast Lunch or Dinner.
4 Tbs 50/50 Smart Balance (butter and olive oil) Heat in Stir fry pan on Med -Hi
1/4 Cup Red Onion Finely Chopped Add to oil
1 Jalapeno seeded and chopped fine Add to onions and Oil
Stir 2 min
3 Cobbs of corn cooked and cut off the cob Add to pan and stir 1 min
1/4 tsp paprika add and stir
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper(optional) add and stir til golden
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped fine add and stir 1 min
4 Cups cooked Rice Fold in rice until well mixed
4 Eggs and 1 Tbs milk whipped together Pour over Rice mixture
and fold in once or twice.
Let Eggs cook in Rice for 3min.
6 oz Jalapeno Jack Cheese Shredded Sprinkle over Rice Mixture
(If you like less spice use cheddar) Fold into Rice once or twice.
Makes: 6 One Cup Servings
Serve: With Fresh Fruit For Breakfast Lunch or Dinner.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Gavin's Tail Twister #12: That's So Easy Mom...
One evening when William(husband) was working late, I was laying in bed trying to do some computer work and of course Gavin(6 1/2 years old) comes in and says Mom I can't sleep can I get in bed with you? I of course say Yes if you will lie quiet while I finish my work.
(Gavin) "OK Mommy."
I knew that would not last long. After 5 minutes of Gavin's eyes wandering around he finally asks: "Mom, What does TELEKINESIS mean?"
I put down my papers and say "Where did you learn a word like that Gavin?"
(Gavin) "I don't know but what does it mean?"
(Me) I means if you use your brain and think on something really hard, you can make that something move with your mind."
(Gavin) Like I could move that TV with my brain?
(Me)I am now figuring that Gavin is not gonna stop asking questions so I laid down a piece of paper on the mattress and dropped a paper clip on the paper and said to Gavin "Gavin, let's start small. Use your brain and try to move that paper clip without touching it." I thought to myself 'that ought to take some time and maybe he'll fall asleep.'
Gavin immediately responded as if I gave him a 2+2 question.
(Gavin) "AH MOM, THAT'S SO EASY!"
GAVIN PROCEEDED TO TAKE THE PALM OF HIS HAND TO THE TOP OF HIS HEAD AND RUBBED IT AS HARD AS HE COULD. HE RUBBED HIS HAIR SO HARD IT LOOKED AS IF THERE WAS A BIRDS NEST ON TOP OF HIS HEAD. HE THEN TOOK THE PALM OF HIS HAND AN WAVED IT OVER THE PAPERCLIP AND PAPER. BOTH THE CLIP AND THE PAPER MOVED DUE TO THE STATIC ELECTRICITY GAVIN CREATED IN HIS HAND.
(Gavin) TAADAAAAA!
(ME) CAN'T GET ANYTHING PAST YOU CAN WE GAVIN!
(Gavin) "Ask me another question Mom."
(ME) Good Night Gavin.
Smarty pants!
(Gavin) "OK Mommy."
I knew that would not last long. After 5 minutes of Gavin's eyes wandering around he finally asks: "Mom, What does TELEKINESIS mean?"
I put down my papers and say "Where did you learn a word like that Gavin?"
(Gavin) "I don't know but what does it mean?"
(Me) I means if you use your brain and think on something really hard, you can make that something move with your mind."
(Gavin) Like I could move that TV with my brain?
(Me)I am now figuring that Gavin is not gonna stop asking questions so I laid down a piece of paper on the mattress and dropped a paper clip on the paper and said to Gavin "Gavin, let's start small. Use your brain and try to move that paper clip without touching it." I thought to myself 'that ought to take some time and maybe he'll fall asleep.'
Gavin immediately responded as if I gave him a 2+2 question.
(Gavin) "AH MOM, THAT'S SO EASY!"
GAVIN PROCEEDED TO TAKE THE PALM OF HIS HAND TO THE TOP OF HIS HEAD AND RUBBED IT AS HARD AS HE COULD. HE RUBBED HIS HAIR SO HARD IT LOOKED AS IF THERE WAS A BIRDS NEST ON TOP OF HIS HEAD. HE THEN TOOK THE PALM OF HIS HAND AN WAVED IT OVER THE PAPERCLIP AND PAPER. BOTH THE CLIP AND THE PAPER MOVED DUE TO THE STATIC ELECTRICITY GAVIN CREATED IN HIS HAND.
(Gavin) TAADAAAAA!
(ME) CAN'T GET ANYTHING PAST YOU CAN WE GAVIN!
(Gavin) "Ask me another question Mom."
(ME) Good Night Gavin.
Smarty pants!
Gavin's Tail Twister #11: My Gut Is Telling Me...
One afternoon, I stopped at the local drug store. While I was there, I noticed they had tracing paper tablets in-stock. There were two left on the shelf. Back up a day or two...William (husband) had been looking all week for tracing paper for our oldest son Sammy (10) who loves to draw and trace and had been unsuccessful finding any. Apparently everyone in Macon was tracing. Out of stock everywhere. As a result, I bought the two right in front of me.
Knowing that Gavin would have a conniption if I gave them both to Sam, I decided to give one to Sam and one to Gavin. I figured Gavin would loose interest and the second tablet would end up in Sam's hot little hands. I got in the car. Sam and Gavin immediately asked... what did you buy us and my response was of course....TA DAAA (as I held the two tablets in the air)!
(Sammy) "Whoa Mom! Where did you find those?"
(Gavin) "For Me!!! Mom how cool are you?"
I could see in the rear view mirror Sammy's eyes shifting back and forth from Gavin to the tracing tablets. With his mouth hung wide open Sammy shifted from thankful sweet son to angry greedy Purana.
(Sammy) "He doesn't even draw!"
(Gavin) "Thank you Mommy, I always wanted tracing paper. How did you know."
(Sammy) "Gavin, Mom did not buy that for you and you know it."
Gavin was hugging his Tracing paper and smiling with his eyes closed and in sheer bliss rocked from side to side. It didn't even phase him that his brother was trying to guilt him into giving up his tablet.
(Gavin) "I love my tablet mom and I love you!"
(Sammy) "OK Gavin I'll give you all my candy if you let me have the tablet."
(Gavin) "Huummmm...NO...I don't think so." Still hugging the tablet.
(Sammy) "OK fine I'll let you play with my Nintendo DS anytime you want."
(Gavin) "and I get all your candy too?"
(Sammy) "Fine both candy and playing with my DS...now give me the tablet."
(Gavin) Gavin was Holding on to the tablet with the same hugging grip and his eyes up in his head weighing his options.
(Gavin) "MY GUT IS TELLING ME 'WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? LET SAM HAVE THE TABLET. BUT MY BRAIN IS THINKING SOMETHING ELSE! WHAT DO YOU THINK BRAIN SHOULD WE LET SAM HAVE THE TABLET?'" "SAM MY BRAIN SAYS NO! HOW ABOUT YOU LET ME PLAY WITH YOUR I-TOUCH ANYTIME I WANT TOO?"
(Sam) "Only if I am not playing with it. Take the candy and give me the tablet before you get all your germs on it."
Gavin gladly gave up the tablet he really didn't want and he got to watch his brother work himself into a tizzy over the whole ordeal.
Lesson Learned: Even a six year old knows right from wrong and when it comes to siblings, it is always nice to see your older brother beg every now and again.
Knowing that Gavin would have a conniption if I gave them both to Sam, I decided to give one to Sam and one to Gavin. I figured Gavin would loose interest and the second tablet would end up in Sam's hot little hands. I got in the car. Sam and Gavin immediately asked... what did you buy us and my response was of course....TA DAAA (as I held the two tablets in the air)!
(Sammy) "Whoa Mom! Where did you find those?"
(Gavin) "For Me!!! Mom how cool are you?"
I could see in the rear view mirror Sammy's eyes shifting back and forth from Gavin to the tracing tablets. With his mouth hung wide open Sammy shifted from thankful sweet son to angry greedy Purana.
(Sammy) "He doesn't even draw!"
(Gavin) "Thank you Mommy, I always wanted tracing paper. How did you know."
(Sammy) "Gavin, Mom did not buy that for you and you know it."
Gavin was hugging his Tracing paper and smiling with his eyes closed and in sheer bliss rocked from side to side. It didn't even phase him that his brother was trying to guilt him into giving up his tablet.
(Gavin) "I love my tablet mom and I love you!"
(Sammy) "OK Gavin I'll give you all my candy if you let me have the tablet."
(Gavin) "Huummmm...NO...I don't think so." Still hugging the tablet.
(Sammy) "OK fine I'll let you play with my Nintendo DS anytime you want."
(Gavin) "and I get all your candy too?"
(Sammy) "Fine both candy and playing with my DS...now give me the tablet."
(Gavin) Gavin was Holding on to the tablet with the same hugging grip and his eyes up in his head weighing his options.
(Gavin) "MY GUT IS TELLING ME 'WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? LET SAM HAVE THE TABLET. BUT MY BRAIN IS THINKING SOMETHING ELSE! WHAT DO YOU THINK BRAIN SHOULD WE LET SAM HAVE THE TABLET?'" "SAM MY BRAIN SAYS NO! HOW ABOUT YOU LET ME PLAY WITH YOUR I-TOUCH ANYTIME I WANT TOO?"
(Sam) "Only if I am not playing with it. Take the candy and give me the tablet before you get all your germs on it."
Gavin gladly gave up the tablet he really didn't want and he got to watch his brother work himself into a tizzy over the whole ordeal.
Lesson Learned: Even a six year old knows right from wrong and when it comes to siblings, it is always nice to see your older brother beg every now and again.
Recipe #10: Mung Bean Salad
This is a fantastic salad, light, tangy, crunchy, but filling because of the high fiber and high protein content in the Mung Beans.
2 Cups Mung Bean (split and hulled) - Rinse, then soak in water 6-12 hours,
drained well.
4 Tbs Red Onion (chopped fine) - Add
2 Cups Cucumber (peeled, remove seeds,finley chopped) - Add
4 Tbs Fresh Cilantro (chopped fine) - Add
4 Tbs Lemon Juice (1 small fresh squeezed lemon) - Add
1 tsp Sea Salt - Add
1/2 Tsp Cracked Pepper (fresh cracked) - Add
Spice it up by adding 1/2 Jalapeno (chopped fine)
Combine all ingredients and store in refrigerator (up to 48 hours) until served.
Serving suggestions: Great as a salad on it's own. Great on top of fresh hot rice. Awesome as a side item with steak, chicken or seafood.
2 Cups Mung Bean (split and hulled) - Rinse, then soak in water 6-12 hours,
drained well.
4 Tbs Red Onion (chopped fine) - Add
2 Cups Cucumber (peeled, remove seeds,finley chopped) - Add
4 Tbs Fresh Cilantro (chopped fine) - Add
4 Tbs Lemon Juice (1 small fresh squeezed lemon) - Add
1 tsp Sea Salt - Add
1/2 Tsp Cracked Pepper (fresh cracked) - Add
Spice it up by adding 1/2 Jalapeno (chopped fine)
Combine all ingredients and store in refrigerator (up to 48 hours) until served.
Serving suggestions: Great as a salad on it's own. Great on top of fresh hot rice. Awesome as a side item with steak, chicken or seafood.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sammy's Tail Twister #2: Either I Go or The Dog Goes!
Anyone who knows us knows we were given a puppy at Christmas. Anyone who knows me knows this was without a doubt NOT what I wanted. I was so unhappy about our new addition that I vowed not to have anything to do with the dog nor would I clean any of her mess. I was told I would not have to because the three boys in the house would take care of anything and everything that had to do with that dog.
Last week, while the kids and I were out for 90 minutes, the dog fell sick and could not hold her poo in her crate. I am sure she would have held it if she could. The stench of sick poo crept out and filled the entire main level of our house. The horrific smell must be the result of diarrhea having such a greater surface area that regular old garden variety poo. It was really sour and upon the first contact with your nares made everyone want to puke. We immediately investigated the smell coming from the bedroom. (New drapes in there now no longer having new drape smell on them). Projectile POO everywhere! She was standing and I do mean STANDING over on one side of her just big enough crate as to not come in contact with the stinky lava slowly rolling towards her. A domino effect of aah, ewe, gross followed from the boys and I began to fuss at the boys to help lift the crate and take both dog and crate outside to be washed. After bathing the dog and the crate, we come in, dry off Maggie,the dog, and low and behold Maggie squirts out another fresh lava pile on the carpet. I start to yell now for the boys to start cleaning up the poo on the carpet and in the bedroom on the hardwoods before they crusted over.
They want dinner instead. Imagine that! I screamed until Sammy (10) cleaned the carpet mess and promised to tackle the bedroom mess after a little food. I argue with him until he finally yells back "OK I'll get my own dinner and Gavin you haven't done any cleaning."
That is how the vicious cycle starts... I yell at Sam and Sam yells at Gavin.
Gavin (6) sitting at the bar crying quietly saying "I don't know how to clean up the mess."
"It's OK Gavin, your too young to handle any of this and it is not your fault nor your responsibility."
"OK Mommy!"
Pan over to the mud room door where William finally enters:
"What stinks?"
"What does it smell like? It is poo and it is everywhere! And honey you've got some cleaning to do."
William walks around to assess the damage.
Immediately starts to yell "Why is there still poo on the floor and why are ya'll sitting instead of cleaning?"
Picture this: The three of us Sam, Gavin and myself all in the kitchen.
Me saying "dog doo-ty not my job."
Sammy saying "I'm so hungry"
Gavin saying in his wee little voice " I'm too young to handle any of this. It is not my fault Mommy said and anyways it's not my responsibility, right Mommy?" Does this sound like another story we all know and love.
Back to yelling...
William: "The diarrhea is like hard plaster on the floor because you guys did not clean it up right away!"
Me: "Nope, I sure didn't"
Sammy: "I'm so hungry"
Gavin: "Not my responsibility and I'm too young to handle any of this."
Me: By now I am so angry that those famous words come out of my mouth:
"THAT IS IT! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THAT DOG! EITHER I GO OR THE DOG GOES!"
Silence blanketed the house....
Sammy and Gavin eyes are searching their brains and looking for eye contact from me. Gavin softly sobs and Sammy gazes over and say in a very soft voice "Mom, will you come visit us?"
My eyes cracked a smile and the three of us busted out laughing. In the end I stayed the dog stayed and Dad cleaned up everything. Maggie is no longer sick and life is good again!
Last week, while the kids and I were out for 90 minutes, the dog fell sick and could not hold her poo in her crate. I am sure she would have held it if she could. The stench of sick poo crept out and filled the entire main level of our house. The horrific smell must be the result of diarrhea having such a greater surface area that regular old garden variety poo. It was really sour and upon the first contact with your nares made everyone want to puke. We immediately investigated the smell coming from the bedroom. (New drapes in there now no longer having new drape smell on them). Projectile POO everywhere! She was standing and I do mean STANDING over on one side of her just big enough crate as to not come in contact with the stinky lava slowly rolling towards her. A domino effect of aah, ewe, gross followed from the boys and I began to fuss at the boys to help lift the crate and take both dog and crate outside to be washed. After bathing the dog and the crate, we come in, dry off Maggie,the dog, and low and behold Maggie squirts out another fresh lava pile on the carpet. I start to yell now for the boys to start cleaning up the poo on the carpet and in the bedroom on the hardwoods before they crusted over.
They want dinner instead. Imagine that! I screamed until Sammy (10) cleaned the carpet mess and promised to tackle the bedroom mess after a little food. I argue with him until he finally yells back "OK I'll get my own dinner and Gavin you haven't done any cleaning."
That is how the vicious cycle starts... I yell at Sam and Sam yells at Gavin.
Gavin (6) sitting at the bar crying quietly saying "I don't know how to clean up the mess."
"It's OK Gavin, your too young to handle any of this and it is not your fault nor your responsibility."
"OK Mommy!"
Pan over to the mud room door where William finally enters:
"What stinks?"
"What does it smell like? It is poo and it is everywhere! And honey you've got some cleaning to do."
William walks around to assess the damage.
Immediately starts to yell "Why is there still poo on the floor and why are ya'll sitting instead of cleaning?"
Picture this: The three of us Sam, Gavin and myself all in the kitchen.
Me saying "dog doo-ty not my job."
Sammy saying "I'm so hungry"
Gavin saying in his wee little voice " I'm too young to handle any of this. It is not my fault Mommy said and anyways it's not my responsibility, right Mommy?" Does this sound like another story we all know and love.
Back to yelling...
William: "The diarrhea is like hard plaster on the floor because you guys did not clean it up right away!"
Me: "Nope, I sure didn't"
Sammy: "I'm so hungry"
Gavin: "Not my responsibility and I'm too young to handle any of this."
Me: By now I am so angry that those famous words come out of my mouth:
"THAT IS IT! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THAT DOG! EITHER I GO OR THE DOG GOES!"
Silence blanketed the house....
Sammy and Gavin eyes are searching their brains and looking for eye contact from me. Gavin softly sobs and Sammy gazes over and say in a very soft voice "Mom, will you come visit us?"
My eyes cracked a smile and the three of us busted out laughing. In the end I stayed the dog stayed and Dad cleaned up everything. Maggie is no longer sick and life is good again!
Recipes #9: Spicy Sambar
This is a house favorite in my entire family. There are many ways to make delicious sambar but this recipe is one that is hard to beat. You can eat this over hot fresh rice, with plain nonfat yogurt or by itself is great especially on a cold winter day.
Chopping 10min Assembly 10 min Cooking Time 10 min
Serves 6
2tbs Olive Oil
1/4 tsp cumin seed
1/4 tsp mustard seed
10 fresh curry leaves (optional but makes the dish if you can get it)
1 large sweet onion chopped medium
2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs minced ginger
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup thoor dahl cooked and pureed (this measurement taken after cooking)
1 tsp salt
3 Tbs MTR Rasam Powder
14 oz diced tomatoes
2 cup water
2-4 tbs fresh chopped dill
1/2 cup fresh chopped corriander
salt to taste
1/2 fresh lemon squeezed
Heat oil on med-hi
Add mustard and cumin til popping stops( use lid to prevent oil froms plattering).
Turn heat to med and add curry leaves. Stir 1 min.
Add onions, garlic, ginger and salt.
Cook til onions are translucent.
Add Thoor dahl and stir
Add Salt and stir.
Cook until bubbling.
Add tomatoes and cook til bubbling.
Add water dill and corriander.
Stir until bubbling throughout and then
add salt and lemon to taste.
Enjoy!
Chopping 10min Assembly 10 min Cooking Time 10 min
Serves 6
2tbs Olive Oil
1/4 tsp cumin seed
1/4 tsp mustard seed
10 fresh curry leaves (optional but makes the dish if you can get it)
1 large sweet onion chopped medium
2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs minced ginger
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup thoor dahl cooked and pureed (this measurement taken after cooking)
1 tsp salt
3 Tbs MTR Rasam Powder
14 oz diced tomatoes
2 cup water
2-4 tbs fresh chopped dill
1/2 cup fresh chopped corriander
salt to taste
1/2 fresh lemon squeezed
Heat oil on med-hi
Add mustard and cumin til popping stops( use lid to prevent oil froms plattering).
Turn heat to med and add curry leaves. Stir 1 min.
Add onions, garlic, ginger and salt.
Cook til onions are translucent.
Add Thoor dahl and stir
Add Salt and stir.
Cook until bubbling.
Add tomatoes and cook til bubbling.
Add water dill and corriander.
Stir until bubbling throughout and then
add salt and lemon to taste.
Enjoy!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sammy's Tale Twister 1: I LUB HER!
During an afternoon ride home from pre-K (5 years ago). Sammy spoke incessantly about a little girl in his class. Upon nearing the house, Sam's Dad said "sounds like you have a little crush and you really like this girl".
Sammy defensively responded "Dad! I...DON'T..LIKE HER! Long pause......but...but... I LUB HER."
Sam's dad laughed and said: "THAT'S OK SAMMY. THAT'S EXACTLY HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOUR MOM!"
Sammy defensively responded "Dad! I...DON'T..LIKE HER! Long pause......but...but... I LUB HER."
Sam's dad laughed and said: "THAT'S OK SAMMY. THAT'S EXACTLY HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOUR MOM!"
RECIPES #8: GUACAMOLE HEAVEN
Time to prepare: 10min
Servings: 2
Eat immediately or it will brown.
There is nothing better than fresh Guacamole Salad to eat with chips, to spoon over Taco Salad, or served as a side on Mexican Dinner night.
Fast, easy and de-lish-ous!
How to pick an Avocado: I like the smaller Avocados because the inside taste meatier and not so watered down. If you are ready to make this dish today, pick the ones that are dark brownish-black. They should be soft to the touch but not so soft they are mushy inside. If your a couple of 3 days out from making this recipe, pick the Avocados that are brighter green and hard. Allow them to ripen on the counter for 1-2 days and then refrigerate til you are ready but don't keep them longer than a week. They will get mushy fast. $1 a piece is a pretty good price. 2 for a $1 is a bargain ... buy lots if you see this price.
1 Avocado (Halved and insides scooped out and cut into cubes)
1 Tbs cilantro chopped fine
1/3 to 1/2 jalapeno chopped fine
1/3 Concord Brand Guacamole mix pack - Spicy($.99) OPTIONAL
1/3 fresh lime juice
Sea Salt to taste
(optional if you like it chunky) 1 green onion chopped white part only
(optional if it is too spicy) 1 Tbs sour cream
Combine all ingredients and serve with Tostito's Multi grain Tortilla Chips
Servings: 2
Eat immediately or it will brown.
There is nothing better than fresh Guacamole Salad to eat with chips, to spoon over Taco Salad, or served as a side on Mexican Dinner night.
Fast, easy and de-lish-ous!
How to pick an Avocado: I like the smaller Avocados because the inside taste meatier and not so watered down. If you are ready to make this dish today, pick the ones that are dark brownish-black. They should be soft to the touch but not so soft they are mushy inside. If your a couple of 3 days out from making this recipe, pick the Avocados that are brighter green and hard. Allow them to ripen on the counter for 1-2 days and then refrigerate til you are ready but don't keep them longer than a week. They will get mushy fast. $1 a piece is a pretty good price. 2 for a $1 is a bargain ... buy lots if you see this price.
1 Avocado (Halved and insides scooped out and cut into cubes)
1 Tbs cilantro chopped fine
1/3 to 1/2 jalapeno chopped fine
1/3 Concord Brand Guacamole mix pack - Spicy($.99) OPTIONAL
1/3 fresh lime juice
Sea Salt to taste
(optional if you like it chunky) 1 green onion chopped white part only
(optional if it is too spicy) 1 Tbs sour cream
Combine all ingredients and serve with Tostito's Multi grain Tortilla Chips
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Gavin's Tale Twister 10: Before I Was Ever Born and Around the World Kisses
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBrantney is one of our favorite children's bedtime stories. It is basically 20 pages of conversation between Big Nut Brown Hare and Little Nut Brown Hare about who loves the other more. I Love You to your toes, I Love You as high as I can hop, I Love You as high as that tree and of course we get all the way to I Love you to the moon and back.
How much more love could possibly be expressed in any single sentence?
Well, on one particular day Gavin said to me during an I Love you more competition ...
"Mom, I just love you so much that I MISSED YOU EVEN BEFORE I WAS EVER BORN!". To top things off he finished with "now I am going to give you an AROUND THE WORLD KISS". For those of you who do not know what that is ...it is when you start a kiss on one cheek, proceed up the face with tiny kisses, kiss across the forehead and all the way down the other side of the face, under the the chin which always gets a little giggle and back up to the place from whence the kisses started. Now suddenly that little phrase Guess How Much I Love You? has a whole new meaning. Oh and...GAVIN WINS!
How much more love could possibly be expressed in any single sentence?
Well, on one particular day Gavin said to me during an I Love you more competition ...
"Mom, I just love you so much that I MISSED YOU EVEN BEFORE I WAS EVER BORN!". To top things off he finished with "now I am going to give you an AROUND THE WORLD KISS". For those of you who do not know what that is ...it is when you start a kiss on one cheek, proceed up the face with tiny kisses, kiss across the forehead and all the way down the other side of the face, under the the chin which always gets a little giggle and back up to the place from whence the kisses started. Now suddenly that little phrase Guess How Much I Love You? has a whole new meaning. Oh and...GAVIN WINS!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Recipes #7: Breakfast Rice
Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 Tbs 50/50 blend Olive Oil /Butter
2 Green onions chopped in rounds all of the white part and 1/2 way up the green stem
2 Tbs fresh chopped dill1/4 tsp paprika
2 Tbs fresh chopped dill1/4 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 
1/4 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Pepper
2 1/2 cups cooked Rice
3 eggs whipped with 4Tbs milk
4 Tbs grated Jalapeno Jack Cheese
Sprigs of fresh dill for garnish.
1 Tbs Jalapeno Jack Cheese for garnish
1/4 tsp Salt 
1/8 tsp Pepper
2 1/2 cups cooked Rice
3 eggs whipped with 4Tbs milk
4 Tbs grated Jalapeno Jack Cheese
Sprigs of fresh dill for garnish.
1 Tbs Jalapeno Jack Cheese for garnish
Directions:
Heat Oil.
Add onions and dill. Saute 2 minutes.
add Paprika, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper and stir.
Fold in rice until coated and rice is sizzling.
Add egg/milk mixture in a well in the center of rice and just fold in to rice mixture.
Grate cheese over rice and eggs and gently fold it into the mixture.
Place 1 sprig of dill in a small bowl sprinkle a little cheese over the dill.Fill the small bowl with the breakfast rice and tamp down. Flip bowl upside down on plate to release the rice in a perfect uniform serving and already garnished. Serve with cut fruit.
This is one of our family favorites!
Heat Oil.
Add onions and dill. Saute 2 minutes.
add Paprika, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper and stir.
Fold in rice until coated and rice is sizzling.
Add egg/milk mixture in a well in the center of rice and just fold in to rice mixture.
Grate cheese over rice and eggs and gently fold it into the mixture.
Place 1 sprig of dill in a small bowl sprinkle a little cheese over the dill.Fill the small bowl with the breakfast rice and tamp down. Flip bowl upside down on plate to release the rice in a perfect uniform serving and already garnished. Serve with cut fruit.
This is one of our family favorites!
Gavin's Tale Twister #9: The Ultimate Verbal Abuse for a Six Year Old
If you know Gavin (6 1/2), you know he adores his big brother Sammy(10). But on this one particular day Gavin was truly annoyed. Since he has been banned from using the words idiot and now banned from saying imbecile, he resorted to the following phrase (with a lisp of course): Sam ...you stink cause your armpits are dirty and and you didn't take a bath last night, your feet smell horrible and your breath is disgusting!I'm not playing with you anymore! Sammy's gave him the standard response ... "Well, I don't care!" Ha! At least there are no more I words flying around.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Gavin's Tale Twister #8: I Love You More!
This past weekend Sam (10) had a friend over and like all little brother do, Gavin(6) was wanting to play with the big boys. He pestered them and tried to get in the middle of everything Sam and his friend did. Pretty soon small wood ABC building blocks were flying and then the WWF wrestling match finally broke out. I broke it up and called each of my children individually to thier respective rooms for a talking to. Sam first then Gavin.
This is how Gavin's talking to went:
Bla Bla Bla (That is what he heard I'm sure) because I don't even remember what I said. "Those blocks are made of wood and could really have hurt your brother. Wouldn't you feel bad if something happened to your brother and you were the cause." His only response was " But I missed!" Since there was no remorse, I finished off with a stern "Keep your hands off MY SON in there, if you hurt MY SON I will be very angry with you." Gavin looked at me and said in a calm sweet voice " Mom, did you by any chance say the same thing to Sammy cause I know you don't love him more than me." Hmm... How did he know?
This is how Gavin's talking to went:
Bla Bla Bla (That is what he heard I'm sure) because I don't even remember what I said. "Those blocks are made of wood and could really have hurt your brother. Wouldn't you feel bad if something happened to your brother and you were the cause." His only response was " But I missed!" Since there was no remorse, I finished off with a stern "Keep your hands off MY SON in there, if you hurt MY SON I will be very angry with you." Gavin looked at me and said in a calm sweet voice " Mom, did you by any chance say the same thing to Sammy cause I know you don't love him more than me." Hmm... How did he know?
Recipes #6: The Best Spaghetti Sauce Ever
This is the best sauce EVER! I've been making this for about 10 years and this is about as good as it gets and is loaded with vegetables. My kids love this sauce! This recipe makes a whole pot full so share with neighbors, freeze it or cut the recipe in 1/2. I use it on spaghetti noodles, in ravioli and tortellini, in my lasagna and as my pizza sauce to make fresh home make pizza.
1 Large Onion Chopped Fine
1 Green Bell Pepper Chopped Small Pieces
1 Red or Yellow Bell Pepper Chopped Small Pieces
4 10- inch Celery Stalks Chopped Small Pieces
1 Tbs Garlic Minced (about 4 large cloves)
6 Tbs Tone's Spaghetti Seasoning (Purchased at Sam's and CostCo)
1 Large 28 oz Can Rotel Original Tomatoes
1 Large 28 oz Can Tomato Diced
1 Large 28 oz Can Crushed Tomatoes
6 Grated Large Carrots (About 6 Cups)
Heat Oil
Add Next 5 Ingredients and Saute until tender about 5 minutes.
Add Seasoning and Stir and cook 5 more minutes.
Add the 3 cans of Tomatoes
Simmer for 10 minutes
Add Carrots (serves as a thickener).
Reduce heat to Low and cook for at least 40 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Servings: 20
Suggestions:
Over pasta with meatballs and grated Romano Cheese.
Mix in some Kalamata Olives and Serve over Bow Tie Pasta.
Great as a Pizza Sauce.
Calzone or Mozzarella Stick Dipping Sauce.
The kids will never know there are vegetables in there.
Store in Freezer for up to 3 months.
Over pasta with meatballs and grated Romano Cheese.
Mix in some Kalamata Olives and Serve over Bow Tie Pasta.
Great as a Pizza Sauce.
Calzone or Mozzarella Stick Dipping Sauce.
The kids will never know there are vegetables in there.
Store in Freezer for up to 3 months.
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