HASTIE PUDDING

It's all about the meatballs.

2010-08-24T19:47:00.006-05:00

Turkey meatballs. Actually, they are pretty dang good. I mixed a half pound of ground light meat with a half a pound of ground dark meat; To that I added salt and pepper, a dash or three of cayenne, and some pepper flakes for added kick. I poached the meatballs until just cooked through so that when the time comes (because they store frozen really well) I'll thaw them and saute them to golden perfection. I poached them so I never have to worry about a raw middle with a waaaaaay to crispy outside.

Okay, so today I was not so much in the mood for spaghetti. I did a sort of turkey parm deconstruction by chopping up the meatballs, putting them on a bun with homemade tomato sauce and topping that with grated parm-reg. Yum! I could have made a healthy side of veggies but I got some new cheese puffs to try at the store (Mike got potato chips). So there you have it, dinner took maybe 20 minutes and I have about a dozen frozen meatballs for future fast meals.

Peanut Butter Cookies, before and after

2010-08-03T17:37:00.004-05:00

I love peanut butter cookies. Who doesn't? Really? That's weird.

So it's August already; Can you believe it. Gross. I wanted to make the day end with a sweet note and these 4-ingredient cookies could not be easier. Simply stir together 1 cup peanut butter with 3/4 cup sugar. Then with that mix in 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 large egg, lightly beaten. Now roll the mixture into teaspoon-size balls and place 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. CRAP, first preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Okay, have you rolled out the cookies yet? Now, press down on the cookie balls with a fork to get that time honored crosshatch. As you can see I added some dark chocolate M+Ms and even roasted peanuts on top. Pretty, tasty, and you're done in 30 minutes or less. More if you roll slowly and have some wine while you do. I encourage this, just remember not to touch the pan without an oven mitt!

Before

After

Peanut, peanut butter and chicken.

2010-07-27T19:53:00.005-05:00

Why did the chicken swim in teriyaki sauce? To taste delicious! But enough about fowl, let's talk peanut sauce. You know it mainly from Thai food. Here's the thing, it's so easy to make that you can enjoy it at home on anything! Actually no, it would be gross on breakfast cereal. Anyway, here is the base of the sauce: peanut butter and bit of soy sauce. What? Only two ingredients? I'm for totally serious. But then I add freshly squeezed lime juice and orange juice. You can add much more if you like but remember the soy sauce and peanut butter are salty so you won't need salt. You might want to add hot sauce or fresh herbs (I'm told basil works well). If it is too thick, just add a little water until you get the consistency that you like. Ta da! Yesterday I served mine with the chicken as well as udon noodles and some green pepper that I sauteed with shallots and red pepper flakes then simmered in chicken stock.

Cup of Fruit.

2010-07-27T19:39:00.003-05:00

Mike is allergic to all raw fruits and vegetables. Sad. I can eat some of them raw, but Mike can't unless I cook them. This makes having fruit in anything less than pie form rather difficult, though I have managed to make some sorbet. And I like the little fruit cups that they sell but those suckers are loaded with sugar and frankly the containers are wasteful. SOLUTION TIME! I made my own. Peaches are in season and mangoes seem to be ripe so I cut them up, gave them a quick blanch and shock (a quick dip in boiling water then ice water) and was done. We can now have healthy fruit snacks during the day with now averse reaction. Yay! I got these leak proof little containers at Earth Fare and they are the perfect size for a late afternoon snack.

Screw you croutons!

2010-07-25T12:54:00.004-05:00

I am ushering in a new means of carb delivery for salads. Croutons, while delicious, bore me. So I took the leftover empanada dough, cut it into smaller rounds and stuffed it with goat cheese which was going into the salad anyway. I foresee a new era of salad topper with all kinds of different yummy middles. Granted, I doubt anyone will do the work required to make these delicious puffs but at least I can enjoy them at home and all of you can enjoy the pictures.

Empanada Fiesta!

2010-07-24T15:18:00.006-05:00

It happened again, I needed more food for school lunches and my inner little Mexican grandma got to work. These empanadas are rather easy to make but also are very laborious. Regardless I got up early, made the dough and got to work. The filling is a mix of white and dark ground turkey, onions sauteed with mustard seeds and zucchini and yellow squash, potatoes, and red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. Here is the process: Roll the dough, cut a round, add filling, put egg on the edge and seal with a fork. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F then cool on a wire rack. (RECIPE: Empanada dough) The cool part about the filling is that you can add whatever you like so I have no recipe to offer. I hope these last at least two weeks as I am exhausted! At least I can use the leftover dough to make churro-like dessert!

Blueberry Sorbet--because it's F'ing hot outside.

2010-07-24T07:09:00.004-05:00

When the weather channel and news station tell you that it feels like 110°F degrees outside (Fahrenheit, that's about 43 degrees Celsius) then you can't bake. Well no, I could bake but Mike said we are eating too many sweets and that it's not healthy. I have no idea what he's talking about. Instead though I took blueberries that came from a local farm and reduced them down to their purest juicy form (all you do is boil them in some water until they pop then squeeze their guts out through cheese cloth; HINT: you might want to wear gloves as they can stain your hands for a day or two). To that juice I added a boiled mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice. This cooled in the fridge overnight so I could use it in the Kitchen Aid Ice Cream maker attachment the next day. Luck for us last night was the next day and it worked perfectly! We had this colorful sorbet after dinner, it was essence of blueberry with citrus hints and for fun it even changes your tongue color!

Makin' Sauce.

2010-07-21T08:17:00.011-05:00

Tomatoes are ripe, the summer is sizzling, and I'm getting ready for winter. Tomato sauce is the best thing to make at home as you can saute onions and garlic and make the entire house smell savory. TECHNICAL TERM TIME! Concasse, it technically means crushed or ground but more specifically refers to tomatoes that are peeled, seeded, then chopped. I slice an X on the tomato bottom, blanch and shock it, then peel it. I have put pictures below. After the tomatoes have stewed for a bit then I use the immersion blender to smooth them into a sauce perfect for pasta and the like. TIP TIME: I freeze the sauce in ice cube trays to store it for later use. As I have yet to attempt canning this makes for easy use later.

Vegetarian amalgamation.

2010-07-12T07:21:00.010-05:00

Saturday night my neighbor called and said she wanted to eat healthier and possibly become vegetarian. My response, "Well, I eat meat so I can't really help with that but I can show you some healthy dishes." She accepted and actually they all were vegetarian meals--that is to say they are all side dishes to be served with meat unless you are an herbivore. Moving on. We made some udon noodles with a peanut sauce (bottom middle). We made lacinato kale with ricotta salata cheese (right of plate). We made a quinoa and hearts of palm salad (top right). And lastly I showed her how to make tofu (left of plate) so she can eat it without gagging; this was served with spicy snap peas (top left). It was a delicious mix and truthfully this all veggie/grain meal was a welcome respite from all the summer burgers we've been eating.

The recipes:
Lacinto Kale
Quinoa Salad
Peanut sauce

I slice extra firm tofu into thin pieces, add salt and pepper, rub with olive oil then broil on hi for 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

For the snap peas I heat oil in a pan and add red pepper flakes to the oil. Let those dance with each other for a little bit so the oil gets infused and spicy then toss in the peas. You can saute them until desired doneness--hint covering them will help them cook faster but watch for burning on the bottom.

Cake and bake.

2010-07-11T08:50:00.006-05:00

I love this lemon olive-oil cake invented by the great Lillian Chou. It's a simple, unexpected confection that is light, fruity, and slightly sweet. I just happened to wake up early and decided I was craving it; so here it is (The recipe if you're so inclined)!

More school lunches.

2010-07-09T18:52:00.007-05:00

Tonight I made a nice blend of chick peas (garbanzo!) and tomatoes and an Indian spice mix. Specifically, Chana. The more I learn about Indian food the more specific I see each spice mix is for a particular vegetable accompaniment. This one includes a blend of coriander seeds, salt, dry mango, pomegranate seeds, red chili, cumin, kachri (apparently a variety of cucumber), black pepper, fenugreek, cloves, mint, nutmeg, ginger, cassia, cardamom, and mace. Needless to say I buy the blend and don't make this myself. After you saute some onions, add chopped tomatoes, the spice mix, and chickpeas then add water and let it simmer, covered, for 40 minutes. The reduction concentrates the flavors; it's a delicious dish! I added some boiled potatoes and steamed broccoli with rice to the container and have a week's worth of frozen lunches.

Maggi eggs!

2010-07-09T08:48:00.003-05:00

I started the day with a hurried 4-mile bike ride. I used the toughest gear setting the entire time and my legs were burning when I got home. It's easier on my knees than running--getting old sucks!

Anyway, I came home and needed sustenance. I preheated a saute pan, threw on some butter, then added two eggs that I had previously whisked with some milk, salt, and pepper. While the eggs cooked I chopped some garden-fresh tomatoes for a side. Mmm, fresh from the garden; look at how red they are! To top it, I opened a jar of this sauce I found at the Indian market: Maggi. It's a tomato-ketchup like sauce but sweet and spicy at the same time. This stuff is great and I suggest using it for french fries, waffles, or anything else people put ketchup on these days.

Roast chicken for lunch!

2010-07-07T16:50:00.006-05:00

Okay, I've been tasked with making lunches to take to work. This saves money, I think. Anyway, this week I was lazy and did some kebab veggies on the grill and served them with rice. It was good; I froze some for next week. Tonight though I had extra chicken and wanted to make sandwiches for tomorrow. What to do? I dug through the spice cabinet and found lemon pepper. Good enough. I combined the spice mix with veggie oil then rubbed three skinless chicken breasts with it. Then I heated a small amount of veggie oil in a saute pan to sear the chicken on all sides--it locks in the juices. After each breast, I made three, was seared I put them on an oven sheet and roasted them for 20 minutes at 350. My test for doneness is a poke poke with my finger. If the chicken is firm enough then they are done; I learned this in culinary school. You can insert a thermometer and look for a temp of 160-170. I prefer 160 as they continue cooking even when out of the oven and you don't want dry chicken. Anyway, I was inspired by my grandmother's meat slicer (she slices her brisket this way and it's delicious) so I cut the breasts super thin to pile on top of bread for tomorrow. I'll probably spread a little Duke's mayo and chopped dill pickles on the bread to accompany the chicken. Serve with some salt and pepper potato chips from Trader Joe's and you have a tasty, easy lunch.

Lemon curd sugar cookie sandwiches!

2010-07-06T12:48:00.006-05:00

It's going up to 98 tomorrow--so they say. Gross. I baked today as tomorrow I think I'll be enjoying ice cold gin and tonic and doing nothing all evening.

Sugar cookies always make me happy; there is something about the salty sweet combination and the complete simplicity of the little wafers that just works. However, sometimes you want a little more; lemon curd filling came to mind (thanks to Jenny for making lemon bars this past weekend). And of course defunct Gourmet once again comes through with a simple recipe that produces outstanding results. (recipe: Petite Lemon Curd Cookies)

The result, delicious! A few comments: watch the temperature on the curd or you'll cook your eggs and I don't know anyone that likes egg chunks in their curd. And, don't let these cookies brown; Eight minutes is enough to cook them and if you let them brown they will be crunchy and not be as delightful in the final cookie sandwich. I also made my cookies a little bigger than suggested as I'm a piggy and those little ones were just not enough. Other than that, just enjoy the sweet tart treats and share them with friends. Enjoy!

Trying to get back to blogging.

2010-07-05T14:38:00.001-05:00

Okay, some of you seem to think I post waaaaaaaaay too many food pictures on facebook and that I should have a place to write about them all. I'll do that here. I wonder what I will get to cooking this week... Time to look for recipes; I think some cookies are in order. Stay tuned!

School.

2010-02-01T13:08:00.001-05:00

I blame it for taking me away from my writing on here. However, the light is at the end of the tunnel finally...kinda. I applied to graduate school and will have to wait to hear about that application until March. I also applied to a summer internship at a medical center here to do some sort of professional research--I also have to wait until March to find out about that. If I get it though, they pay monies that would help me pay for graduate school, if I get accepted. Whoa, lots of IFs coming up. I like it though, nothing set in stone so anything could happen.

What else? Not much, just studying for genetics, molecular bio, and organic chem. Lots of tests in the next two weeks. Having today off is nice. Charlotte got a ton of snow and it is mostly ice now--not good for driving. I've been inside for two days now--three counting today--so I am getting cabin fever!

Okay, back to the books.

Thanksgiving: A recap.

2009-11-29T10:16:00.007-05:00

We ate. We ate a lot. Turkey, brussel sprouts, roasted carrots with honey and cinnamon, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Top that with a smores pie, applie pie, and pumpkin pie and I say we stuffed ourselves. It was delicious and I am exhausted. Some highlight from the family visit include seeing my parents and sister for the first time since February (waaaaaay too long to go without her hugs), introducing my mother to new wines AND watching her drink coffee and LOVE it. She claims this was her first try of the stuff in 30 years. Woo hoo! Granted, Mike does make some good coffee. We also went out to a family lunch yesterday and enjoy fried zucchini, BBQ chicken, mac n' cheese, etc... delicious home cooking done by someone else. Other than that, the tree is now standing tall in the house, it's lights providing the right impetus to get us in the holiday mood. And the Gators finished a perfect season. Championship, here we come!

So, now I study chem in hopes of acing a test on Friday--or at least passing this test--before we reach the home stretch of the semester and finals begin!

And now, some pictures:

A hiking we will go!

2009-11-23T06:58:00.003-05:00

The weather has finally cooled off a bit and we decided to relax before the Holiday with a hike. We took Jada and our friend Richard and his dog Dewey came along to go see some waterfalls (I took some pictures, or course). The scenery was post Fall peak but still pretty and the light rain made it a soothing treck.

Even better, fried pickles and burgers that we had for lunch afterward!

It's raining--RAIN!

2009-11-12T11:31:00.003-05:00

This hurricane Ida needs to move along. All my newly planted flowers are drowning and I just do not enjoy going to class damp. They keep the classrooms freezing!

In other news, I have finally managed to turn around my organic chem grade--the stress of it was killing me, but it all seems to be coming together.

Tonight we are having friends over for burgers of the beef, turkey, or veggie variety. I'll probably saute some mushrooms in wine to go atop the burgers and maybe cook up some bacon too.

Really though I need to get ready for this weekend in Augusta with Lianna and Ben! We're doing an early Thanksgiving and helping holiday decorate the house with lights on the roof.

Here, dinner from two nights ago to get you all hungry. Apple cider poached pork loin with maple-soy veggies and white rice with the best olive oil from California. YUM!

Vroom Vrooooom!

2009-11-03T08:17:00.004-05:00

Here she is: Blue. My new (used Mini). She's sassy, fun to drive, and a real treat with her sunroof in the warm weather. Sorry Union Jack lovers, those are the first thing to go...I want the mirrors to match the roof. It's a weird feeling not to rely on Mike for driving me places...FREEDOM!

Dinner and a pumpkin.

2009-10-25T19:44:00.003-05:00

Tonight I whipped up a chicken and broccoli risotto for dinner. It was deliciously made with veggie stock, sauvignon blanc, shallots, butter, olive oil, and arborio rice--the perfect dinner for a Fall evening.

Then I carved a Frida pumpkin. I think it looks just like my sweet kitty.

Picking and baking.

2009-10-13T12:56:00.003-05:00

Mike is one year older today. For his birthday I used the apples we got from the farm (technically also an orchard, but more of a farm because the guy raises cows and pigs as well as other livestock) to make him a birthday apple pie. It just came out of the oven and we will study for a little while and let it cool before tasting the first of the season's pies. I also am trying to figure out what pies to make for Thanksgiving so the testing has begun.

Brain is back.

2009-10-08T11:25:00.002-05:00

I think my brain finally decided summer was over and that it should get serious with school. That, or the giant tub of delicious jalapeno popcorn that grandma and grandpa sent is working miracles on my neurons. I had an immunology exam this morning and scored a 98! A+ for me!

Now, on to organic chemistry for a test next Friday. Fun.

Somebody call 911!

2009-10-06T06:40:00.003-05:00

Bark, bark, barkaroo, bark, bark,barkarooo! I wake up.

Mike is already jumping out of bed.

Jada barks at night and usually we don't hear her over the sound machine but this night she kept at it. Still groggy and trying to fall back asleep as Mike begins his inspection of the house at 2:30 a.m, I hear him heading down the stairs followed by a, "What the Hell!"

He heard someone pounding on the front door. Jada is growling now--she's fierce for all ten pounds of her.

I jump up as now my heart is pounding while I'm thinking we have someone in the house. I look down the stairs wondering why Mike didn't grab the old Louisville Slugger that we keep under the bed before he went to inspect--how cliche is that!

"What is it?" I ask from the top of the stairs not wanting to walk down for fear I am not enough awake and would fall. "Someone is trying to get into the neighbor's house!" Mike says, "And I can't tell if it is the neighbor but he is wasted."

I'm intrigued now as drunk people can be fun to watch.

Over my exhaustion I make my way downstairs to look through the peep hole--It feels like Alice in Wonderland watching this stranger stumbling around. He puts his arms out, his keys in one hand, tilts his head like a dog does when you talk to it, then gropes at the keys with his other hand. Finally successful at grabbing one key on the chain, he holds it up watching them as they all come together and tries to guide them toward the keyhole, but dropping them before making contact. This happens over and over. Finally he starts knocking followed by more failed key attempts.

We're still trying to figure out if this is our neighbor, the lighting out there sucks. I look out the front window and see his wallet and phone at the bottom of the stoop. We decide to call the police as we can't be sure it's him and he is wasted so who knows how the interaction might play out. I look out the peep hole again and he has fallen over--all I can see are his feet now pathetically kicking at the door. His head and upper body must have been on their way down the stairs of the stoop. We wait.

Again he is on his feet. The police arrive. Two patrol cars, that's sufficient for one drunk.

"Is this where you stay?" one officer asks him. The neighbor turns slowly and mumbles through drool slurred speech something like "yes, my house." The officer puts on gloves to go through his wallet. "Have you had a drink tonight?" Drunk neighbor replies with sort of a proud giggle, "Yes, a few." He starts heading down the stairs toward the police. "I think you peed yourself too," the officer says. "What's your address?" Drunk neighbor gives the address of a few doors down.

Now we know who it is, safe. The officers help him home and I make my way back to bed. Mike gives Jada a treat and joins me and we try to take advantage of whatever hours are left before we have to get up for school. All I can think was thank goodness this was not on a test night!

Gourmet, goodbye.

2009-10-05T09:48:00.002-05:00

My dream was to work for the best food magazine ever created. I did that. And now, sadly, after 68 years of publishing, Conde Nast has decided that the old girl isn't pulling her share around the office. They killed her. I hope it was with a sharp knife or maybe a gas leak followed by grand explosion. Either way this is a sad day in the culinary world and I wish all my friends the best as they shut her down over the next two days. BIG HUG!

Chili time!

2009-09-20T15:24:00.003-05:00

We're having a chili cook-off! Sitting with Michele on the roof, we decided that everyone should be able to take a school study break and indulge in a feast of different chili kinds to welcome Fall and just have fun.

Here, I've gotten started on a tofu chili...say what you will, it's awesome. Never having made something like this with tofu, I was amazed at how it drains and becomes the texture of meat. I mashed it up with the chili spices then added it to a pot of already sauteed garlic and jalapeno. My first taste was moments ago and I already can't wait to enjoy a bowl of this covered in cheddar and served with corn bread. Mmm.

Others are making, turkey, beef, buffalo, and I think venison chili. Let the taste test begin!

PEJ.

2009-09-17T20:00:00.004-05:00

Picture it: I am in the specialty food shop in Uptown Charlotte picking up a brisket for Rosh Hashanah dinner.

The butcher says to me, "Oh, I bet this is going to be good. My friends make it with barbeqcue sauce and smoke it all day but I bet you are going to cook it like your mom did for you. "

"Grandma, actually," I say.

"Well you are not the only one getting brisket this week," he says. "We've had a lot of Jews order them for the holiday."

"Imagine that," I reply. "I'm making mine with sauteed onions and a beer sauce."

"That sounds good," he says. "You'll have to bring me some to try (he's a rather large fellow). What else can I get you?"

"I'd love some of that Grateful Growers pork sausage," I request.

"OOOOOH," he says, "You're one of those, what I call, PEJs." I laugh thinking I know where this is going. "You know what that is?"

"I have an idea," I say.

"Pork Eatin' Jews!" he proclaims, thinking he is the funniest man alive.

"Yeah, well good food is good food," I say. We laugh. He goes on to tell me how his Jewish friend Someone Rosen-something did not share her recipe with him for 7 years and do I know her?

"Sorry," I say, thinking, 'Sorry I don't know a Jew named Rosen-something in a banking center of millions. Ha!'

I look forward to my next visit!

Slacking on the blog!

2009-09-17T11:45:00.002-05:00

I am so bad. School has completely taken over my life. Ugh. I need some free time or I will go crazy. Luckily GQ saw fit to release me of duty so I am once again without a job but I made enough to last the semester so that's good. Otherwise, I just took my first exam (got a B that I am not happy about) and have another tomorrow. I'm studying now in the student union which is an amazing brand new building with lots of places to eat and study and people watch. Shortly I will head to organic chem lab to create something new and exciting--not really the labs are pretty boring.

This weekend we are hosting Rosh Hashanah dinner for friends so tomorrow I get to have some fun baking Challah and getting the brisket ready. Mmm.

I also have to get moving on making two chilis as we are having a chili cook-off at our place in the weeks ahead and my brother is coming to visit/go to an interview. Next week will be busy!

Pretty!

2009-09-09T20:23:00.002-05:00

This was the view when I walked outside this morning to walk the dog. Spectacular. It arched across the entire sky. Leprechaun, no.

Beer Can Chicken!

2009-09-08T06:19:00.004-05:00

I had some free time yesterday so I decided to have our friend Michele over for some beer can chicken! Ben and Liana had made this for us in Georgia and I was in awe. Super moist meat with tons of flavor and it could not be easier to make--unless the dead bird put itself on and took itself off the grill. Anyway, I made a rub of salt, pepper, paprika, and hot pepper flakes. Oiled the chicken with some olive oil, applied the rub, then stuck a beer can up its boot. (Drink half the can then poke three holes on the sides near the top to allow for maximum beer flavor steaming potential.) Then you just stick the bird on the grill or in the oven for an hour...don't ask me the temperature because it was on the grill--I'd estimate 500 degrees there. In the oven, cook it at a lower temp for a longer time. I also made a wheat couscous salad with sauteed zucchini with a balsamic vinegar sauce and bacon bits thrown in for fun. And I served this all with the garlic corn that is oh so easy to make on the grill. We topped it off with a bottle of Rose and some coffee cake. Enjoy!

STRESS!!!

2009-08-25T18:54:00.002-05:00

The second day of classes and I feel like my brain is going to pack up and say, "Hey, thanks, but I just don't need this."

Ugh.

I have been studying non-stop which is usually good but for some reason it hurts. Ha! I feel overwhelmed and worried that I have taken too many seriously hard courses at once. Granted, I also thrive on challenge so we shall see. However, with work it is a little harder to find time to study. I already dropped my cell bio lab which will free up a huge chunk of time for reading and/ or work. The rest I will just have to steal from sleeping hours. I don't like that.

When is the first day off? I need it.

Sparkle time!

2009-08-21T06:15:00.005-05:00

We just got our new windows and I am in love! After months of planning and building, they were ready to be picked up. Here is a link to Mike's post about them and also, here are some picture for you to enjoy. They make the kitchen sing.

http://michaelherron.blogspot.com/2009/08/leaded-glass-windows-are-installed.html

Returned.

2009-08-20T06:36:00.002-05:00

Provincetown was a delightful respite from the end of summer school and a lovely precursor to the Fall semester that stars on Monday. We spent time soaking up the sun on the beach, sailing the harbor--saw a million jellyfish and a seal. There was a lobster slaughter one evening and our host made the most amazing paella another night. Mmm. I can't say that I am love with the town but the scenery was spectacular...mountainous dunes, endless ocean, sea shells of ever color and shape, quaint houses, etc... Morning bike rides allowed me to see most of the area before people even woke up. I'm happy to be home and have some cleaning and baking to get done before our guests arrive on Saturday. It's funny, I think I have fallen for Charlotte. Yeah, we're infatuated with each other.

Grades, report.

2009-08-13T07:29:00.002-05:00

Another class, another A! And, I am particularly proud of this A. An A in chemistry II in the shortened 5-week class is no easy feat. I worked my butt off and it paid off. Now, the fun of the Fall semester in two weeks with Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Immunology! First however, a much needed trip to Province Town. Woo hoo!

Mmm, cheese.

2009-08-10T05:17:00.002-05:00

Last night we had homemade Mac and Cheese, except the mac was penne and the cheese was three kinds of cheese. I have been talking about making this all week and Michael just assumed that I was talking about the crap that comes in a box--oy. Anyway, this dish was a trifecta of cheddar, asiago, and monterey jack topped with breadcrumbs that were sauteed in butter then the entire thing was baked to golden perfection. It was a recipe from Bon Appetit that I modified a tad and it was a touch bland. Next time more salt. Until then, leftovers for lunch!

Corked.

2009-08-10T05:11:00.006-05:00

Free time, I actually had some. So, seeing as how my friends that are about to be married just bought their first house, I figured I would make them a gift. I've been saving corks for a while now and was inspired by cork boards made by Judy and Ben. I cut the wood to be extra large for the frame and used a hammer to create those dents--I think it makes it look a little older or at least a little less bland. The corks I just cut in half with a chef knife. Some wood glue and white paint added, here the result (I love how it looks on my wall, but alas cannot keep it):

All fixed.

2009-08-07T15:53:00.002-05:00

And here is my skilled labor in action. What chunk missing from the wall? I don't know what you are talking about.

Behold, Bionic Knee!

2009-08-05T05:59:00.006-05:00

Running into walls is normally not fun. This time was no exception.

However, it appears that my body has decided to become bionic--at least my knee anyway. So on my latest jaunt down the stairs, a slight miscalculation caused me to bump the wall with my knee. I heard what sounded like a hammer on metal. I continued down the stairs, not really concerned as there was no pain and I didn't think I could break a wall. Oops, apparently I have a super patella. Later inspection revealed the pictures below. Guess who has to get out the Spackle and paint! (Kids, don't try this at home.)

De Burger.

2009-08-04T05:24:00.002-05:00

Tofu burgers from Trader Joe's. Doesn't sound good, right? Well there aren't--not alone anyway; They are flavorless and boring. However, I like to get creative so last night I stuck them on the grill with just some salt and pepper. I know, nothing fun there. But wait! I topped them with fresh arugula, leftover garlic mashed potatoes, a little mustard, and mushrooms poached in chardonnay. Now that is a burger worthy of recognition. Here they are, enjoy!

Let the rain pour!

2009-07-29T06:51:00.001-05:00

Big storms are my favorite! Check out this urban waterfall that I spotted when driving around the city in search of dinner foods.

Maters!

2009-07-21T20:44:00.002-05:00

Tomato plants are not easy to grow. They take forever and you're lucky if the blossoms turn to fruit. Well I did something right--not sure if it was the lady bugs I brought home to eat the aphids or the new found bee friends, but here are my first ripe tomatoes! More on the way too. Delicious with just some salt.

Overheard at UNCC

2009-07-16T12:31:00.001-05:00

I just heard this on campus:

Girl: "My sister just wrote to me; she got deployed."
Boy: "That sucks, where is she?"
Girl: "Baghdad."
Boy: (Totally serious) Is that in North Carolina?
Girl: "No (gives him look like he's an idiot), the country, Baghdad."
Boy: "Oh, I didn't hear you the first time."

Corn in a package!

2009-07-15T06:16:00.004-05:00

I like grilling. This is new for me and I am trying different things to get the hang of a variety of grilling styles, etc... Anyway, the lovely Food Network Magazine came this month and had a great story filled with ideas for grilled food packets--mostly with vegetables (and while I generally advocate the use of less foil, this is worth it!). I adapted the idea with what I had and made the wonderful garlic-butter-corn seen here along with simple grilled chicken. There was supposed to be pesto on Michael's but he wanted it plain whereas I was a rebel and dipped mine in Chick-Fil-A sauce. Mmm, mmm, mmm. How is that for a 30-minute meal!

The buzzzzz.

2009-07-13T06:05:00.003-05:00

Not to be trite, but that saying "If you build it, they will come" is so true. I went to water my plants this morning and who did I see helping me get my veggies growing. Some local bees! I never would have thought the little buzz balls would have found my roof-top garden but there they were--and more than one! I expect I'll be seeing more tomatoes on my plants now. Hurrah!

Sleepy.

2009-07-11T22:15:00.002-05:00

Today was long and I am tired. I got up early, with a mild hangover, and worked on chemistry. I have a test on Monday and am not ready. Blah. Anyway, then I realized that my brain couldn't focus enough on that so I got down to business on a freelance project I am working on for a certain famous fashion magazine. Out of the blue they asked for my help and are paying me 3 times what my on campus computer lab job pays. Yay! It will be nice to have a little extra cash to buy something for myself--and of course save as well. Anywho, bad me for not posting in so long. I will try and catch you up with pictures from events past as soon as I can. However, while you wait, check out Michael's blog posting about our new pantry design and new leaded-glass windows we just had commissioned! Leaded Glass and Pantry Design

Thursday Curry.

2009-07-02T21:53:00.002-05:00

Mmm, home-cooked dinner. It has been a while since I had time to leisurely throw together a meal. Tonight we had rice and sauteed veggies with pineapple and sauteed tofu all mixed with a Trader Joe's curry sauce. Healthy enough that it is okay for me to pig out with Lianna and Ben this weekend for 4th of July!

GRE done.

2009-07-01T06:40:00.003-05:00

My score is good enough. I did better than I thought I would in the verbal and worse than I thought I would in the math. Sad. But then, everything always evens out. I could take it again but will wait until after the Fall to see how I feel about that--I'd rather spend my time studying for organic chemistry. But, to make myself feel better, I know personally that my essays were amazing; I got to use all that vocab I was learning in those--too bad they count for the least. Ha! Graduate school here I come!

GRE

2009-06-30T11:17:00.001-05:00

to commence in 5 hours. Results will be reported when I get home. Eek!

H 2 OH NO!

2009-06-28T08:29:00.006-05:00

Marlaina just left. I would say the house is quiet now, but she was like a mouse. Very unusual. Alas, we had fun, did the Mega Zip Line, saw the Hangover, visited Aunt Peggy, saw the gorgeous Duke Gardens, and ate fried pickles. She even tried some new foods which was a big deal because this girl eats nothing. I don't get how we are related. Ha! The highlight for me was her effrontery toward the taste of water and how she doesn't like it. Um, what taste I asked? So we bought a bunch of different kinds for her to sample and taste tested until we were water drunk (and yes, they do taste different). We found one that she can live with that I hope will replace her unnatural ability to drink a ton of milk--I can't imagine all the cow hormones in that! Anyway, here are some pictures of our tasting and the cookies, chocolate chip and toffee bits, that I made to celebrate the visit.

Music and Food.

2009-06-25T08:55:00.003-05:00

Two things that, when combined, are just a treat. This past Sunday we went to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Pops in the Park concert--for free! It is every Sunday for five weeks and ends in two weeks, culminating on July 3 with fireworks. This weekend we will go to see them perform music with the theme of amore. Last week it was all dance music and I fell in love with Brahms. The Hungarian Dances are just fun. In addition to the music we like to bring along wine and cheese. I also made grilled chicken with parm-reg and chopped basil (I was too lazy to make pesto, but like how this turned out better--it's lighter without the oil and pine nuts). We opened a Vino Verde, our favorite summer wine from portugal at a simple price of $6 to $8 a bottle. So we pour a glass, sit back, enjoy the warm weather, enchanting tunes, and a sea of happy people. Sundays, despite their proximity to Monday, are now welcome--at least for two more weeks.

The Birds!

2009-06-22T11:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was given a warning then almost attacked. While walking Jada I noticed a baby robin sitting in the grass very quietly. Mike walked off with Jada and I picked up a small twig to poke at the bird. It chirped before I got the chance. Alive! I looked up and there was a nest in the tree and I was sure it had fallen out. Torn between the biologist in me wanting to let survival of the fittest determine this bird's fate and the human in me wanting to help the little guy, I approached. Bad idea. The parents had been watching and as soon as the little bird took off hopping (it could not fly yet), they came swooping in and squawking loudly. I backed off. However now the little bird was in the road. I walked toward it again, despite the threats of attack, to get it to continue across the street to safety in the grass. It made it. What have we learned? Let the biologist be an observer and let the birds raise their young how they know how. Too cool!

Dinner and a new friend!

2009-06-21T08:33:00.006-05:00

Meet my friend Michele with one l. We took a field entomology course together but also learned that we both love food. She too went to culinary school! So, what happens when you get two culinary biologists together in the same kitchen? Magic! You get to eat great food and learn all about it in more detail than you ever thought possible. It was awesome. We used veggies from my garden (well one zucchini and a garlic clove) and also sage from my garden to make some fresh pasta. The pasta was topped with a lovely white wine butter sauce and some diced chorizo. Delicious!

Mis en place!Pasta being pressed with the help of KitchenAid. See those flecks, that's the sage.The final meal: a perfect course to welcome spring.And I made a s'mores pie to finish the evening.

This is the way we make a cake.

2009-06-21T08:11:00.007-05:00

First you bake the cake. Here, Pan di Spagna. It's a recipe I got from culinary school and so very easy because you don't need butter, just egg, sugar, flour, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. Easy. Then make the buttercream frosting, again sugar, water, vanilla, butter, and egg whites. Easy. Assemble, brush with simple syrup to make it moist (I need to use more next time), frost, and decorate. I matched little Hayden's dress with the pink and orange polka dots. She pigged out! Although I have to say the highlight of the party was when we asked a little girl (she might be 5 or 6) if she wanted a piece to take home. Her reply, "I didn't like it!" Well now, a little critic indeed. I liked it, so there. Ha!

The cake, naked.Vanilla buttercream inchoate.The layering begins!The cake complete. (I also made a little smash cake for Hayden--she ate half of it!)

Busy busy.

2009-06-20T13:27:00.002-05:00

I neglect my blog and I am sad. This GRE study thing is taking over my life but will soon be over! Thank goodness. Standardized tests are, in my humblest of opinions, worthless money-making schemes and I am sure the schools that require scores get some kickback. Bogus.

Anyway, today is the birthday party for our neighbor's one-year-old--her first party! So, being the baking man that I am I offered to make her very first birthday cake. Pictured here! I also made a little "smash" cake as they call them for her to pig out on while we eat the big cake. Mmm, pan di spagna cake with vanilla buttercream frosting!

Bloomage!

2009-06-13T18:14:00.002-05:00

The morning glories were spectacular on the roof this morning!

Cookies and zucchini

2009-06-06T16:23:00.002-05:00

The garden was going crazy when we got back from NY! I had three zucchini growing, the one pictured below we picked to take to a friend's barbecue later today and eat. Mmm. I also made a batch of peanut butter cookies for the affair. And, our friend Marc brought back Elgin sausages from Texas and we are going to pig out. If you've never had them, well, you should have them. Okay, off to get ready for grilling and a warm summer evening in Charlotte. Happy.

Back in the QC.

2009-06-03T09:57:00.002-05:00

Vacation was awesome. We saw tons of our favorite peoples, ate lots on the farm, enjoyed great weather, and a scenic ride home. Yay! I have to work tomorrow which is just okay. I also have to start studying for the GRE as I want to take it before summer session starts in July. We shall see. Okay, here is a picture from the farm--us and one of the many llamas, Madison, looking at a red squirrel in the barn.

The rest of the pictures are here:
http://gallery.me.com/atonybt#100304

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45855324@N00/sets/72157619071227736/

Torture.

2009-05-26T17:57:00.003-05:00

I have decided that water boarding is lame. Okay, I knew it was lame, but I decided today after sitting in a car with grandma with hot, fresh Chinese food in the back that food torture is much more persuasive and much less inhumane. Being in the front seat with the food in the back, its teasing scents of orange chicken, vegetable lo mein, and fried dumplings wafting throughout the car was not fun. I looked at grandma at one point and said, "Seriously, if this was torture I would tell them anything they would want to know to get a bite of that food." Hey US military, try it out.

I got it!

2009-05-26T10:59:00.001-05:00

For years I have been missing grandma's blooming rhododendron--not this year (Michael and I timed it just right to catch the arbor in full bloom)! Here is the tree that makes everyone smile!

Vacation fun!

2009-05-25T15:31:00.003-05:00

So the weekend started with an A in my insect class. A fresh steamed bialy, buttered and hot for our road trip north, and an overnight stay filled with a crab feast with our friends Crystal and Kurt in MD. Afterward, we drove to Long Island to play with grandma and grandpa, enjoy cocktails, and pack up more of my cookbooks to bring home. Tonight it's lamb for dinner! Mike is going to the farm tomorrow and I am heading to NYC on Wednesday and joining him at the farm on Thursday. It is so nice to sit back, enjoy a drink with friends and family, and not worry a single bit about the next class I have to take. Yay!

Collected.

2009-05-21T20:07:00.002-05:00

My insect course ends tomorrow. I'm studying for the final identification part of the class; Today I turned in my insect collection for an A on that portion of the class. It's crazy and hard to believe that for the past two weeks from 9 to 5 that I have been hunting, collecting, cataloguing, and studying the insects of North Carolina (and so you all know, the term 'bugs' only applies to the order hemiptera--not ever insect is a bug!). It has been fun and we are assured that our impact on the species that we have had to collect is minimal (sorry Ryan I had to for a grade). Here is a nice shot of some of my lepidoptera and diptera. Let the summer begin after my exam tomorrow!!!

28

2009-05-17T09:17:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was delightful. I woke up then went to collect some bugs. I came home, then biscuits for strawberry shortcake for my birthday fiesta with friends. I also made garlic knots for munching. Michael surprised me with a 1 and a half hour deep tissue massage and the guy, I swear, was ripping my muscles off my back and putting them back on. It hurt, but in a good way. Ha! I do feel much better today so I guess I had some stress in my back. Michael also took me shopping and I got some new shirts and some awesome seersucker pants. I received calls from all my favorite people and even had Auntie M and Phil sing to me over the phone! People came over around 8 and we drank and laughed and played Apples to Apples on the roof until 1 a.m. A great b-day!

Dinner for spring

2009-05-14T21:13:00.003-05:00

Tonight I had gotten home early from school--we could not collect bugs because the teacher said the weather was no good--and I cleaned the entire downstairs. It felt so good to scrub the dirt off of everything, but mainly to rid the house of piles of pet hair. Anyway, I made dinner somewhat inspired by Food Network Magazine. They poached, I guessed poached is the correct term--maybe sauteed, fingerling potatoes in olive oil and I served them with greens from my garden as well as sauteed mushrooms and grilled chicken with a lemon pepper sauce. Light, local, lovely.

Premature Posting.

2009-05-13T05:26:00.001-05:00

Turns out that I got all As!!! Woo woo. I thought I did not so hot on my bio final but apparently I aced it. It's fun when your brain is smarter than you think it is. Yay! GPA. 3.8 = happy me!

Building Stuff.

2009-05-10T08:05:00.002-05:00

My bean plants and tomatoes are taking over my garden...well no, the zucchini is taking over the garden, but the beans and tomatoes were stealing sun from my blackberry bushes. Solution: a trellis for them to climb all over. I went with an artistic approach. Hope you like it!

Graded.

2009-05-07T19:12:00.002-05:00

This semester ends with 3 As and B. I'm pissed because one mistake on a final ruined my straight As. Grrr. I am so mad at myself that I could spit. Spatoo. There, I spit. Moving on, I have another class to prepare for that is starting on Monday and there is no way I will get a B in that: Field Entomology. I'm going bug hunting!

Cupcake time!

2009-05-04T05:25:00.003-05:00

Today I made a nice batch of vanilla cupcakes with a vanilla buttercream frosting. They are for the kids I work with at school. They are not as pretty as I would have liked but all my pastry piping supplies are still in NY so I used what I had, ziploc bags with the tip cut off. Woo!

Study Bake.

2009-05-03T07:43:00.007-05:00

Sometimes I go for a run to clear my head after a long study session. Sometimes I workout. And more than sometimes I cook. Today I wanted to prepare some plates for a Cinco De Mayo party at a friend's house. The fixin's this time were Mexcian Wedding Cakes (a type of cookie) and Empanadas. I channeled my inner little Mexican grandma and everything turned out delcioso!
Here, the cookies are a simple mix of butter, flour, and powdered sugar. The empanadas are a simple dough stuffed with ground beef, cumin, jalapeno olives, raisins, onion, and garlic. I baked them instead of frying them and they were drool worthy. I especially know this because at the party people kept asking what box they came from. Um, the box of by hand and from scratch.

From the Earth.

2009-05-02T07:19:00.004-05:00

It's funny how much better thing taste when you grow them yourself. Seriously, it's true. All that hard work adds a new dimension of flavor. Here, our first harvest: radishes and a ton of salad greens! (Also, I would like to add that the plants were grown using rainwater so we totally saved the planet and our wallets just a smidge.)

Chicken and wine sauce.

2009-05-02T07:17:00.005-05:00

First it was sauteed in a pan, then finished in the oven (the joy of All Clad is that you can put them in the oven), then the chicken was blanketed with a reduction of chicken stock and white wine. Mmm. Served alongside some boiled collards and cous cous. A tasty dinner to congratulate Mike for getting an official Wells Fargo job! Yay!

Driving again.

2009-05-01T09:25:00.002-05:00

It has been about 12 months since I last drove a car. Michael had to work uptown so I had to get myself to school to take my chem final. Yeah, much like learning to drive all over again. It was scary. I went slow, people passed me. I checked my mirrors maybe too much. Anyway, I survived. The next day I had to drive again and had more fun: windows down, music on, sunroof open. I can't say that I miss driving because I don't. However, the freedom to go wherever I wanted at my leisure was blissful!

And I found out that I aced my bio test and bio lab final! I just took my chem final and have no idea how I did and have my bio final next week!

Flip that switch!

2009-04-27T16:38:00.004-05:00

Saturday in Charlotte was gorgeous. We had the kind of weather that you get maybe twice a year: not too hot, not too cold, plenty of sun, a light breeze, plus a street fair to attend. I guess you get those a lot in NYC, but here not so much. Anyway, Michael and I were looking at everything and nothing when we saw these switch plates. The woman who makes them uses copper and a glaze much like with pottery. They look great in the house! We also managed to buy a jar of amazingly refreshing dill pickles made by a local farmer. I tell you what, they are NY deli good!

Potatoes and Pasta!

2009-04-26T18:19:00.004-05:00

I made dinner. This time around I decided that my veggie slicer had been in exile far too long. I took some potatoes from a recent shopping trip and waffle cut them, fried them in canola oil, and sprinkled them with salt--homemade chips, or a perfect gnocchi topper! I also roasted some of the spuds with rosemary from my roof garden. I think it is the first time we have eaten something that I grew. Too cool. Anyway, the gnocchi was nestled on a bed of homemade garlic tomato sauce and sprinkled with grated Parm-Reg. Bon appetit!

Testing, testing...

2009-04-22T05:52:00.001-05:00

This week is not fun. I mean it is fun in that I get to see if I have learned anything, but not fun because I hate hate hate tests. I'm not good at them. I guess I don't like the pressure. Anyway, I had a bio exam yesterday and feel I rocked it. Time will tell. The teacher will take his sweet time grading them so I probably won't know until Tuesday. Oh well, I have other things to work on--like a bio lab test today and a chemistry test tomorrow. Woo woo!

Pull up a chair.

2009-04-17T21:22:00.004-05:00

The table is done! My fingers are raw but the table is done. See the before and after pictures below. (Also notice that I painted the frame of the mirror white.) What do you think?

BEFORE

AFTER

Coming along...

2009-04-15T08:35:00.004-05:00

The table is slowly coming back together. I finished the legs and little pegs that hold up the sides when they are required (those only needed one coating each of tung oil--I know, weird name, right). Anyway, the table top and sides are getting two coats, one of which was finished last night and the other I will get to tonight or the next day. Also on my to do list or Jenny will kill me is the next installment of Muffin Jenny--I'm just waiting for inspiration to strike (preferably in the form of some of those lavender muffins she just made getting to my mailbox...)

I got pulled!

2009-04-14T14:39:00.001-05:00

I just learned that that's how people from around here say I got pulled over by the police when driving. It's funny, I will adopt it.

A Sunny Day and Pickles.

2009-04-12T19:13:00.003-05:00

I like sunny days, they're warm, enjoyable, and calming. We spent the afternoon---after hours of studying--at the National Whitewater Center with friends. Walking around the facility is always amazing as you watch people thrashing about in the man-made waves. Even better was when we sat down to watch the new zip line in action. With people flying by, arms flailing, we enjoyed local brew and fried pickles. Happy day.

No taste for sweets!

2009-04-11T09:20:00.002-05:00

I recently learned that cats don't have the taste buds to detect sweets (evolution turned them off). Thus, they shy away from sweet foods, unlike dogs that gobble that stuff up--although I am not convinced that dogs care because I think they will eat anything. Anyway, I felt bad for Frida not being able to enjoy candy and such. Last night, after a fine dinner of gnocchi with homemade tomato and roasted garlic sauce Frida jumped up to where the plates were and licked the dish clean. She loves tomato sauce. I thought, "Oh, she'll smell it and walk away," but no, she went to town and walked away happy and purring. It's nice to know my kitty appreciates good cooking.

Sanding, sanding...

2009-04-10T09:14:00.002-05:00

The problem with home decor is that once you do one thing, other items seem out of place. So, to match the deer head and painted wall I wanted a lighter colored table. The one we have has a dark finish--not anymore! I have been stripping and sanding for days and am getting through to the light colored wood underneath. It should only be a few more days of dust particle inhalation before I can apply the top coat and get the table back in the house.

Psalms and Proverbs.

2009-04-08T13:29:00.004-05:00

At an institution of higher learning one expects to encounter all kinds of people. Generally I stay away from the screaming preacher. This morning however, I received a free gift as I walked onto campus. My first thought when he said "free gift" was, "That's redundant." Then I looked down to see what the man in the trench coat had handed me and it was a book of psalms and proverbs. Praise Jebas! I've never read the bible, new testament, or anything like it, but decided to open a page of this extremely popular work to see how inspired I might be to face the day.

First thing I see, "My God, my god, why has thou forsaken me?" Not a good start I thought.
Next, "And there came a voice out of a cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." I looked up, nothing I listened, nothing. That's quite an imagination, this writer.

Anyway, I decided to leave the little green book on a table for someone else to enjoy. Back to the sciences I go.

**No offense to anyone with religious beliefs, I respect you, I do.**

Mmm, brunch.

2009-03-29T14:54:00.005-05:00

Mike and I had our friends Bryce and Jarrett over for brunch this morning / afternoon. I made omelets on the grill (on a griddle) with your choice of mushrooms, bacon (from a local farmer), spinach, peppers, and cheese. I also made chicken sausage on the grill and homemade cinnamon buns, pictured below. All this was served with delicious coffee and mimosa made with Barefoot Bubbly. The rain finally stopped so we ate on the roof and enjoyed the beautiful spring day in Charlotte. Relaxing.

Test tube vegetables!

2009-03-29T08:00:00.004-05:00

Try, try again, I say. In this case it is with my veggie garden. The initial germinating of seeds (in a traditional mini greenhouse with the seeds in dirt) did not do so hot. The beans took off, but everything else died--except for the tomatoes which seem to have risen from the dead.

Anyway, I was sitting in biology lab and happened to be studying plant roots for the day when the instructor brings over three petri dishes full of germinating seeds. WHAT! The results she got were amazing and I had to know her secret. Ready for this. "Oh, I put the seeds on a moist sheet of cotton, left them in the sun, and they developed root systems." No dirt required.

I took this method home, using tissue paper instead as I don't have cotton sheets, and I got the same result. I picked up the little seedlings with their new roots aplenty, dropped them in holes in the planter on the roof and a day later they are happy little plants well on their way to becoming vegetable producers. I love this simple method and thank school for useful everyday knowledge.

Here, some radish seedlinds (notice the tap root development of this dicot. That big root will turn into the radish!)

Redeemed.

2009-03-26T14:56:00.004-05:00

I took my chem test today. This was after last week's chem quiz that I for lack of a better termed failed. Not really, but I should have gotten 100 percent and ended up with a B and I feel I failed myself. It was so easy and I made stupid mistakes. Anyway, the test was today and if I did not get a 98 or 100 I will be very surprised. I knew everything, went over it all 4 times and could not find a single error. The two point spread is because I may have put one extra bond on a XeO3 molecule. I'll know the true score on Tuesday. It feels so nice to walk away from a test with such a good outlook. And what's more, I have learned that I love chemistry. I may taken more classes of it now. Woo hoo!

Stop staring at me, dog.

2009-03-24T06:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, I never much thought into that line from Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore or whatever sophomoric (and I enjoy the genre) comedy of Adam Sandler's he said, "Stop staring at me, Swan" while enjoying a bubble bath. Now however, I get it.

Our dog is crazy. She's hyper is a better description, but I don't understand how a dog that never gets to eat off a plate will just look at you while you are eating thinking today is the day. I kick her out of the kitchen when I am cooking and she's not allowed in our laps until after we have eaten yet still the little brown eyes stare. It's freaky. All I want to do is enjoy a bowl of Puffins for breakfast without being watched. Now I have taken to turning my back to her so at least she can't see each delicious spoonful. Oh well, she's a dog with a brain the size of a peanut--there's not much I can do. Although, perhaps I should sit next to her and watch her eat to show her what it's like...

Baking before a test.

2009-03-22T16:52:00.003-05:00

I don't what it is about being in the kitchen, but for some reason when I have been studying all day or just need to clear my head that is where I have to be. A run helps, sure, but cooking up something to share with others is always better. Today's recipe: Venetian cookies. My mother has been making these for years--I think this is my fourth or fifth batch ever. They are almond flavored sponge-like layered bars with apricot jelly in between the layers and semi-sweet chocolate on top. Delicious is not good enough to describe these babies. If anyone wants the recipe, let me know...I should warn you now though, giving them away is not easy.

Brains and chips.

2009-03-22T15:17:00.003-05:00

Brains are weird. I get how certain things can trigger thoughts or memories of the past, but how does something random just pop into one's head. Example: Mike and I were driving to the grocery to get ingredients for Venetian cookies among other things and all of a sudden I had a craving for a chips and cheese dish that my dad used to make all of the time. I would guess it has been more than ten years since the last time I had this plate of gooey crunchy yum. So I bought tortilla chips and cheddar cheese and went home excited--excited that I had remembered this and that I would get to eat it once again.

Here's the deal: put a layer of chips on a dinner plate. Grate cheese over chips. Put another layer of chips on top of cheese then add more cheese. Do this for three or four layers. For added fun, I put chopped jalapeno stuffed olives in the cheese layers. Throw that sucker in the microwave for two intervals of 25 seconds (or more if you want it super melted) and pig out. Mmm, good times. I wonder where my dad got that recipe or if he made it up while studying late nights in graduate school. Let's hope he comments and we'll find out...

Alert, alert.

2009-03-19T16:38:00.002-05:00

The black beans have sprouted, the black beans have sprouted. My garden begins. I am excited.

About the gore...

2009-03-17T13:46:00.002-05:00

People who know me know that I do not gross out easily. I like dirt, I like bugs, I like watching surgery on television. I do not want to be a doctor. Research yes, doctor with a scalpel, no. Michael had a mole removed on his back and had me change the bandage this morning. Gross. Maybe it was the open wound sort of thing or maybe the smell of the Neosporin, I'm not sure, but ick. I held it together and wondered why the doctor would not cut deeper and just use stitches--see, if I were to be a doctor my solution to everything would be cut it off and sew it up.

In other news, I need to pick classes for next semester! Yay!

Take that girl scouts!

2009-03-15T19:16:00.003-05:00

I made cookies today. Two kinds, actually. Although I'm not sure the first kind is technically a cookie. (nope, they are not: a small cake made from stiff, sweet dough rolled and sliced or dropped by spoonfuls on a large, flat pan and baked)

Anyway, so I made white chocolate, peanut, and pretzel clusters. They're in the freezer now and so delicious to snack on: salty, sweet, and peanutty good!

In the cookie department I made a holiday classic from grandma and mom: Lemon Kiss Cookies.

Don't they look delightful with that kiss hidden in the mix of lightly lemon and almond flavored dough (I dissected one for you to see). Mmm. And to think, I have to eat all 5 dozen by myself.

The wedding of Obi Wan Conforti and Lianna.

2009-03-11T12:08:00.006-05:00

On March 1st one of my dearest friends was married. This is nice for me because she married an awesome guy so now I have another awesome friend. Mike and I traveled to Austin for the event, stayed with friends as I mentioned earlier, and partied! The wedding was beautiful: gorgeous weather, ceremony beside a river and under big blooming trees, and a reception in the elegant (mainly due to Lianna's decorating ideas) backyard of her big brother's home. Sparkling lights and candles were all over the place--it was just classy, romantic, and fun. Here some shots of the day where Dr. and Mrs. Conforti tied the knot.

Introducing Dr. Ben and Mrs. Lianna Conforti!

Here I decorated the groom's cake. Golf anyone?Robbie played wedding DJ--and did a perfect job!And this just made me laugh.

For more amazing shots visit:
http://public.fotki.com/ehastie/conforti-wedding/
password: married

and the actual wedding photographer's site:
http://www.whitneyleephotography.com/blog/2009/03/lianna-ben-wedding.html

Empty. EMPTY!

2009-03-09T13:03:00.003-05:00

For Christmas Patrick gave me a tub of cheese balls--my favorite snack. They are gone as of today. I'm sad. But really, talk about a gift that lasts. Yum. Next year I hope I get more. Thanks Patty!

A hiking we will go...

2009-03-08T18:44:00.007-05:00

Mike and I took advantage of the weather to explore a new mountain--well not a new mountain, but new to us--near Asheville. Here some photos of our adventure:

Me, holding up the mountaintop; It was heavy.

At the market with the farmers.

2009-03-07T17:17:00.004-05:00

We found it, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Yay! I was overwhelmed with trying to figure out just who was a local farmer that I barely got anything. And you'd think they would all be local, but who grows limes and lemons in NC--I doubt anyone. So today we purchased bacon from Grateful Grower's and hamburger patties from Gilcrest Natural Farm. All the meat is free range, hormone free, etc... Basically the cow and pig I bought today were allowed to be free until it was time for them to come to my table. I cannot wait to dig in and may add some of the bacon to the homemade roasted garlic tomato sauce I am serving with gnocchi and roasted brussels sprouts for dinner. Mmm.

Painting a wall.

2009-03-06T18:03:00.008-05:00

You'd think after painting almost an entire house I would be sick of the Benjamin Moore. Nope.

In wanting a little more character downstairs (I love the modern look, but the wooden deer head brought a nice lodge-like feel to the room so I wanted to expand on it.) Here I designed a pattern, made a stencil, and got to work. The feel I want is a sort of bordello like gothic wallpaper, but lodge-ish feel, keeping the modern decor in mind. I think it rocks and can't wait to see the entire wall tagged. Your thoughts?

Stencil fun!Here I am, doing some touch ups.And the wall, getting there slowly...only like 20 more stencils to go.

Spring Break!

2009-03-05T19:28:00.002-05:00

Woo! Get drunk, get topless, run around naked. Oh wait, that was in college the firs time around. Sucks to be grown up--not. Now I can buy the alcohol for my week-long shenanigans legally!

But really, Mike and I are going hiking in Asheville, hosting a lovely dinner party, and working. Woo.

Mmm, Austin

2009-03-02T18:57:00.004-05:00

We have returned from our much to short trip to Austin, a city I reckon is sister in many ways to Charlotte--except that there it was in the 60s and we came home to the 30s. Brr. Anyway, the wedding was beautiful and pictures are to come. For now though, check out these pictures of the delicious Salt Lick Taco Bar (separate from the airport's Salt Lick restaurant) in the Austin airport. I had the Baja Brisket and the Green Chile Pulled Pork. Yum. If you are ever flying through, the Taco stand is hidden behind a bar and worth seeking out!

Yeah, I devoured them so quickly this was the only picture Mike could snap.

Favorite class quote!

2009-02-24T15:30:00.004-05:00

This was said by my chemistry teacher earlier today. I can't stop laughing--maybe it's a nerd thing, maybe it's funny for everyone. Either way, I will keep laughing.

Scene: We were reviewing ions, hydrogen cations specifically (which are protons at their core).

Teacher: "They're everywhere, they're in your mouth right now."

Clay Mania!

2009-02-23T20:59:00.007-05:00

On our latest visit to Uncle Steven and Aunt Penny's house, after a delicious lunch of seafood fondue, we played Clay Mania. As you may or may not know, Aunt Penny always has the coolest games. This one, Clay Mania, rocks! Think of Pictionary or Cranium, but all clay all the time. The trouble was that after all the fun I wanted to buy the game and learned that it is out of production. Sad. (Gamewright, bring it back!)

Anyway, Mike and I decided to create our own home version. All you need is clay and a dictionary. We each got a tub and took turns opening the dictionary to random pages and choosing a word. Below, see Mike's lovely sculpture of a whale and my howler monkey. Seriously, this is a fun thing to do over cocktails, we could not stop laughing at our lack of artistic ability. Next time, I think we might even start using a timer as per the original game. For now though, it's a free for all!

Jada wanted to play too!

Mike's whale...I guessed airplane, dolphin, cheese curd, etc...My howler monkey. He was sad that he had to get smushed back in the tub.

Exploding flowers.

2009-02-23T15:00:00.002-05:00

Or as Jenny calls them, the flowers that throw up. Blech!
I got three batches at Trader Joe's for $3 total. So pretty. Spring is almost here! (Although you would not know it from the freezing temperature outside.)