tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77634548841590741192024-02-19T01:44:40.729-08:00The Lazy Wife's GuideNecessity isn't the only mother of invention.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-11114616541046155022014-06-29T00:10:00.001-07:002014-06-29T00:10:52.153-07:00Lace, Workouts, and Stovetop PopcornI'm sure I'm not the only person on the face of the planet with lots of things I'd like to do. I've got projects coming out of my ears. Sometimes I settle down long enough to get something done... other things are just on-going, never-ending, infinite projects.<br />
<br />
Like cleaning. Cleaning NEVER ENDS. And just when you think you've got it done, something gets messy again. I'm sure you've all been there... especially all you parents out there.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough ranting. I'm not here to talk about that... instead, I'm going to give you all a little snap shot of my life.<br />
<br />
My current lace project is starting to look super awesome:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoaHNtei7Ig0DSXKyY7jsLvKIiuMm68-Ygasf_iGj21DBr_1WPvXG8JuLFNjPmk8FvsuMN-o6_b_syspjrWiUFlgtAlcaEOj3iuUHKZ64Xfq4MTWT-oTafpdgJzDHeqKu7SGdGqaTh4w/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoaHNtei7Ig0DSXKyY7jsLvKIiuMm68-Ygasf_iGj21DBr_1WPvXG8JuLFNjPmk8FvsuMN-o6_b_syspjrWiUFlgtAlcaEOj3iuUHKZ64Xfq4MTWT-oTafpdgJzDHeqKu7SGdGqaTh4w/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm really excited for this one. I've been working on it whenever I have a moment (which is not often) but it's really coming along nicely.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_</div>
<br />
On to the working out thing - I know, I know, you're all thinking 'What?! The lazy wife doesn't work out!' or maybe 'Exercise? Do you even know the meaning of the word?' Yeah. I'm lazy. I dislike "working out" - I dislike being sweaty. But I've started to find that I have no energy, my bones ache, and I'm about 50 pounds heavier than I should be for my health. Oddly enough, that's not due to my pregnancy, but because I slowly put on more and more pounds before I got pregnant.<br />
<br />
All that to say that I'm working on getting healthier, lighter and more energetic. And since I'm posting about it, hopefully I'll stick with it. Here's my "plan":<br />
<br />
1. I started using the RunKeeper App on my phone - I'm doing a 5K training. Not that I'm actually "running" so much as walking and occasionally jogging until I <strike>start wheezing and die</strike> can't keep it up and walk again. So far, so good - note that I've been doing this for all of two days. Still, it's a start.<br />
<br />
2. I'm doing an hour of yoga every Saturday. Well, every Saturday that I can. I used to do yoga a lot. It really helped with my thoracic scoliosis. Since that's been giving me a lot of pain recently, I really need to do yoga. Lucky for me I have my own personal instructor (my husband used to teach yoga).<br />
<br />
3. I'm trying to eat healthier. This one is sort of touch and go. I never thought of my diet as all that bad, but I am trying to eat more veggies, fewer empty carbs, and more small meals rather than bigger ones. I am also trying to drink more green tea. I'm going for life style changes rather than just temporary dieting.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_</div>
<br />
And now, one of my favorite snacks: Stovetop Popcorn!<br />
<br />
I learned this from a friend - its super easy, tastes awesome and doesn't have all the junk that microwave popcorn does. I will give two BIG warnings.<br />
1. It's super easy to burn this popcorn. A smoke filled home is not our goal.<br />
2. It's super easy to burn yourself while making this popcorn. I got myself really good one time while making this, and I had a scar for 2 years. I burned myself while tipping the pot to dump the popcorn into a bowl. So don't burn yourself. Be careful, and be aware of how you're holding the pot so you don't end up with a very painful burn.<br />
<br />
If you're brave enough, here's the simple recipe:<br />
<br />
About 2 Tbsp coconut oil (I don't carefully measure, I just put in what seems right at the time.)<br />
1/2 cup popping corn (make sure you get the kind for making pop corn)<br />
Some salt to taste<br />
<br />
In a large pot, add the oil and the corn. Turn up the stove to medium high heat. I find that for my stove the sweet spot is about 3/4 of the way to high - it's has to get pretty hot to pop the corn, so you may need to use high heat depending on your stove.<br />
Make sure the lid is on your pot! You don't want popcorn all over your kitchen.<br />
Just like when making microwave popcorn, wait until the popping has slowed down, then turn off the heat and remove from the hot burner. This usually ensures that the popcorn doesn't burn. I've made this popcorn lots of times and I still occasionally get what I call a "burnerated" batch. So, keep an eye on it.<br />
Once off the heat, sprinkle with salt and pour into a bowl. The coconut oil adds a nice flavor and the right amount of oiliness - It's delicious!<br />
<br />
Weird tangential story: when I was a kid, my parents had a air-popper for making popcorn. It was this awesome machine that would spin the kernels in a heated section and the popcorn would jump out of a chute and into the bowl. It had a metal section where you could melt butter, but we never put butter on our popcorn (I was raised SUPER healthy). We did put soy sauce in a spray bottle and sprayed that on the popcorn when it was done. It was actually really delicious - so if you need something low sodium/low calorie to spice up your bland air popped popcorn, you might just give a spray bottle of low sodium soy sauce a try.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-30519251957602838662014-05-22T16:36:00.000-07:002014-05-22T16:36:46.445-07:00Steak, Potatoes and Spinach with Blue CheeseSo... it's been a while.<br />
<br />
Let me see if I can catch you all up in just a few sentences...<br />
I'm two years older.<br />
I've had a baby. She's adorable and getting cuter every day.<br />
I've done a lot of decluttering and reorganizing to streamline my life.<br />
<br />
I think that about sums it up.<br />
<br />Now, on to the reason for the post.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BTJ5raYv8Zip9UZFQJUSr5vToqms8ycQYe2QGPRxngW0TYu0CP4QdE5UrpKJOo0mYPEANOEjv80JaKD4tfkZVfjysmFXBBi04aeZw_gGZO_ZItE3DC4Rm7h990Xqj8h1iUze4fewbYw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BTJ5raYv8Zip9UZFQJUSr5vToqms8ycQYe2QGPRxngW0TYu0CP4QdE5UrpKJOo0mYPEANOEjv80JaKD4tfkZVfjysmFXBBi04aeZw_gGZO_ZItE3DC4Rm7h990Xqj8h1iUze4fewbYw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't that gorgeous. I made up some of it, and while I was cooking I said to my husband, "if this turns out well, I'm totally going to make a lazy wife post about it." And it turned out amazing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<strong>Steaks with Red Wine butter</strong> - derived from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Bourdains-Les-Halles-Cookbook/dp/158234180X" target="_blank">Les Halles cookbook by Anthony Bourdain</a><br />
The following measurements are not exact and should be tweaked to suit your own tastes.<br />
<br />
1 small red onion (the original recipe calls for shallots)<br />
1 cup red wine (I used Merlot, you can get inexpensive red wine but make sure its something you wouldn't mind drinking)<br />
Salt<br />
2 sticks of butter<br />
<br />
Enough steak to feed your family<br />
Salt & Pepper<br />
<br />
To make the flavored butter:<br />
Mince your onion, and put it in a pan, and a pinch or two of salt (depending on your tastes). Add the wine and bring up to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the wine has almost completely evaporated. Cool to room temperature. Soften the butter and blend the butter with the onion. You can do this in a food processor, or a mixer, or by hand. Just make sure it's fully incorporated and there's no large sections of plain butter. Then get out some parchment paper or plastic wrap, and make a log out of the flavored butter and chill in the fridge.<br />
You can also freeze the butter and use it at a later time - I have a bit in my freezer that I pull out any time I want some quick, easy, and delicious steak.<br />
<br />
For the meat:<br />
Salt and pepper one side of the steaks. I like using top sirloin, but you can use whatever steak you like. Preheat your oven to 350. Also, preheat an oven safe pan on the stove - I have a lovely cast iron skillet that works great. Once the pan is hot, sear the seasoned side of the meat and season the other side with salt and pepper. Sear all sides and then put the pan in the oven and cook until it's done to your liking. My husband likes his steak well done, so I get everything else going before I turn the oven off and take the meat out to rest. Once the meat is done, take it out of the oven and put a nice pat of butter on top and let the meat rest for 5 - 10 minutes so all the delicious juices get redistributed and the butter melts. Mmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.<br />
<br />
<strong>Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions</strong><br />
I eat this for breakfast most days with a fried egg, but they're just as delicious for dinner.<br />
<br />
3-4 medium sized Yukon Gold Potatoes (about 1 medium potato per person)<br />
1 medium-large onion<br />
1 Tbsp butter (you can use the wine butter in place of regular butter)<br />
Dried Thyme (optional)<br />
Salt<br />
<br />
I use a 10" ceramic non-stick skillet for this recipe. Preheat your pan on medium heat. Chop your potatoes and onion into bite sized cubes (for breakfast, I like to slice them more thinly) Melt the butter in your preheated pan. Add the onion and potatoes, and sprinkle a pinch or two of salt and dried thyme. Cover, stirring occasionally (or do that awesome chef-flick to flip everything) until the potatoes are soft. Then remove the cover and still stirring occasionally, cook until it gets deliciously caramelized and browned - you may have to turn the heat down so it doesn't get blackened.<br />
<br />
<strong>Creamed Spinach with Blue Cheese</strong><br />
I just made this up last night, so my recipe is very inexact.<br />
<br />
1 bag frozen chopped spinach<br />
1 tsp better than bullion chicken broth<br />
1/2 tsp garlic powder (more or less depending on how much you like garlic)<br />
1/4 cup milk<br />
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles<br />
<br />
In a sauce pan on low/med-low heat, add frozen spinach, chicken broth, garlic powder - put the cover on until the spinach has thawed. Once thawed, add milk and stir occasionally while it simmers for about 15 min. Add the blue cheese and stir to melt it in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna8LHW-0XdOHLQyypQZo4Sd6F4qvotSFniiNYOKJlPNlIRKOaJ5O-EH8aD8pPursQ7ayvy4NPkhoda9tSIRRTArN1K0JN37UTXkW6EylHANvwjsYK0Rp7RxYRuxe9ZPdcdEaflwhGxCk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna8LHW-0XdOHLQyypQZo4Sd6F4qvotSFniiNYOKJlPNlIRKOaJ5O-EH8aD8pPursQ7ayvy4NPkhoda9tSIRRTArN1K0JN37UTXkW6EylHANvwjsYK0Rp7RxYRuxe9ZPdcdEaflwhGxCk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then you serve it all up and feel like you're eating at a 5 star restaurant. I'm so glad I added that blue cheese to the spinach... and I'm also glad that I made enough last night that I have left overs to eat for lunch today :)The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-91223895177484654132012-08-20T23:42:00.000-07:002012-08-20T23:42:00.246-07:00Yesterday, Today & TomorrowWhat I did Yesterday (over the weekend, really...):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9nqlpa3aEcErxzA5SANa-9jm3b3yTrQSARTxCur-xi4hCUBPguik06-7BBNsXs_pRoKutC844GAeS8l-iKD1MYYXIjaUvAas5qWyBZT4A8QD68WWOlTCs_HxJt9mzayEbPyGhRRF5hA/s1600/IMG_4760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9nqlpa3aEcErxzA5SANa-9jm3b3yTrQSARTxCur-xi4hCUBPguik06-7BBNsXs_pRoKutC844GAeS8l-iKD1MYYXIjaUvAas5qWyBZT4A8QD68WWOlTCs_HxJt9mzayEbPyGhRRF5hA/s320/IMG_4760.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, I glued every single one of those little roses on there...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoH0SxjgMNi79f8s-MXOuhIspMbq1k5UOAw4ymjlw9I3kWvv10kXCcG7wP4uIlUgUJ82_jx6E46C6ad1gdCSbI0NN45Ago3sI74tRuMG979RX0DyYGyNiXQ-pt1AigTDzb3tQAfaFKY8/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoH0SxjgMNi79f8s-MXOuhIspMbq1k5UOAw4ymjlw9I3kWvv10kXCcG7wP4uIlUgUJ82_jx6E46C6ad1gdCSbI0NN45Ago3sI74tRuMG979RX0DyYGyNiXQ-pt1AigTDzb3tQAfaFKY8/s320/IMG_4762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Aed1pgI7SVyB1fVNe91YGXOCaqiQHs8srR0fQlLOle3WvtY7AWsLqLLJMGZ9VuwuPxaEJzvL1snbqFHsnH5LSNytTkfnE0zsMAmTFM-46fiVp0LOz_6IcwcBmUibEa7vV5OYs59ypkc/s1600/IMG_4765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Aed1pgI7SVyB1fVNe91YGXOCaqiQHs8srR0fQlLOle3WvtY7AWsLqLLJMGZ9VuwuPxaEJzvL1snbqFHsnH5LSNytTkfnE0zsMAmTFM-46fiVp0LOz_6IcwcBmUibEa7vV5OYs59ypkc/s320/IMG_4765.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This is what I did Today:<br />
I went from this: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe29werbjaGKjV9f_en9gPQcYguSeBiqr9yYXbqF2E8Apvju507bBddaShKnhijeLPdLaVlZ5LGdXPZd-gz2ifdV4Gy4E2hWHzCmk-f-zy7T0DRj_xui-vEUvENP5lzkIPMI4Ini8rLo/s1600/IMG_4767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe29werbjaGKjV9f_en9gPQcYguSeBiqr9yYXbqF2E8Apvju507bBddaShKnhijeLPdLaVlZ5LGdXPZd-gz2ifdV4Gy4E2hWHzCmk-f-zy7T0DRj_xui-vEUvENP5lzkIPMI4Ini8rLo/s320/IMG_4767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
To this: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOkEyNFogmQmJQeAjQT9G-6KU6GVUjvc-9FM-9zoi7LkEmyszt_MJ_OjAtDM2PqFjxGE2yJ2PjAMSzVJ3Brn8NiUaIFkSrPCKj0Jw-Bmh9FQXN88DvDhArmukHUzXL-8OU-BNBsl8R8s/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOkEyNFogmQmJQeAjQT9G-6KU6GVUjvc-9FM-9zoi7LkEmyszt_MJ_OjAtDM2PqFjxGE2yJ2PjAMSzVJ3Brn8NiUaIFkSrPCKj0Jw-Bmh9FQXN88DvDhArmukHUzXL-8OU-BNBsl8R8s/s320/IMG_4768.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is what I'll be doing tomorrow:<br />
Just so my Husband has brownies to take to work on his birthday...<br />
<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/08/my-favorite-brownies/">Smitten Kitchen Brownie Recipe</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfA3q7SUnSQHUuGAkoJpxe6U7OFk_z1m7xaVQAxdDtH8zcip8g5XxoKeBfhuSVGYwgV9GO3Wu2U9hgYcFy8cNiR5aqvh9ZHymeZinpDPa0W4e-DM71Z7T9Sk6tmLkKQSzd2M_OQBQpOg/s1600/brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfA3q7SUnSQHUuGAkoJpxe6U7OFk_z1m7xaVQAxdDtH8zcip8g5XxoKeBfhuSVGYwgV9GO3Wu2U9hgYcFy8cNiR5aqvh9ZHymeZinpDPa0W4e-DM71Z7T9Sk6tmLkKQSzd2M_OQBQpOg/s320/brownies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Mmm... <br />
<br />The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-62408306196629730562012-08-09T23:54:00.000-07:002012-08-09T23:57:19.097-07:00Dinner HighlightsSo. I know there are some people out there that are able to menu plan like champions. They're organized and make lists of what they're going to make and what they'll need for the next week or two of meals. Some of them even prep all their meals on one day and then pull things out of the freezer... or make more of one meal so they can use the meat in the next nights meal, or maybe even two nights. I know there are people out there like that.<br />
<br />
I am not like that...<br />
<br />
I wish I were like that, I wish I could plan ahead and know what I'm going to make... and I've tried it. I had one week where I planned out everything we were going to eat... but by day 3 or so, I was way off from the list, and just ended up doing what I always do... which is throw a meal together with whatever I have in the fridge/freezer and hope it goes well.<br />
<br />
And I've gotten pretty darn good at doing that. I don't look at recipes (generally) I just rummage around in the fridge and see what I've got. Usually the meals turn out ok, sometimes they turn out amazing.<br />
<br />
Here's some of the highlights:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHbp-suuqpuCQx2slpFM7jdIx7uhol86S_XDhWyP7Z0Ky1iS-TkFDVZ8MqXHMcLcjtaEHhVDVoqezcQlY-f5G-K3O36PrLelpyQ1A15V3wfa7OHUkYrbiX61NJG7WSzowGdOOfczXW1Y/s1600/IMG_4626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHbp-suuqpuCQx2slpFM7jdIx7uhol86S_XDhWyP7Z0Ky1iS-TkFDVZ8MqXHMcLcjtaEHhVDVoqezcQlY-f5G-K3O36PrLelpyQ1A15V3wfa7OHUkYrbiX61NJG7WSzowGdOOfczXW1Y/s320/IMG_4626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This meal did not turn out as well as it looks. The chicken recipe was from <a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-cooking.html">ringaroundtherosies.net</a> - it's the Teriyaki chicken recipe... I think it would have been alright with chicken thighs instead of breasts, because the meat turned out really dry after cooking in the crockpot. I generally have some rice sitting around from another meal, and I'd just made hard boiled eggs earlier that day, so this was a pretty easy meal to put together (especially since I went through that phase when I liked making Bento lunches and bought some rice and egg molds from my local Asian market).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe6OrScnIf93OI-MitKtow0bi0kLK-2QSKfk27N3G6d8e6r1Ku4fR_AoracQTbzuzfaPTC2Lff8zKLiPAVXjtPm8dvS0QZ3_1c441wyFkSOMtSUs1gYDGqm1YR-YwyhNvqPaAVWq1BgU/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe6OrScnIf93OI-MitKtow0bi0kLK-2QSKfk27N3G6d8e6r1Ku4fR_AoracQTbzuzfaPTC2Lff8zKLiPAVXjtPm8dvS0QZ3_1c441wyFkSOMtSUs1gYDGqm1YR-YwyhNvqPaAVWq1BgU/s320/IMG_4492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to give some thanks to Trader Joe's for this meal. It's pretty much from there, except for the nut pesto on the pasta (the nuts and oil came from Costco). So, the meat is the Chimichurri Wild Pacific Salmon from Trader Joes - I don't usually like cooked fish (I'll eat Sushi, but not cooked fish, I know I'm weird) but this fish is AWESOME. I've bought it quite a few times, until my local TJ's ran out, but they promised me it'll be back in the fall... it better be back in the fall... The lettuce and tomatoes are from TJ's (I love the mini heirloom tomatoes). And the pasta is the linguini they sell at TJ's. Yeah... it was a good meal.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotPGMl6Z6s98pZEE7vkfyrA3fU_2EOtTWRPUdXTRv6_4Cm_hLMuZEOCDtY3J4h6YD_jGu7IrVuXd550KC5CGtzbtjknGsdoNoWLbfIMNTnp7SlKCOeSMxzSQSPrg5TUOvx8J0u4fMmGQ/s1600/IMG_4677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotPGMl6Z6s98pZEE7vkfyrA3fU_2EOtTWRPUdXTRv6_4Cm_hLMuZEOCDtY3J4h6YD_jGu7IrVuXd550KC5CGtzbtjknGsdoNoWLbfIMNTnp7SlKCOeSMxzSQSPrg5TUOvx8J0u4fMmGQ/s320/IMG_4677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWE6qaiTpd44T2dffwQGqyW4AX7RWgNBIfWVpgF6BMuDAfzyUwglmWvvEwD4Op17KiGGgQcwNYnZRmjmY_prM1zMfVbTW1oNlVY1FfleBv4V5LOnp687ZPxtYx9B8gZoneqyPgx0aEuI/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWE6qaiTpd44T2dffwQGqyW4AX7RWgNBIfWVpgF6BMuDAfzyUwglmWvvEwD4Op17KiGGgQcwNYnZRmjmY_prM1zMfVbTW1oNlVY1FfleBv4V5LOnp687ZPxtYx9B8gZoneqyPgx0aEuI/s320/IMG_4678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One night I decided to make fried chicken nuggets, mostly because I'd just made chicken fried steak and I had the oil out already... I had also been watching Paula Dean fry some bacon wrapped macaroni and cheese... yes, that's right... <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/ladys-fried-mac/video/index.html">go look at it and feel your arteries clogging</a>. But from that I learned that you can use crushed up crackers instead of bread crumbs. And what did I have sitting around? Crackers. And of course chicken and eggs and flour. Anyway. This chicken was amazing. I think I could have done bigger pieces... I ended up coating some of them in Frank's RedHot Wings Sauce and put them in a salad with blue cheese dressing... mmm... I'm drooling just thinking about it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCP5Cb4NqZekrQVklZ53Fp5ghr8SWQvc2QhCDDi-YZhjt4fTE5idg88tfnybOWyd7mbxsZ38vUjwNZMRYkhuNz-P9x9QwnY5oUTgTYQO1F0jsTrkgSiOQgIpn2Pnv79h8ome84w_mP3A/s1600/IMG_4739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCP5Cb4NqZekrQVklZ53Fp5ghr8SWQvc2QhCDDi-YZhjt4fTE5idg88tfnybOWyd7mbxsZ38vUjwNZMRYkhuNz-P9x9QwnY5oUTgTYQO1F0jsTrkgSiOQgIpn2Pnv79h8ome84w_mP3A/s320/IMG_4739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was another fish meal. Weird, I know... but since TJ's was out of the Chimichurri Salmon, I ended up trying their Wild Marinated Soy Ginger Cod Fillets. And I have to say... they did it again. It was delicious, and I might add very easy to put in the oven and bake for 12 minutes. I didn't think I liked fish, but I am a changed woman. The noodles are based on the Korean dish <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japchae">Japchae</a>. The first time I made it was a while ago (mostly because I found the mung bean noodles at my local supermarket) and it's delicious. This time, I used whatever veggies I had sitting around, some in the freezer and some in the fridge. It all went together really well.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Well, I think that's about all for now. If any of these sound really good to you, then leave a comment and I'll try to remember the recipe so I can post it :D<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-1909720415196115172012-07-27T13:01:00.000-07:002012-08-01T08:57:05.814-07:00Grilled Eggplant LasagnaI was just wandering around the farmer's market near me, gathering the usual things I buy... onions, tomatoes... you know, the normal stuff. Then I saw them. The most beautiful dark purple, almost black, eggplant... aubergine if you prefer.<br />
<br />
When I had a BBQ at my disposal, I used to love marinating slices of eggplant in olive oil and balsamic vinegar and grilling it. Some of my friends would make it into baba ganoush - there is nothing like homemade baba ganoush. My mom makes an eggplant caponata that is amazing. And of course, there's always eggplant parmesan. Eggplant is just so versatile.<br />
<br />
I will also mention that when I was in Scotland with some dear friends, there was an Indian restaurant below our flat that made the most amazing eggplant recipe... I only wish I could remember the name or find the recipe, because it was a taste of heaven on a fork... I'm not kidding... absolute heaven.<br />
<br />
Now... with all those wonderful ideas running around my mind, I bought 2 aubergines to take home and cook. After a couple days of not being able to make up my mind about what I would turn these beautiful purple nightshades into, I finally decided to make up my own recipe. So I give you The Lazy Wife's Grilled Eggplant Lasagna.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KVXfeMPkv9nvYX5b2gehSKzDmGVHFaq4Mv_sFEkJ2Mh2Yid5j_ezd6cHYARO7mX_-SR7Ifv4napUMz6r16clug4HeETutvNBZM8Nl9K_ZSBKUlIl6SsK4CakqjPJAUlhdhCiFawZ8G4/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KVXfeMPkv9nvYX5b2gehSKzDmGVHFaq4Mv_sFEkJ2Mh2Yid5j_ezd6cHYARO7mX_-SR7Ifv4napUMz6r16clug4HeETutvNBZM8Nl9K_ZSBKUlIl6SsK4CakqjPJAUlhdhCiFawZ8G4/s320/IMG_4679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Normally, I have more pictures, but I wasn't really sure the recipe would turn out that great, so I didn't take pictures till I had the whole thing assembled. Oh well. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Grilled Eggplant Lasagna<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Serves 8 - 12 depending on the size of the pieces<br />
<br />
2 small-medium eggplant (1/4 - 1/2" slices lengthwise)<br />
2 sausages (I used Aidells Artichoke & Garlic, grilled them and sliced lengthwise)<br />
1 lb package mozzarella cheese (thin sliced)<br />
1 quart Marinara sauce (I used some of the <a href="http://thelazywifesguide.blogspot.com/2010/11/marinara-sauce.html">crockpot sauce</a> I made earlier in the week for spagetti, I used the same sausage in it, so it went really well - you could also use your favorite canned sauce) <br />
2 lb container ricotta cheese<br />
1 onion (cut in quarters then thin slice half moons - does that make sense to anyone?)<br />
2 carrots (shredded)<br />
2 eggs <br />
2 TBsp dried basil<br />
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese<br />
2 TBsp balsamic vinegar <br />
Olive Oil<br />
Salt & Pepper<br />
<br />
Prep your veggies. Place the eggplant slices in your lasagna dish (I used my biggest glass casserole dish, if you're lucky enough to have a lasagna pan, use that) salt and pepper them, and drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on both sides. I didn't measure the oil and vinegar, because I use bottles with pour spouts... I would assume I used about 2 - 3 TBsp of each - the eggplant will soak up quite a bit of liquid.<br />
<br />
Saute the onions with a little olive oil and salt & pepper. They will take a little while to get soft and start to caramelize on low heat, so you can start grilling your eggplant while you occasionally stir the onions.<br />
<br />
I don't have a BBQ... so I used a cast iron grill pan that I picked up for a few bucks. I grilled the eggplant on medium heat. This is mostly to get the great grilled eggplant flavor, and also to remove some of the water from the eggplant so the lasagna doesn't end up too soupy. The eggplant should be fairly soft and have good grill marks on it (good browning if using a regular pan).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Put the ricotta in a large bowl. Add the eggs, basil, parmesan cheese, and carrots. Mix well. When the onions are done, let them cool a little, then add them to the ricotta cheese mix, and stir well.<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. <br />
<br />
Once the eggplant slices are all grilled, it's time to assemble. You can pour out any excess oil and vinegar from your pan and dry it off.<br />
<br />
Put a quarter of your marinara sauce in the bottom of the pan.<br />
Then do a layer using half the grilled eggplant.<br />
Spread about half the ricotta mixture on top of the eggplant.<br />
Place about half the mozzarella on top of the ricotta.<br />
Then add the sausage slices.<br />
Spread half the remaining marinara sauce.<br />
Then the rest of the eggplant.<br />
Spread the remaining ricotta on that.<br />
Then spread the rest of the sauce.<br />
I had one piece of eggplant that didn't fit in its layer, so I put that on top of the ricotta.<br />
Then put the remaining mozzarella on top and sprinkled a little parmesan cheese on top for great justice.<br />
<br />
Put it in the oven (on the middle rack) and bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melty and starting to brown, and the sauce is bubbling on the sides... Mmmmm it smells so delicious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_Itty0s9f6OsET9WsTm5LLfrbZGCLh-bH5imLvHZkL0RyoEho9zP7nJTZ66QFjvrv4jV632Bx0waD61M9pZrMymslnJzlJPFC88plL3n9ZXlKs0H3oOuUEKtWVxJqNBD05RgBGmpUsI/s1600/Eggplant+Lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_Itty0s9f6OsET9WsTm5LLfrbZGCLh-bH5imLvHZkL0RyoEho9zP7nJTZ66QFjvrv4jV632Bx0waD61M9pZrMymslnJzlJPFC88plL3n9ZXlKs0H3oOuUEKtWVxJqNBD05RgBGmpUsI/s320/Eggplant+Lasagna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Wait for it to cool... it's really hard, I know... I actually wasn't eating mine right away, I did sneak a taste, and it's very delicious :) I let it cool and put it in the fridge overnight, then sliced a piece for lunch today. It's just as delicious when microwaved.<br />
<br />
I think it would even make a good freezer lunch, if you wanted something to take to work. You could slice it up after refrigerating, then freeze the pieces individually in microwave safe containers. Take that to work and reheat in a microwave, just like you would with a store bought frozen lasagna.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<br />
This recipe is gluten free, and an easy way to make this dish lacto-ovo vegetarian friendly, is to leave out the sausage slices and the meat in the sauce.<br />
<br />
*Note: My husband has not yet taste tested this recipe, so I cannot say it's husband approved... I'll let you know the verdict as soon as he tries it.<br />
<br />
Follow-up: Well, my husband liked it! And if you knew how much my husband dislikes vegetables, you'd be amazed too. He did say that it was a little hard to cut through with a fork, because I left the eggplant slices whole. Next time I might dice them up... or maybe I'll just make him use a knife.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-38419696921143626372012-07-03T19:39:00.000-07:002012-07-27T13:06:29.258-07:00Instant Frozen YogurtIt's summer here... it's so hot that it feels like summer is slapping me in the face:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRL2BX8yDS9BaswAlz3kwIGZImnuEY0pc9MeFz7mabNRl53jqKEslgM6Av_1VbrRT5XUYBxgdjlHpkrY_YBrU-weHV07fSSehxSG3GmKbBT4QX8qQPrnvtztUArc3aSh8vdrBt_Bwj3E/s320/Batman+slaps+summer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer probably does slap a lot like Batman.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes. That's how it feels. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway. Here's just a few ways I get relief from the summer heat without having to leave our apartment complex:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) Go for a dip in the pool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Crank up the AC in the apartment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Make some delicious frozen yogurt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's focus on that last one :)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPeEFrtaG2R-FvLgJcF_pWUv9TVJ6Hug9a1eLZxBqPar_TjiNebndoV2IDBo8Jz-IQgy0n5qxYakgAvO68IPlmFmLxpvmR95Hll45Kx_8JExtxGhR5odrd53rApq6sYY8cec9b991GOE/s1600/IMG_4570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPeEFrtaG2R-FvLgJcF_pWUv9TVJ6Hug9a1eLZxBqPar_TjiNebndoV2IDBo8Jz-IQgy0n5qxYakgAvO68IPlmFmLxpvmR95Hll45Kx_8JExtxGhR5odrd53rApq6sYY8cec9b991GOE/s320/IMG_4570.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been making a series of cooling beverages in my blender. Because every iced drink tastes better blended. Then I started thinking about lassis. They're basically yogurt blended with some fruit and maybe some other stuff. This recipe is somewhere between frozen yogurt and a lassi - and like most of my recipes, I didn't really measure when I made it, so the measurements are approximate and you can adjust it to your own tastes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup yogurt (I like vanilla, so that's what I had on hand, you could also use plain)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup frozen berries (I used raspberries the first time, and a mix of raspberries and strawberries the second time, both were awesome)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
a little bit of honey (you can leave this out if using a sweetened yogurt) </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXVxLrR9Hv0PAFvSITLFqWnlIJy-ii-YMOfcdtANZ3M5xLBwv4x7xlWIB6O5GG83NQ8_zlgGR1LT_QzRYSWSeQKkvlVb278UZ9E4bKvv37pps6fabqtdIhcvF0UaLxrDFsom0dno_tQ0/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXVxLrR9Hv0PAFvSITLFqWnlIJy-ii-YMOfcdtANZ3M5xLBwv4x7xlWIB6O5GG83NQ8_zlgGR1LT_QzRYSWSeQKkvlVb278UZ9E4bKvv37pps6fabqtdIhcvF0UaLxrDFsom0dno_tQ0/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add the yogurt, berries and honey to the blender. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH1CLXRxWrBp5UUXjiL2mBCpkTSIn_KpWEY2lMmqbkbemwGf1DkqShyphenhyphenx8sU5-slCeTkixe4dq2b-dTrhIjyIj-kw4EmeUhj3oFisAVuTBNkWrTFeTU1Fcwyayw8UMFUibPW8sy2nPSaM/s1600/IMG_4593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH1CLXRxWrBp5UUXjiL2mBCpkTSIn_KpWEY2lMmqbkbemwGf1DkqShyphenhyphenx8sU5-slCeTkixe4dq2b-dTrhIjyIj-kw4EmeUhj3oFisAVuTBNkWrTFeTU1Fcwyayw8UMFUibPW8sy2nPSaM/s320/IMG_4593.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and enjoy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8coo3Yc8UemHve4XRlEqC8yHp1aXLklgqZnez_QlEIXdCnc_eeEJnxLh-MX2mhbfOq1UZ4twiQ5szO6KCsNPGg1rAziFcdKrnfPZ15PebL0jjNhuN3QkOAuepV5qbGsWNwwzXpG2sss/s1600/IMG_4594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8coo3Yc8UemHve4XRlEqC8yHp1aXLklgqZnez_QlEIXdCnc_eeEJnxLh-MX2mhbfOq1UZ4twiQ5szO6KCsNPGg1rAziFcdKrnfPZ15PebL0jjNhuN3QkOAuepV5qbGsWNwwzXpG2sss/s320/IMG_4594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You could probably also make a bigger batch and put it in a glass baking pan and freeze it for a while, then scoop it out with an ice cream scoop. I think I might have to try that next :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I should also note that if you use a bit more of the frozen berries and less yogurt, it will obviously be thicker. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How do you plan to beat the summer heat? I would love more suggestions!</div>The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-10207351142093418682012-07-01T18:07:00.000-07:002012-07-01T18:10:11.970-07:00Some Like it HotNope. Not talking about the movie... I'm talking about snacks.<br />
<br />
My husband really likes spicy chips. Like the <a href="http://www.fritolay.com/our-snacks/doritos-flamas.html">FLAMAS® DORITOS®</a>. They're pretty darn spicy... I can eat like 3 or 4 before my mouth catches on fire... but he LOVES them. He also likes running, and having an extra pound or five can really make running a pain... literally. So, rather than run out to the store because my husband was craving a high calorie hot and spicy snack, I made some Spicy Edamame.<br />
<br />
I didn't use a recipe for these, so the measurements are approximate and really up to your own taste... but here goes.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<br />
Spicy Edamame<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7xf40ox-6PuPJnQXLMEnmu7uQgqyRVljj9ssBIL5VjabgEiQqvX2kaC-TuDcqkcAKtYZHF7z7i4bEBA5YIJRIKmgE1iViR-X8eqCzLNyeh2BYqpLIyOtBJiInudwzPQelDHgC-qqAWQ/s1600/IMG_4555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7xf40ox-6PuPJnQXLMEnmu7uQgqyRVljj9ssBIL5VjabgEiQqvX2kaC-TuDcqkcAKtYZHF7z7i4bEBA5YIJRIKmgE1iViR-X8eqCzLNyeh2BYqpLIyOtBJiInudwzPQelDHgC-qqAWQ/s320/IMG_4555.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
1 bag frozen Edamame (I got mine from Trader Joes)<br />
2-3 cups water<br />
1 1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp chili powder<br />
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more if you want it spicier)<br />
<br />
Put the water in a pot. Bring it to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt and the edamame. Boil for about 5 minutes (basically follow the instructions on the bag), then strain the edamame. Place the edamame in a bowl, add the remaining salt, chili powder and cayenne pepper and mix. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6xRhbshB8pqkDIpLTx81_LZJTMV_620KE0FKoEstK4mYGIMI72grvDWCPumG595EIX7mT6yLLbI6qKI5IlG3kA_8JlpF0S2EsBeWBaJ1Y10bbzbpyCI3WpIqF529zcIJYp_wEx4YDpc/s1600/IMG_4549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6xRhbshB8pqkDIpLTx81_LZJTMV_620KE0FKoEstK4mYGIMI72grvDWCPumG595EIX7mT6yLLbI6qKI5IlG3kA_8JlpF0S2EsBeWBaJ1Y10bbzbpyCI3WpIqF529zcIJYp_wEx4YDpc/s320/IMG_4549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you've never eaten Edamame in the pod, you hold one end with your fingers and stick the pod into your mouth up to your fingers, then bite down slightly and pull the pod out to squeeze the beans out of the pod.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-60209227594267058782012-05-04T10:55:00.000-07:002012-05-04T10:55:57.486-07:00The Lazy Wife tries Gardening... again.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2UWjD9Pfps_hmEZHULc0q382S8_w8l4v7JGPpCBwU0E_I3mzBvzsLh3fiYlzMDJgA9P7DRAOMR9UvHdh5qBDo7BGullc_gGokMar3mK3A8yWNDdh7WCqJcyY8ftIhUQkIfOdH2lDL50/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2UWjD9Pfps_hmEZHULc0q382S8_w8l4v7JGPpCBwU0E_I3mzBvzsLh3fiYlzMDJgA9P7DRAOMR9UvHdh5qBDo7BGullc_gGokMar3mK3A8yWNDdh7WCqJcyY8ftIhUQkIfOdH2lDL50/s200/IMG_4471.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue/Purple Hydrangea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well everyone, I've moved. The boxes are unpacked, but not everything has a home yet, mainly the craft room is still a bit of a mess, but it's coming along.<br />
<br />
Some of you may know that gardening runs in my family. My grandpa at one point had about 300 orchids... my mom generally has several orchids growing and used to have masses of african violets. My dad maintains the garden around their house and usually has lots of vegetables and flowers to share with family and friends. My sister always has a great garden going... but somehow, I missed out on this family green thumb. I've killed <strike>just about</strike> every plant I've ever owned. <br />
<br />
I think I have identified my problem though... it's that I am an inconsistent water-er. <br />
<br />
I get really excited in the beginning and water regularly... then I lose interest and my plants become neglected... then I realize that I've been neglecting them but I can't remember the last time I watered... so I over water... then I forget for a while... you see the cycle. This is a pretty consistent feature in my life overall - I can do some things consistently, like brush my teeth and feed my cat every day, but I'm not so good when it's something I have to do every few days... Needless to say, this is not a behavior that many plants can live with... so they give up on me and go to the big garden in the sky.<br />
<br />
However, they say that identifying the problem is the first step to overcoming it... or something like that. So, I'm trying again. I was going to start out small... like, with a cast-iron plant, which I hear are very hard to kill... but then I visited my sister this last weekend and I ended up with quite a few plants to put in my back patio, and a couple for inside my apartment. Not that I'm complaining... I just have a horrible feeling that I'll relapse into a plant murderer again :(<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPsZW8CpAzUeNVTFZgJQRAOx461TR5Q9g4b6UhKH0mlgkdSMX-qTfVDcQBoa8munYR4SALEB-R8Vu9q6Pi3pAXWDq9qRyCoPPOqSE1hJ4JH-D64oJSmTpwVH2wfzPntnQpOO6yl_arZE/s1600/IMG_4465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPsZW8CpAzUeNVTFZgJQRAOx461TR5Q9g4b6UhKH0mlgkdSMX-qTfVDcQBoa8munYR4SALEB-R8Vu9q6Pi3pAXWDq9qRyCoPPOqSE1hJ4JH-D64oJSmTpwVH2wfzPntnQpOO6yl_arZE/s320/IMG_4465.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1BYBmkfwbiW3YE5Phu_zPnPapIUeS3ZvXXfy9db9b-aMF3c3AQ1jr_3TTfe29yPUQZ_1do1snTG9PcrzzEUtjhtevBH3C5IFpELs_5nNcPO7XXB30Z_bO9j9-iG-gr-H2BDZDYQV7So/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1BYBmkfwbiW3YE5Phu_zPnPapIUeS3ZvXXfy9db9b-aMF3c3AQ1jr_3TTfe29yPUQZ_1do1snTG9PcrzzEUtjhtevBH3C5IFpELs_5nNcPO7XXB30Z_bO9j9-iG-gr-H2BDZDYQV7So/s320/IMG_4466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But, to be hopeful... things have started out fairly well. I only have one plant that is looking somewhat dead (but it looked like that when I got it, so I don't feel like it's entirely my fault). I do feel rather good about the Peonies... since they looked rather sad when I got them from Costco, and now they're looking a lot more perky and happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndblO4KHIrzy5kaOC__9beyo2OuxatcnmeALZ8Ga8PiunJ54_DeZUbn6q2o1gJW21X982WGPF5ctrycOtiFBMd1IzoRhvxtK94_uYCCsUH1gCXaGgygGQ4zrmYVdprUSEYvjuIm4Be9o/s1600/IMG_4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndblO4KHIrzy5kaOC__9beyo2OuxatcnmeALZ8Ga8PiunJ54_DeZUbn6q2o1gJW21X982WGPF5ctrycOtiFBMd1IzoRhvxtK94_uYCCsUH1gCXaGgygGQ4zrmYVdprUSEYvjuIm4Be9o/s320/IMG_4468.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Peony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hopefully, I'll continue to be able to post pictures of my tiny
garden... with plants that are not on death's doorstep... and my plant
murdering days will be in the past. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuMQZ9jZhc1jxD4yC7h1fSIpsJKRhUx5qDEBCy_VPvBib1TaYkWrv8AKblAeSdGsubOPk4Ye_kpRWF99B0g8XaTvl7NPRfgMnJGqFfj73O1A3Is6VIIKCq4ZGRht8pgyfUP_bJ0Ne1aw/s1600/IMG_4470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuMQZ9jZhc1jxD4yC7h1fSIpsJKRhUx5qDEBCy_VPvBib1TaYkWrv8AKblAeSdGsubOPk4Ye_kpRWF99B0g8XaTvl7NPRfgMnJGqFfj73O1A3Is6VIIKCq4ZGRht8pgyfUP_bJ0Ne1aw/s320/IMG_4470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Basil Plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-8858883385400492052012-03-27T23:04:00.000-07:002012-03-27T23:04:56.298-07:00A Very Quick UpdateHello Friends!<br />
<br />
It has been a while... but I've been working and working and working... since my Husband didn't have a job... Well, he had two jobs, but they were only part-time, so those kind of don't really count as a Job job. But now he has a Job job... so we're happy. The only problem now - we have to move (about 280 miles north of where we are now).<br />
<br />
But this is good for us! (I keep trying to tell myself that - over and over again) And it's good for you because I'll actually have time to write about my cookery and crafty adventures! (And maybe a few more comics for fun) Yup that's right, in about three weeks time the Lazy Wife will be back :D<br />
<br />
Also, I wanted to do a little shout out to the people that commented because they found my blog on Pinterest. I wasn't even on Pinterest myself, but people pinned the Honey Bran Muffins I made, so that's awesome! Thanks to everyone that pinned my muffins! You make me feel loved :DThe Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-53577286765171728382011-04-22T09:00:00.002-07:002012-03-27T23:16:01.325-07:00Candied AlmondsAs I was wondering what to do with my left over evaporated milk, I found a recipe for Candied Pecans that sounded pretty good. But then I realized that I didn't have any pecans sitting around, and I didn't particularly want to go out an buy any because I'll be moving soon, and the fewer things I have to take with me, the better. I did have a large bag of almonds though. So I decided to adapt the recipe to almonds, pecans would work well too, of course. The original recipe is <a href="http://www.mealsmatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/39058">here</a>. But I ended up doubling it (but I'll post the original proportions, because really, how often do people need 6 cups of candied almonds?), so that I could use up all the evaporated milk I had, and I added a few more spices, because really 1/4 tsp of cinnamon is not enough.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
Candied Almonds<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu5FOFlLTCyXFX16pb1aiECtuJTPNRupjcGjo41QaNBlA_m0kncadpC0CtiU8DLIDIfbmFSE-4UoSaiGcvTbt_NAhlxF8_qZ1ik3EvnQMSXWJIjZUG1y-15EQRzivrzlqlem2lDkiN2A/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu5FOFlLTCyXFX16pb1aiECtuJTPNRupjcGjo41QaNBlA_m0kncadpC0CtiU8DLIDIfbmFSE-4UoSaiGcvTbt_NAhlxF8_qZ1ik3EvnQMSXWJIjZUG1y-15EQRzivrzlqlem2lDkiN2A/s200/IMG_3765.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
3 Cups whole Almonds<br />
1 cup sugar (1/2 brown sugar, 1/2 white)<br />
1/4 cup Evaporated milk<br />
2 Tbsp Water<br />
1/2 tsp Vanilla<br />
1 tsp Cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp Ginger<br />
1/4 tsp Cardamom<br />
1 pinch Clove <br />
1 pinch Cayenne pepper (if you want a slightly spicy sweet nut)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Combine the evaporated milk, water, vanilla, sugar and spices in a saucepan on medium heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDWjK2ijuTcoqX07uN1AzXEbmTIuCwOFenkITt3zwl63CmwnQNFIMNtq28Qfly4yagNjivJJqCJeWDIiTAduwBjR_gABrElL71Teo06r82T2xjro8t4pdyW87LRufNoTyz7NznNtqPUU/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDWjK2ijuTcoqX07uN1AzXEbmTIuCwOFenkITt3zwl63CmwnQNFIMNtq28Qfly4yagNjivJJqCJeWDIiTAduwBjR_gABrElL71Teo06r82T2xjro8t4pdyW87LRufNoTyz7NznNtqPUU/s320/IMG_3767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
Stir until the sugar is dissolved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmhxPURKFhwkyY8GmAlzaT4CEcVyEcg3OJUOQMNy4LKOMLqabIDi9Q-804sWJqTEWlx1zhys5yyHRwL8BeoPDUSn5IvbnC4FvJdGLCKRnUe58lN0t-9x4o-Mt0-zQvaWjcSSwKn4KsyI/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmhxPURKFhwkyY8GmAlzaT4CEcVyEcg3OJUOQMNy4LKOMLqabIDi9Q-804sWJqTEWlx1zhys5yyHRwL8BeoPDUSn5IvbnC4FvJdGLCKRnUe58lN0t-9x4o-Mt0-zQvaWjcSSwKn4KsyI/s320/IMG_3768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add the Almonds, and simmer, while stirring, until there is no syrup left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hQRclHJTbdEWteO_vyWvGB9mXllYr2v1SMsA5DIDrpr4vOpZAIGXSJPFKtyF4bvx1Vvg5AEb6eC38XMDpMi_v29JnatFCZ0dr_UksvYeMtP6n3sAtVxyLJ-SEB9WA2B03xtLlbQPEEU/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hQRclHJTbdEWteO_vyWvGB9mXllYr2v1SMsA5DIDrpr4vOpZAIGXSJPFKtyF4bvx1Vvg5AEb6eC38XMDpMi_v29JnatFCZ0dr_UksvYeMtP6n3sAtVxyLJ-SEB9WA2B03xtLlbQPEEU/s320/IMG_3771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Spread out on wax paper to cool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdWmwtF6ctYLVrnFV06d94_vI8j6KdNCdR-NtrCER4wHA-TaZ1aDpyzGjk8-o_4gu_C9-bAY27ADX-IKeYHJ_hnIm94di0v_diCccqhET72YHVOsKZBr5BHvkfvzXF3OPHALjsSgSW_4/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdWmwtF6ctYLVrnFV06d94_vI8j6KdNCdR-NtrCER4wHA-TaZ1aDpyzGjk8-o_4gu_C9-bAY27ADX-IKeYHJ_hnIm94di0v_diCccqhET72YHVOsKZBr5BHvkfvzXF3OPHALjsSgSW_4/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
This is for crispy, dry candied almonds... you could also cook a little less time, so there is still a little syrup left, and pour them onto wax paper, in which case you'll have slightly more sticky candied almonds. It's really up to your taste. I think mine would have been even better if I had toasted the almonds first, and then candied them. Maybe I'll try putting some of these in the oven to roast a little.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-64440827362932375642011-04-18T09:00:00.001-07:002012-03-27T23:17:24.489-07:00Hawaiian Sweet BreadI was kneading bread yesterday, and I started thinking that my arms would probably look a lot better (read: less flabby) if I baked bread every day. But then I realized that I'd also have to be eating the bread I made that day, which, I think, would cause some pretty intense weight gain. Unless, of course, my evil plan of baking bread and delivering it to people came to fruition...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRzWebGnhKvoOEcYT4ERuCasR9212CWoxszGXs-cPhj3Tv_DBXKU_b64lSG4pSkza9-MyhR2FpJv3sjQq6e0mQuHWSvM1gEVuHrtiO4ts9ljVm06T06f-RbFRPqO1lPRYbiIGfQWzQ2I/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRzWebGnhKvoOEcYT4ERuCasR9212CWoxszGXs-cPhj3Tv_DBXKU_b64lSG4pSkza9-MyhR2FpJv3sjQq6e0mQuHWSvM1gEVuHrtiO4ts9ljVm06T06f-RbFRPqO1lPRYbiIGfQWzQ2I/s320/IMG_3734.JPG" width="240" /></a>I love bread. And one bread that I have a particular passion for is Hawaiian Sweet bread. So, of course, when I saw a recipe for it, I decided that I should give it a try (since King's is SO expensive)... and I just happened to have a can of evaporated milk on hand - I don't know where it came from, I certainly didn't buy it - and I REALLY love Hawaiian Sweet bread... I will admit that my bread isn't exactly like King's Hawaiian, but it does make up for it in cost.<br />
<br />
I was trying to make medium sized sandwich rolls, but they puffed up a lot in my oven, so they definitely could have started out smaller. Also, the recipe I used lied to me in a couple places, so I'm giving you *my* recipe that has corrections/lazy options included. I found the recipe online, it said that it was a version adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Paradise-Exploring-Culinary-Heritage/dp/0824817788?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Food of Paradise</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0824817788" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, but now I can't find the site, so I can't link to it :P<br />
<br />
In response to this post, I expect you all to be extremely sad that you don't live with me or close enough to me to get a sample of this bread...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
Hawaiian Sweet Bread<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i_JVNH9rW9q-UaIeXWPMzSHejxLZVwUFYBlIEbQsWuZI4ixhrvCgTsYX1AwOXdAkAOIby8yWlTKHf5yU1blacMY64DrIkmMBgZFG6HD5YUduxq0xGRp-_x_kAIwDk186eqsOoUyFjys/s1600/IMG_3715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i_JVNH9rW9q-UaIeXWPMzSHejxLZVwUFYBlIEbQsWuZI4ixhrvCgTsYX1AwOXdAkAOIby8yWlTKHf5yU1blacMY64DrIkmMBgZFG6HD5YUduxq0xGRp-_x_kAIwDk186eqsOoUyFjys/s320/IMG_3715.JPG" width="320" /></a>(I ended up with 8 pretty large rolls, more like small loaves of bread, you could easily make a bunch of smaller rolls - or reduce the recipe)<br />
<br />
1/2 cup milk, warmed<br />
1 1/2 packages dry yeast (I have yeast in a jar now, I used 3 1/4 tsp)<br />
1/2 teaspoon sugar<br />
1 cup evaporated milk or light cream<br />
5 tablespoons butter<br />
large pinch nutmeg (about 1/4 tsp)<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
4 cups bread flour (I only had all purpose, it worked fine)<br />
4 eggs, lightly beaten<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>2 Tbsp melted butter or 1 egg (with a little water) for glazing<br />
<br />
Mix warm milk, yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Allow to stand until the mixture is bubbly, if your yeast is good and your milk is warm (make sure you don't kill your yeast beasts with too much heat), this shouldn't take long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfqMRKbymWsK3j16BUxDKpvi5UWDLUzlT4gqNjvZnZeaOCGL4BeWJM5z6FR2xOWbrDj3X9dqFyC4ZcnUmfiB2UR3q2nr5v25a3Oe1u277qlR049fzyAyfTDKIo3bnBmhHeJd8rktblGk/s1600/IMG_3717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfqMRKbymWsK3j16BUxDKpvi5UWDLUzlT4gqNjvZnZeaOCGL4BeWJM5z6FR2xOWbrDj3X9dqFyC4ZcnUmfiB2UR3q2nr5v25a3Oe1u277qlR049fzyAyfTDKIo3bnBmhHeJd8rktblGk/s320/IMG_3717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In a saucepan, warm the evaporated milk over low heat. Add the butter, nutmeg, and 1 cup sugar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNTTDfRFASLHitzLnbbkUwlGtB_rBCFIOuBVKPZqcWeQP3_Ycq5J_KrXJx-DjM7qflmtES7lcW2XxL2F9GtRBd1QzzPOO4l8xpTf2LvViwLcsaqCCfQ05g7GjsPUaWUeBPWKDRyKwZKE/s1600/IMG_3718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNTTDfRFASLHitzLnbbkUwlGtB_rBCFIOuBVKPZqcWeQP3_Ycq5J_KrXJx-DjM7qflmtES7lcW2XxL2F9GtRBd1QzzPOO4l8xpTf2LvViwLcsaqCCfQ05g7GjsPUaWUeBPWKDRyKwZKE/s320/IMG_3718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Stir until the butter is melted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWnAOvL9tv4tOEcQDXHRU6OcPyKwQOVXew_JLS7Z-1ynB4I9ukMdmGtzlQr_ZXFqCS-gMk9aZ0O8GUNgV-yCzAltBYJ6Q3SGKj-KrUoAWDMH3OSZKLFih4dGoPWDpZuGU9RphmMjXh_E/s1600/IMG_3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWnAOvL9tv4tOEcQDXHRU6OcPyKwQOVXew_JLS7Z-1ynB4I9ukMdmGtzlQr_ZXFqCS-gMk9aZ0O8GUNgV-yCzAltBYJ6Q3SGKj-KrUoAWDMH3OSZKLFih4dGoPWDpZuGU9RphmMjXh_E/s320/IMG_3721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Place the flour in a large mixing bowl (I got a large plastic bin for making bread). Add the eggs, the yeast mixture and the salt. Add the evaporated milk mixture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWXCvZkUngvq46liBTzkQTO_sfP6hMNngT9kwI6Fr1nZlruAfV-_4jJhmsG7c12KDfLIew7T3ppJmIQHMB5unbA1L6vT0SYfjcUXGm15DXA55U8iLN7nRdVYGCVemTVWis1NDZEj7kHE/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWXCvZkUngvq46liBTzkQTO_sfP6hMNngT9kwI6Fr1nZlruAfV-_4jJhmsG7c12KDfLIew7T3ppJmIQHMB5unbA1L6vT0SYfjcUXGm15DXA55U8iLN7nRdVYGCVemTVWis1NDZEj7kHE/s320/IMG_3722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After this step, my dough looked rather soupy (as you can see), so I added flour until it was a nice soft (slightly sticky) dough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pUueZE0Id5AeAkgVlKo1oOAi0fJ_QOGMZcsGYobXw4W31tiIhuecEAjdhNCdweI104A7E0qKh23k2Ek1TarNRqXekBrIGEwXxtK1PDg62ATEnITIkqiuL07VJlz4wK03lWPEkLsnVoo/s1600/IMG_3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pUueZE0Id5AeAkgVlKo1oOAi0fJ_QOGMZcsGYobXw4W31tiIhuecEAjdhNCdweI104A7E0qKh23k2Ek1TarNRqXekBrIGEwXxtK1PDg62ATEnITIkqiuL07VJlz4wK03lWPEkLsnVoo/s320/IMG_3723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Knead for 15 minutes (this really is a good arm work out). Allow the loaf to rise in a warm place to double it's size.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0JsMp6wlhCcNYKOp4AoJZgwmTbKnrcZbCRYObycE7timO9sI0BBXbNazFcDY-V__ra_v9cd5LNHEexPyyNxqZfcVon0i8RV9ivs6-sm9ygE7_Y8uMrLqos9cSHLtVX9UUUqwJjJwwzc/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0JsMp6wlhCcNYKOp4AoJZgwmTbKnrcZbCRYObycE7timO9sI0BBXbNazFcDY-V__ra_v9cd5LNHEexPyyNxqZfcVon0i8RV9ivs6-sm9ygE7_Y8uMrLqos9cSHLtVX9UUUqwJjJwwzc/s320/IMG_3726.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Punch it down (yup, with your fist) and let it rise again, I usually move the dough around a little inside the container.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRIRnfLZPdkFiZHVxJgh1_tat1lR9WcXdS-hch4zeflmJv_9qCvuGIIb70Jjcm9nZVecEZ9n2WY3sciwGFcRrHKtBsni-UC8AR1-zQRMXkmWXe6brl51SYeloSgEKuCoFm-n41iw3G6w/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRIRnfLZPdkFiZHVxJgh1_tat1lR9WcXdS-hch4zeflmJv_9qCvuGIIb70Jjcm9nZVecEZ9n2WY3sciwGFcRrHKtBsni-UC8AR1-zQRMXkmWXe6brl51SYeloSgEKuCoFm-n41iw3G6w/s320/IMG_3727.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Form into a round loaf, or lots of rolls, and allow to rise one more time. I put them fairly close together so they'd get those delicious pull apart sides :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8NQawoBVfUpcwHzKuXi8h8tD2dk5LEVj69YxBCX3Ce787pEz3GkJxQqhbI1uvk1Nr3DXE1YGqNS-sGKedDH75p5sL7_ewNrnrt3XaqHdogGnpsHUJMtvrM_9JaORIjPI2tmXprz4DWQ/s1600/IMG_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8NQawoBVfUpcwHzKuXi8h8tD2dk5LEVj69YxBCX3Ce787pEz3GkJxQqhbI1uvk1Nr3DXE1YGqNS-sGKedDH75p5sL7_ewNrnrt3XaqHdogGnpsHUJMtvrM_9JaORIjPI2tmXprz4DWQ/s320/IMG_3729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Preheat the oven to 325F. Melt the butter, or mix the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the top(s) of your bread. I think the egg wash would make them a little more glossy when finished, but I didn't feel like cracking another egg.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7Q7JvIvC9H8LqFiOyOLX_hRh0bnrBgQrfQ2q34kDNNz2m4iZ7ohWwVfqqncc1jRRt5d4WW9Yyip-32MHB8Uwbq-BW4jiZT8q3lWU1-n-KXmR2kN2v5qxn-ej8I9wqEN8AFD0ZwRHGUA/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7Q7JvIvC9H8LqFiOyOLX_hRh0bnrBgQrfQ2q34kDNNz2m4iZ7ohWwVfqqncc1jRRt5d4WW9Yyip-32MHB8Uwbq-BW4jiZT8q3lWU1-n-KXmR2kN2v5qxn-ej8I9wqEN8AFD0ZwRHGUA/s320/IMG_3731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes until golden brown (and they sound a little hollow when you tap them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFIdbyd-s8nuu0NM4VpAmIVNyNIm5sAcySjE2rlnFuPL7K69ThXm99biCbDS-iEX1YjP0p5dWulUq4UkCrYkicblJ3mJLTLO6ZgyyWvYEtjECxq-Oz1eudmCyRxUrYDdYRvSo-sPoWdY/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFIdbyd-s8nuu0NM4VpAmIVNyNIm5sAcySjE2rlnFuPL7K69ThXm99biCbDS-iEX1YjP0p5dWulUq4UkCrYkicblJ3mJLTLO6ZgyyWvYEtjECxq-Oz1eudmCyRxUrYDdYRvSo-sPoWdY/s320/IMG_3732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Remove from heat, let them cool on a rack, and when they're still a little warm, put them in plastic bags so you get that bit of condensation that will keep them moist and squishy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
And now you can enjoy delicious Hawaiian sweet bread anytime you want :D Of course, now I have about 1/4 of a can of evaporated milk, and I have no idea what to do with it! Any suggestions?The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-46294147893516865902011-04-15T22:18:00.001-07:002012-03-27T23:18:00.255-07:00Mini Pommes AnnaThat's right! Potatoes! Not just any potatoes! Deliciously French potatoes, or rather Mini Pommes Anna.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTRRrMRbn80KZpBAjOQYOnD5I-6Enb-CbZSLZRFLenOvuf9TYjeA5qd2xGoo8qHKuaEHKoj40unS6eJJCBVdlwzuJwEHYLc_pgfqscfZeB3kMd1anOhDLMDSLeMBGs9pPWQb1Dv8YRic/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTRRrMRbn80KZpBAjOQYOnD5I-6Enb-CbZSLZRFLenOvuf9TYjeA5qd2xGoo8qHKuaEHKoj40unS6eJJCBVdlwzuJwEHYLc_pgfqscfZeB3kMd1anOhDLMDSLeMBGs9pPWQb1Dv8YRic/s320/IMG_3709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pommes_Anna">Wikipedia </a>tells us that "Pommes Anna is a classic French dish of sliced, layered potatoes cooked in a very large amount of melted butter."<br />
<br />
I can't take full credit for this recipe, since I got the idea here: <a href="http://www.bakersroyale.com/savory/mini-pommes-anna/">Bakers Royale</a><br />
<br />
I changed the recipe a little, since I didn't have any Yukon Gold potatoes (those would be really good for this though) but I had a mixed bag of fingerling potatoes... and they were also very delicious. And looked a little more like a real Pommes Anna instead of just a single stack of sliced potato.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
Mini Pommes Anna<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYt-6zOdaovWF4BrCshCBlMyU8DPdUjCUJhZMFuh44SY0gJT5wzOG3kbA2pCkRsCa18Q7wz2WbfIg4ISf5o7FOafdoG7h0HghDJLXRg9cNoMIwo6ZV36OSCZegD2UbrQTKnGHteVWnNVo/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYt-6zOdaovWF4BrCshCBlMyU8DPdUjCUJhZMFuh44SY0gJT5wzOG3kbA2pCkRsCa18Q7wz2WbfIg4ISf5o7FOafdoG7h0HghDJLXRg9cNoMIwo6ZV36OSCZegD2UbrQTKnGHteVWnNVo/s320/IMG_3692.JPG" width="320" /></a>Makes 12 Muffin sized Pommes Anna<br />
<br />
Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly butter walls of muffin pan<br />
<br />
About 20 fingerling potatoes (depends on size of potatoes)<br />
5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted<br />
7-9 cloves of garlic, sliced (or minced)<br />
1 Tbsp Salt (I eyeballed it)<br />
2 tsp black pepper (again, eyeballed)<br />
<br />
Originally the recipe did not include garlic... but who doesn't like garlic potatoes?! <br />
<br />
Wash potatoes, you could peel them if using yukons, fingerlings have such thin skin anyway that it didn't seem to matter. Slice potatoes and garlic, I used a mandolin, but just as thin as you can with a knife or vegetable peeler if you want super thin slices. Put the potatoes, melted butter, garlic slices, salt and pepper in a bowl and toss them together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM04IVCoue0IkAMMG3JT0ncNBYAXVGIBfDaygiASMDAHqKG_lu_rzRSiD-qOwSIBcY9rajICl5kSvTlSsFtDO_I69GNTqnZIg6ifn9Bd22GPN-pS6LWcjLS7dVlLWLeBNapI0U2NcOHQ/s1600/IMG_3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM04IVCoue0IkAMMG3JT0ncNBYAXVGIBfDaygiASMDAHqKG_lu_rzRSiD-qOwSIBcY9rajICl5kSvTlSsFtDO_I69GNTqnZIg6ifn9Bd22GPN-pS6LWcjLS7dVlLWLeBNapI0U2NcOHQ/s320/IMG_3694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Layer the potatoes around the muffin tins, overlapping in a circular pattern, make at least the top layer look nice, since that's what people will see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaNoULEisLCZJKWQCLcJO9Yu4udIfdV-6kVC-ClitijR_iqv4zTB96eSCJvaaOiM5h9SQ5i9kw1bw5N_g-e4CxCAhaV6utx24tnxI-xdN45ATEvUh5vWANqXyWDWCWe5EVgh0mJNIXkc/s1600/IMG_3696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaNoULEisLCZJKWQCLcJO9Yu4udIfdV-6kVC-ClitijR_iqv4zTB96eSCJvaaOiM5h9SQ5i9kw1bw5N_g-e4CxCAhaV6utx24tnxI-xdN45ATEvUh5vWANqXyWDWCWe5EVgh0mJNIXkc/s320/IMG_3696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Continue layering the potatoes in each of the muffin cups until you reach the top (or run out of potatoes).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3CPeu9d-bPzKrh-qTAmQTBWMQGMK10tv-NS4CglleB0IPg3NtWJE30LrFEcnhsPDR1cC6ndNYelbR8hc-cbsMeq1Zehq3wm7x9p995Zuf9l8BxqNCKfPQlYNHjXb5_vlCdC1bjSacvw/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3CPeu9d-bPzKrh-qTAmQTBWMQGMK10tv-NS4CglleB0IPg3NtWJE30LrFEcnhsPDR1cC6ndNYelbR8hc-cbsMeq1Zehq3wm7x9p995Zuf9l8BxqNCKfPQlYNHjXb5_vlCdC1bjSacvw/s320/IMG_3702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for about another 15 minutes until edges start to turn golden brown. Take out of the oven, cover with foil again and turn upside down quickly (holding the foil) onto a baking sheet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_1syrr3NwuvthhuViJcSk7Kqynnjk9X_aTLbY_fOKzSo3EP96EEUcGSl1w5ROeoHelfKUzwGua3vvrFMz2niY8jBPiHP4c59CJvFnuQOCGxibNUmhw_7zdjZ2tcIEcWX4IysknuJkUg/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_1syrr3NwuvthhuViJcSk7Kqynnjk9X_aTLbY_fOKzSo3EP96EEUcGSl1w5ROeoHelfKUzwGua3vvrFMz2niY8jBPiHP4c59CJvFnuQOCGxibNUmhw_7zdjZ2tcIEcWX4IysknuJkUg/s320/IMG_3707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Turn the oven to broil and put the baking sheet under it until the potatoes are browned on top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijw387-Pjdi60uTrm_OKCEsppJI4Eg0zroVlQ7nfFFfY4DNx5oE0VTu-shKO3opu-KDEquU_L3GcecRRtCo6M7gQieY1D4p6uvlveN97vO1a_AgnD6us8lJQJhXdFM-pj-ZECytPc21KI/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijw387-Pjdi60uTrm_OKCEsppJI4Eg0zroVlQ7nfFFfY4DNx5oE0VTu-shKO3opu-KDEquU_L3GcecRRtCo6M7gQieY1D4p6uvlveN97vO1a_AgnD6us8lJQJhXdFM-pj-ZECytPc21KI/s320/IMG_3705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Remove from heat and serve. I used a fairly large spatula so they didn't fall apart. I LOVE the cute little purple potatoes! And they stayed that color the whole time :D<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
Also, it's Spring! We have some pretty amazing trees around our apartment, so I brought a branch inside, so I could enjoy them all day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAbICK7Y2Np88Yi9UPYryIlRZ_cY_3qHZrnpwo44H3EV6BmXuz_RVvHvVuG4d5C-CK19eAmANAWAMrFtRb5z8oPvBt0BCTtnNhhEf0mzTDsX4zV4HRuodlUIdmvUMt07xvC4oHng9zF4/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAbICK7Y2Np88Yi9UPYryIlRZ_cY_3qHZrnpwo44H3EV6BmXuz_RVvHvVuG4d5C-CK19eAmANAWAMrFtRb5z8oPvBt0BCTtnNhhEf0mzTDsX4zV4HRuodlUIdmvUMt07xvC4oHng9zF4/s320/IMG_3714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-15779146232307980762011-04-11T13:13:00.001-07:002012-03-27T23:21:57.417-07:00BACON!Today I realized that I had bacon in my refrigerator. I wanted to eat the bacon, but couldn't be bothered to stand in front of the stove cooking it. So I decided to bake the bacon :D<br />
<br />
But I wasn't going to settle for just plain old bacon, I added maple syrup to one batch, and ginger syrup to a second batch!<br />
<br />
To Bake Bacon:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2juZaHe3UV7y6lHHVEn_gWiMGdZDEJAhZdh07OxKk1pbCgqoc84Tc-OouXG8zreBsUFDXtRDJ_E9kSAR4Ap1FIy3e3DURnHJ3CG5OkHhVJNlMVnvInR723QdyNW8M991PGGAPeN_1Y7k/s1600/IMG_3675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2juZaHe3UV7y6lHHVEn_gWiMGdZDEJAhZdh07OxKk1pbCgqoc84Tc-OouXG8zreBsUFDXtRDJ_E9kSAR4Ap1FIy3e3DURnHJ3CG5OkHhVJNlMVnvInR723QdyNW8M991PGGAPeN_1Y7k/s320/IMG_3675.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
1. Lay the bacon on a cookie sheet (I put aluminum foil in my pan to make cleaning up much easier) <br />
2. Drizzle syrup on the bacon (if using).<br />
3. Put the pan in a cold oven (Do not pre-heat)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dqHBQzRH1UumxAa63M62qfyM1GdXWAZneyzYQf3D3nuYT-dFiyeFqQRcGfwdU3mVKVMsWpUP3ZKcoj2IijSarpm7ykAwyCtPazrcpFYDqTl0m-ktSXpmq2lh5-YzDwJycU2A9i80O9U/s1600/IMG_3668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dqHBQzRH1UumxAa63M62qfyM1GdXWAZneyzYQf3D3nuYT-dFiyeFqQRcGfwdU3mVKVMsWpUP3ZKcoj2IijSarpm7ykAwyCtPazrcpFYDqTl0m-ktSXpmq2lh5-YzDwJycU2A9i80O9U/s320/IMG_3668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
4. Turn the oven to 400 degrees F.<br />
5. Bake the bacon for 18-20 minutes until it has started to become crispy, curly and browned.<br />
6. Remove from the oven, and move the bacon strips to paper towels to remove excess grease.<br />
7. Let the bacon cool, or burn your tongue on it as I did, since I couldn't wait :P<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hAbiG2Znbk7vxld_LNKP9dPaogSLVQwj6Pi8iSEmFiNJt_pF_CXR6wYqzgoY7IAkoO5_a7V4k3TfptMeDZSnCLo5Yp9gj8HubAXrr7hYmgCjfgM7-le-dero7gXyXGGiGeRq7hyphenhyphen_QFY/s1600/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hAbiG2Znbk7vxld_LNKP9dPaogSLVQwj6Pi8iSEmFiNJt_pF_CXR6wYqzgoY7IAkoO5_a7V4k3TfptMeDZSnCLo5Yp9gj8HubAXrr7hYmgCjfgM7-le-dero7gXyXGGiGeRq7hyphenhyphen_QFY/s320/IMG_3673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I don't know what I'm going to use it on, or if it will even make it that long! But it would be really delicious on salad, with eggs... or possibly for maple bacon donuts ;)The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-21386291020468179792011-04-06T23:12:00.001-07:002012-03-27T23:23:02.271-07:00Asian Food KickI've been craving Asian food recently. I don't know why... but I want everything with rice, soy sauce, and all those other "typically" Asian tastes and flavors. I got a jump start on the week when my friend had us over for dinner and served Vietnamese spring rolls.<br />
<br />
At least, I've always heard them called Vietnamese spring rolls, they are also known as fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese salad rolls, and sometimes summer rolls. They look very pretty and are really not so difficult to make. Ingredients vary based on what you want/like. My friend made vegetarian rolls, using vegetables she had on hand. I made mine with chicken. They make a great meal and can either be pre-made, or you can have your guests make them for themselves. It would be really fun to have a roll making party, and everyone can put in or leave out whatever they want.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg076d3qZJ-vm3FICyZ2k6iUbv1rFm9101hodzEOkKy5hgMrANo6KPme_NpGUxZe_3HPK8FAs3q-W4FpuCYMgsGM0LInsljbyP1HT746H7gaRs5uy7JFos1hWoHsj2XU4e93krSPePKqX8/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg076d3qZJ-vm3FICyZ2k6iUbv1rFm9101hodzEOkKy5hgMrANo6KPme_NpGUxZe_3HPK8FAs3q-W4FpuCYMgsGM0LInsljbyP1HT746H7gaRs5uy7JFos1hWoHsj2XU4e93krSPePKqX8/s320/IMG_3665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My friend generously gave me the rest of the rice paper and rice vermicelli that she had left over, so I decided that tonight was Spring Roll night. Really, the only mandatory ingredient is the rice paper, everything else is up to your taste and what you want to put in, quantities are also flexible for whatever size group you have.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Here is my approximate recipe:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div>Vietnamese Spring Rolls:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRJ-sK_vIUcfdiKjcwvsRQUtQUlRFR9GPzIpmfb3BqXsGfWD8oxyzv_lNa9qKqKTZzNwNL6qKRPRGfANbudfmQIqyCE_kIJ3sauqw76nIz0mM1Xe8i4bdcT_NZttENiJ1n97B3tDmcBM/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRJ-sK_vIUcfdiKjcwvsRQUtQUlRFR9GPzIpmfb3BqXsGfWD8oxyzv_lNa9qKqKTZzNwNL6qKRPRGfANbudfmQIqyCE_kIJ3sauqw76nIz0mM1Xe8i4bdcT_NZttENiJ1n97B3tDmcBM/s320/IMG_3655.JPG" width="320" /></a>Rice paper (they come in a plastic pack, dry - you could probably find them at an Asian food store or possibly a grocery store in the Asian food section, but I couldn't find them at Safeway)<br />
<br />
Rice Vermicelli - this I did find at Safeway, so I'd try the Asian food section at your grocery store.<br />
<br />
Cooked: <br />
Chicken thighs, trimmed and sliced thin<br />
1/2 medium onion, julienned (cut into matchsticks)<br />
Korean marinade (you could use any chicken marinade you like, or no marinade at all, I found one at the grocery store that I tried, it was a little spicy for me, but the Husband liked it)<br />
<br />
Raw: <br />
2 medium carrots, julienned<br />
1/4 large cucumber, julienned<br />
1/4 small head of cabbage, sliced thin and marinated in 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame seeds (you could use chopped lettuce without the marinade, but I love this Asian-ish coleslaw)<br />
Chopped peanuts<br />
Fresh bean sprouts<br />
Basil leaves<br />
Cilantro (you can include the stems)<br />
Hoisin Sauce (also check the Asian food section)<br />
Water, in a container big enough to dip the rice paper in. <br />
<br />
Marinate the chicken and onion in the Korean marinade (enough to coat, it doesn't need to swim in it) for at least 30 minutes. <br />
<br />
Wash and prepare the vegetables, I arranged mine on a plate for easy roll making. Marinate the cabbage in it's dressing (less than 30 minutes is fine). Chop peanuts if you're using them. Sliced almonds could also be nice.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVSNxc9srEkt9oojY6jrwWwbPjpsD0FhaEs9uMoNeZggW0WfY1tyvkuepNH6GGYqLmfVeX7NjxLxcwJcSbgb6v_yG7ZHwn-FAeAJmioWmx6iAZK_uf74GHjVzRelnCFQvfng5BHtjbCw/s1600/veggies.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVSNxc9srEkt9oojY6jrwWwbPjpsD0FhaEs9uMoNeZggW0WfY1tyvkuepNH6GGYqLmfVeX7NjxLxcwJcSbgb6v_yG7ZHwn-FAeAJmioWmx6iAZK_uf74GHjVzRelnCFQvfng5BHtjbCw/s320/veggies.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrot, Basil, Cilantro, Cabbage, Bean Sprouts, Cucumber</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Cook the chicken and onions on medium heat until browned and cooked through. Set aside (I added lime juice after the chicken was cooked).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvAU6RlUkLNDRIHzKU2I1LibwldqL-nBqpk17FwYrBKHaq0QYmwWJw8lrJa_2YpYmBOT44gpbzlqkjB3YnKhBbjHThCfm4J1S_tIZnVZWH3Askw2mE7shoUsDKhN6UNdO0sxUqaKVFok/s1600/chicken.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvAU6RlUkLNDRIHzKU2I1LibwldqL-nBqpk17FwYrBKHaq0QYmwWJw8lrJa_2YpYmBOT44gpbzlqkjB3YnKhBbjHThCfm4J1S_tIZnVZWH3Askw2mE7shoUsDKhN6UNdO0sxUqaKVFok/s320/chicken.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooked chicken & onion</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Prepare the vermicelli noodles according to the package directions. Mine called for being soaked in water (warm or cold) for a few minutes and then strained. I think it took longer than the package said but still not very long until they were tender.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zNz2yBF4E9gaYKSnaomXQK0RE9rk0PXHHnqr_bE0GY9wdmfMidIxqrRzDera2ZjhJKmAjtUi4k7XW8DxOymWEtJH-7eCw9xh6FsNWrIWaLS93BtX5lumVQLkJGsbdJOQusDAYc7GBIg/s1600/v+noodles.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zNz2yBF4E9gaYKSnaomXQK0RE9rk0PXHHnqr_bE0GY9wdmfMidIxqrRzDera2ZjhJKmAjtUi4k7XW8DxOymWEtJH-7eCw9xh6FsNWrIWaLS93BtX5lumVQLkJGsbdJOQusDAYc7GBIg/s320/v+noodles.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To assemble the rolls:<br />
<br />
Dip the rice paper in water (very briefly, just until it is coated in water, it will soften while you fill it) let the excess water drip off. Put the wet paper on a plate, it will get a little sticky, but you should be able to peal it off. Add your ingredients to the center of the rice paper (you can put it slightly closer to one edge), don't over stuff it, because that will make wrapping more difficult.<br />
<br />
I started with a basil leaf, then cilantro, chicken, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, cucumber, noodles then hoisin sauce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjux_T3ewgPei9t5KGt1kmFl5rtwXNqPTxLkh6JIDL0SJn2hrE_AgJ1xcTSr0bm1rfuupB_EmivJF8g75lOJjleoZWFipIuL5wqS6qdatfKjtSGe6YQhiiGSElCmCBERHmxij9CZu7ExgU/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjux_T3ewgPei9t5KGt1kmFl5rtwXNqPTxLkh6JIDL0SJn2hrE_AgJ1xcTSr0bm1rfuupB_EmivJF8g75lOJjleoZWFipIuL5wqS6qdatfKjtSGe6YQhiiGSElCmCBERHmxij9CZu7ExgU/s320/IMG_3657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
Start by wrapping the back edge over your filling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlm06j-bJR1BSLzTaTIN0gX5sUPzqDppBcQ1xQnjaATPD9sxLm0s4BzsdQzrQcSVNd_pYJp4dQTGZbWUV14GU5oLGSTgjdygxiBVZ93LRVxLicFnpF05lbfQ9LuAmvKjTbP55hyphenhyphenclwzw/s1600/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlm06j-bJR1BSLzTaTIN0gX5sUPzqDppBcQ1xQnjaATPD9sxLm0s4BzsdQzrQcSVNd_pYJp4dQTGZbWUV14GU5oLGSTgjdygxiBVZ93LRVxLicFnpF05lbfQ9LuAmvKjTbP55hyphenhyphenclwzw/s320/IMG_3658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then fold in the two sides to make an envelope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEzKVPXnchuuUSNu1HAntyPNeU4E8AN4wNndRDmjYhTFPOSBTF7jt_-VJ5qiZqFoSKo98TrC3GjYrweUsqtY-KX9LnW1_uddI3okclY_vS5_oRJS1GjmmSZdK-ky-9SEV0rmJfWnfus4/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEzKVPXnchuuUSNu1HAntyPNeU4E8AN4wNndRDmjYhTFPOSBTF7jt_-VJ5qiZqFoSKo98TrC3GjYrweUsqtY-KX9LnW1_uddI3okclY_vS5_oRJS1GjmmSZdK-ky-9SEV0rmJfWnfus4/s320/IMG_3659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Roll the center to the remaining edge - like a burrito.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUYTHdBCHWT445lmXB9lT1t7XtiZJD7Fy1cwypRkKrFto8WBjLBY6wnefRlts9K19Notc-VBpFCQ8hhFUDjKTPkyfhkG4W3qL26ADhe2_-f0f6xaZ-DHiMgOwrnMqMLJohN-FI4kWET8/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUYTHdBCHWT445lmXB9lT1t7XtiZJD7Fy1cwypRkKrFto8WBjLBY6wnefRlts9K19Notc-VBpFCQ8hhFUDjKTPkyfhkG4W3qL26ADhe2_-f0f6xaZ-DHiMgOwrnMqMLJohN-FI4kWET8/s320/IMG_3660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">*** </div><br />
It's ok if the rice paper breaks a little, it sticks to itself very well. I served mine with two dipping sauces, the Hoisin sauce and a spicy pepper sauce, which you can put in the rolls as well. The chicken was plenty spicy for me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFY8Sg_h-DD-3jkAoGIM-6KST7EN8vIkz5ybO9DeP-6IxYZUAWZ7ZToV8rUCmxrh-l-ftTJgi673gjB0dM3Wu8gmEGY4gg75ZdHEMJxjwYZ1aJ5NNb4JM3AZF46_PqbtnDeWqfOE5qpeE/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFY8Sg_h-DD-3jkAoGIM-6KST7EN8vIkz5ybO9DeP-6IxYZUAWZ7ZToV8rUCmxrh-l-ftTJgi673gjB0dM3Wu8gmEGY4gg75ZdHEMJxjwYZ1aJ5NNb4JM3AZF46_PqbtnDeWqfOE5qpeE/s320/IMG_3663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These rolls are delicious and a very pretty way to eat your vegetables :DThe Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-73311310789635905092011-04-02T00:06:00.000-07:002011-04-02T00:12:52.386-07:00My relationship with PineappleI love pineapple. It's delicious. I love it on pizza. I love eating it out of the can. So when I saw a pineapple at the store for a decent price I had to have it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvk2PxrXZ89dT6nYA0osnVjc3DKgC1LIYoKqPFB4-lYl7rIva9Vm2DcQVRj2ULmYGwiIYA2tckn2dscRhVEus8xCE7QMuhpsEvL_LmerYFxYUGvKMAjnrbCw8WKrvDHVLuHZOLA0RJvs/s1600/love+pineapple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvk2PxrXZ89dT6nYA0osnVjc3DKgC1LIYoKqPFB4-lYl7rIva9Vm2DcQVRj2ULmYGwiIYA2tckn2dscRhVEus8xCE7QMuhpsEvL_LmerYFxYUGvKMAjnrbCw8WKrvDHVLuHZOLA0RJvs/s320/love+pineapple.JPG" width="186" /></a></div><br />
I brought my beautiful prize home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjHZavaaHyc5JBkheihNc0vVVzRZMVJoXnZ_uTX37g3XmFngnGSNCI9exeyW5l0_HRyMs197OhLTKZu1aiyCS0pYRbwYzW1orIdFvcF2mZiAQ8ixPyA2fA6Trg-BZ2VuIcluYPePd2OE/s1600/cutting+pineapple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjHZavaaHyc5JBkheihNc0vVVzRZMVJoXnZ_uTX37g3XmFngnGSNCI9exeyW5l0_HRyMs197OhLTKZu1aiyCS0pYRbwYzW1orIdFvcF2mZiAQ8ixPyA2fA6Trg-BZ2VuIcluYPePd2OE/s320/cutting+pineapple.JPG" width="173" /></a></div><br />
I cut it into pieces and peeled some kiwis to go with it (they were also at a good price at one of the fruit stands near by).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdB60AyGxpLJLGxsaZE8wlQGJQ5ewuSvYPHZVAWlDiBN9KMD8zj_zp0Djude7fYV1vzMRCV_zwQvUtDbm8yJ_PsI9Sfg-z51WimsrJbMqneCLKlX-tUpt7_U0y23c6WvADLMBrzLhtdI/s1600/sneaking+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdB60AyGxpLJLGxsaZE8wlQGJQ5ewuSvYPHZVAWlDiBN9KMD8zj_zp0Djude7fYV1vzMRCV_zwQvUtDbm8yJ_PsI9Sfg-z51WimsrJbMqneCLKlX-tUpt7_U0y23c6WvADLMBrzLhtdI/s320/sneaking+up.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I started eating the pineapple. And I couldn't stop. I ate more and more and then this happened...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTkob1RbQDK2X-HqP7gsfwXTy71wG0lVm3VWKVJ87gm_pnrKZx_iVeUghyphenhyphen84jNgeL04qHE-n5glGeAuRVn9sTMa3yOJaiQv24lmehLvkYNKT3yiJNCrDlsoYyvH0WU4X3dxUCPNbyDPI/s1600/sad+tastebuds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTkob1RbQDK2X-HqP7gsfwXTy71wG0lVm3VWKVJ87gm_pnrKZx_iVeUghyphenhyphen84jNgeL04qHE-n5glGeAuRVn9sTMa3yOJaiQv24lmehLvkYNKT3yiJNCrDlsoYyvH0WU4X3dxUCPNbyDPI/s320/sad+tastebuds.JPG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, those are my taste buds crying there...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
and I started to think that there might be a problem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_DjwD64BRU7NHI4ivw5vizN8MFZdpxi24O7TnkBT3GRGCIP4c0rRfFV7tIrD1Q4TQiK-2xtXkh3-t1QLucT6pmaq8eqZ5FNzyAyOxuYovb9Bk3tLXteThqSfk3GBTew6uQLyy7v8yq0/s1600/sad+vonne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_DjwD64BRU7NHI4ivw5vizN8MFZdpxi24O7TnkBT3GRGCIP4c0rRfFV7tIrD1Q4TQiK-2xtXkh3-t1QLucT6pmaq8eqZ5FNzyAyOxuYovb9Bk3tLXteThqSfk3GBTew6uQLyy7v8yq0/s1600/sad+vonne.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I did some research, and apparently I'm not the only one with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_allergy_syndrome">this problem</a>. I thought maybe it was just the acidity, but then again the Husband doesn't have any problem eating all the fresh pineapple he wants. I can eat cooked pineapple (like on pizza) with no problem at all. So I think I've narrowed it down, and since I know I'm allergic to some kinds of pollen, it's not totally unusual that I would also be mildly allergic to fresh pineapple.<br />
<br />
I still have some of that delicious pineapple left in the refrigerator... I guess I could cook it, but really, I'll probably just force it down and deal with the feeling that I've rubbed my tongue against a cheese grater, and the mild sore throat.<br />
<br />
That is my current relationship with pineapple.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-28514979077965792432011-03-25T20:11:00.001-07:002012-03-27T23:24:50.619-07:00What I did this week... At first I thought I was just being extremely lazy... then I thought I was suffering from something even worse and much more sinister than laziness...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ylhjeigTylCiXT9oJOe4PgYe0nA2VqRHPWGAgP1AA5nvMdv5lKdbNmiF40pk44QpbM83KxCtAOEIYaigWx3FqIgofb8sG1dN9_ne4NifnTYDaSIDpfb4sr_VPI_finTld-dhA9dnf5A/s1600/funny-pictures-deadly-sin-of-the-month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ylhjeigTylCiXT9oJOe4PgYe0nA2VqRHPWGAgP1AA5nvMdv5lKdbNmiF40pk44QpbM83KxCtAOEIYaigWx3FqIgofb8sG1dN9_ne4NifnTYDaSIDpfb4sr_VPI_finTld-dhA9dnf5A/s320/funny-pictures-deadly-sin-of-the-month.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've also been mixing some delicious cocktails inspired by watching Jeeves and Wooster... but it's not a good idea to add rum to your sloth... you end up with a drunk sloth... which, if I could draw, would be a very funny picture indeed. I'm not sure why I feel slothful though, because I have So Many Projects. Here, just to show a few:<span id="goog_995843068"></span><span id="goog_995843069"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DeUfK0Jv6wvlyaq3ox9Y01ZQ4Arew1-iTx1DypLSXnNyYEU6hiCuUTXNd7E11zn-Fq719Uwni6XXM9dZRH-0Qq3HToI3Jzrwxf-u0CgkFAU6E2wKUiT8nYhsC9XQldGVawdQfvh6bR4/s1600/IMG_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DeUfK0Jv6wvlyaq3ox9Y01ZQ4Arew1-iTx1DypLSXnNyYEU6hiCuUTXNd7E11zn-Fq719Uwni6XXM9dZRH-0Qq3HToI3Jzrwxf-u0CgkFAU6E2wKUiT8nYhsC9XQldGVawdQfvh6bR4/s320/IMG_3631.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what the flowers will be for, but they're cute :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCUH6wN0kJ3Y91U7IWdhhT9YHigkiBAEbr7bWxZUr2aFLiuM8MYjRl8B3vilBbcrE-g4x3tyPQYIIFue-HhWvrzcg7jYiajSNabWBEDvbuwlLhrnDWwk16HLstJj-_NF9OzdQfJBj4C4/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCUH6wN0kJ3Y91U7IWdhhT9YHigkiBAEbr7bWxZUr2aFLiuM8MYjRl8B3vilBbcrE-g4x3tyPQYIIFue-HhWvrzcg7jYiajSNabWBEDvbuwlLhrnDWwk16HLstJj-_NF9OzdQfJBj4C4/s320/IMG_3626.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to use up the Baileys frosting :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BSH5GAOCf2hltG8seMciflop1p_Kr382Yod5m-me5NrbWNEXJVB0BfNL0dfMonxD1_R81BU2AtTAgmjDBJmXY9GKpFxJ7TFvjYJfSU4slz2kxSwQkkufQsLvfoVMkbx6DH7oMsg0vXc/s1600/IMG_3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BSH5GAOCf2hltG8seMciflop1p_Kr382Yod5m-me5NrbWNEXJVB0BfNL0dfMonxD1_R81BU2AtTAgmjDBJmXY9GKpFxJ7TFvjYJfSU4slz2kxSwQkkufQsLvfoVMkbx6DH7oMsg0vXc/s320/IMG_3630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon, Cheddar and Broccoli quiche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The cake was just boxed yellow cake with chocolate chips, but I had to have something to put the Baileys frosting on... Here 's the quiche recipe for those of you that might like to try it (really the filling could contain any number of delicious things, I just picked three things I liked:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
Bacon, Cheddar and Broccoli quiche:<br />
1 Pie crust (I used the Trader Joe's one, because I was feeling too lazy to put one together :P) <br />
4-5 strips crumbled bacon<br />
4-5 florets of broccoli, finely chopped<br />
1 cup grated cheddar cheese<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 1/2 cups milk<br />
1/4 tsp thyme<br />
1/4 tsp garlic powder<br />
1/8 tsp rosemary<br />
1/8 tsp paprika<br />
1/8 tsp pepper<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook the bacon. Pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes. Whisk together eggs, milk, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, paprika and pepper. Add half the crumbed bacon, half the cheddar cheese (I know I used more than 1 cup, but you're free to do as you please), and half the broccoli to the pie crust. Pour the egg mixture into the crust, add the rest of the bacon, cheddar and broccoli and bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until the top is browned and a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean.<br />
<br />
Let it cool and cut into wedges.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
You could totally adapt that recipe to anything... just use the pie crust and the egg mixture and substitute anything you want. The cheese does go nicely with everything, but you could use a Gruyere or a spicy jack cheese and get a nice quiche. I have been making a surprising number of things with eggs, because I really want to try doing some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pysanka">Pysanky </a>for Easter. Not the real kind where you use whole eggs and wait for them to decompose inside the shell (ewww!) but by blowing out the eggs first and doing them that way. Who knows, maybe I'll have some awesome decorated eggs to send to all my followers :DThe Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-45242611643712529012011-03-18T19:25:00.000-07:002012-07-27T13:09:01.961-07:00It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without Corned Beef and CabbageI would have posted these pictures yesterday, but I had eaten several cupcakes, drank two whiskey sours, and one Irish car bomb. This was over a period of hours, but after that I had an epic two person solitaire game (I'll post rules later) with the Husband.<br />
You may be wondering, why would cupcakes have affected my ability to post pictures. They didn't... but they would have affected my typing, so I put this post off to today to make sure none of you had to suffer through the even worse grammar that would have resulted from my slightly inebriated state.<br />
<br />
On to the cooking.<br />
<br />
First, Corned beef and Cabbage (and carrots, for alliteration):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwinXbvENVpIEQ-cgJPRfGraF6anMKm8HZRJ9mSy76Wp1t8nu7gS802KqpuAEbI9cDJ6OCzGWeuTKxc8sH_MY1FczZamsfLjCjXgpf6xmIXe4HLJlu0RNEUh9lVuRHWNafqdzGGPebMpM/s1600/IMG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwinXbvENVpIEQ-cgJPRfGraF6anMKm8HZRJ9mSy76Wp1t8nu7gS802KqpuAEbI9cDJ6OCzGWeuTKxc8sH_MY1FczZamsfLjCjXgpf6xmIXe4HLJlu0RNEUh9lVuRHWNafqdzGGPebMpM/s320/IMG_3412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Corned beef - cooked to package instructions, cabbage and carrots added to the pot after the meat is removed to cool, and cooked until fork tender.<br />
<br />
Now for what you really want, Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes :D<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayMsW_jV9_B9Jw1yPRnEVeatwe7y6Ihb_zyCoaz8x81wQrIgT5eokQOUT4a8LeWg5eGp2WCYjV_UUI62BJQ6PwmnGHyRodxgmryAe-o7JvTcj9yGajOPl-RDSiigN9-x7YqKkCFulyJc/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayMsW_jV9_B9Jw1yPRnEVeatwe7y6Ihb_zyCoaz8x81wQrIgT5eokQOUT4a8LeWg5eGp2WCYjV_UUI62BJQ6PwmnGHyRodxgmryAe-o7JvTcj9yGajOPl-RDSiigN9-x7YqKkCFulyJc/s320/IMG_3404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These take some work, but are SO worth it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes with Cream cheese frosting: Makes 12<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9uajt4b-Gdop-Y-x-lSoVwv_DPC61upxtFqY7nyUn-MftYQ95pfXvW9pWuef9JOTL__q0Ct76vejpkUsPdQnZfk03HSNJwieuN8thWurrbTVqkMNWAFa68kD6CaPWIeUIBSddcDqZAk/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9uajt4b-Gdop-Y-x-lSoVwv_DPC61upxtFqY7nyUn-MftYQ95pfXvW9pWuef9JOTL__q0Ct76vejpkUsPdQnZfk03HSNJwieuN8thWurrbTVqkMNWAFa68kD6CaPWIeUIBSddcDqZAk/s320/IMG_3402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For the Cupcakes: <br />
1/2 cup Guinness<br />
1/2 cup butter (melted)<br />
6 Tbsp cocoa powder<br />
1 cup flour<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
3/4 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 egg<br />
6 Tbsp sour cream<br />
<br />
Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Melt the butter (on the stovetop or in the microwave), Add Guinness and cocoa powder and stir to combine well. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Stir in egg and sour cream. Add chocolate mixture and stir well. Place cupcake papers in the muffin tin. Spoon the mixture into the tin to fill about .75 full (you'll have enough for 12 cupcakes). Bake for 17 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool fully.<br />
<br />
For the Ganache:<br />
3 1/2 oz bittersweet chocolate<br />
1/3 cup heavy cream<br />
1 Tbsp butter<br />
2 tsp whiskey<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Gently heat cream on the stove-top. Add chocolate and let sit for a few moments. Stir gently until chocolate is melted and combined with the cream. Mix in butter, vanilla, and whiskey. Allow to cool until thick (I put mine in the fridge). <br />
<br />
For the Frosting:<br />
1 8oz. bar of cream cheese, softened<br />
1 4oz. stick of unsalted butter, softened<br />
2 cups confectioner’s sugar<br />
4 – 6 Tbsp Bailey’s Irish Cream <br />
<br />
In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer, add the cream cheese, butter, and confectioner’s sugar and beat until light and fluffy, unfortunately I don't have a stand mixer with me right now, so I did this by hand with a whisk... mine was a little less fluffy and more gloopy, but the taste is the same. Slowly drizzle in the Bailey’s, more or less depending on how boozey you want the frosting (I used 6 Tbsp and it was delicious), and beat until completely incorporated into the frosting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IPzhZEWmyvvQsf7C_4YxEipPH63fNbpyJEfKxLCVI4FqDsoPPj9wW-8X2nUKyW4naK0w65RHlU4SWnopKdPhYpdfQLQWnNipSW1Ao0d-jC9Z_YrxvTb-U-IzWhypmjT6g3jRLRUtiEI/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IPzhZEWmyvvQsf7C_4YxEipPH63fNbpyJEfKxLCVI4FqDsoPPj9wW-8X2nUKyW4naK0w65RHlU4SWnopKdPhYpdfQLQWnNipSW1Ao0d-jC9Z_YrxvTb-U-IzWhypmjT6g3jRLRUtiEI/s320/IMG_3416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Assemble:<br />
After the cupcakes have cooled, use a small spoon or melon baller (if you have one of those awesome grapefruit spoons with the serrated edge they work really well) to scoop out the centers (and eat them). Spoon in the whiskey ganache evenly to the 12 cupcakes (but try not to have them overflowing). Then frost with the baileys frosting. I put them in the fridge after to harden the ganache a little, I think it makes them even more delicious :D<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuAa003E7RBcvOujT0r2b4EdCpONG6rinj5Ui6V3LBozLf2HMrVputfikN5ZVcH5ENjEvSky1o2ZIBI3Az_YD6IYU-PVjXr4lzzhOmT7cx7AKwdIeBJHipUukY3Qn3KaeR2Wng7U3m7I/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuAa003E7RBcvOujT0r2b4EdCpONG6rinj5Ui6V3LBozLf2HMrVputfikN5ZVcH5ENjEvSky1o2ZIBI3Az_YD6IYU-PVjXr4lzzhOmT7cx7AKwdIeBJHipUukY3Qn3KaeR2Wng7U3m7I/s320/IMG_3415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And that's it, enjoy!The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-80555922401306622372011-03-02T00:49:00.000-08:002011-03-02T00:50:44.250-08:00Random Thought of the DayI saw a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69107999/bumblebee-needle-felted-wool-sculpture">picture </a>on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home">Etsy </a>and immediately thought "It's a beean!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-DnxB73Y_inLkzs6L9y-Sxy_kz-89ouCVenzg4ytyjh2Cl_Xh20ahziuFtA0N700ySFG9PElXakyeMH3qz9U2XOpBzE0lFqhg3GF5sGnbTImm0a4VacDjD6OhwFZ5aj3lcjIRkI0hhA/s1600/beean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-DnxB73Y_inLkzs6L9y-Sxy_kz-89ouCVenzg4ytyjh2Cl_Xh20ahziuFtA0N700ySFG9PElXakyeMH3qz9U2XOpBzE0lFqhg3GF5sGnbTImm0a4VacDjD6OhwFZ5aj3lcjIRkI0hhA/s400/beean.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The beean of course harks back to this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNGYqNb89lHgC-kzA0PLKacjM5HtJnlrDVSh1UPH973s94CYQ4hZlT4BHF6wsot-6hvbCbcROPj5wbOO2WH3SeeYyu3ghHYSF4GFdw99P79RILu7ViM3mjaOS8nOdYIH2yiqNjZrKfCE/s1600/human+bean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNGYqNb89lHgC-kzA0PLKacjM5HtJnlrDVSh1UPH973s94CYQ4hZlT4BHF6wsot-6hvbCbcROPj5wbOO2WH3SeeYyu3ghHYSF4GFdw99P79RILu7ViM3mjaOS8nOdYIH2yiqNjZrKfCE/s320/human+bean.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>which came up because Husband always hears "human bean" rather than "human being" when people use that phrase.<br />
<br />
That is all.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-72469786420205218352011-02-28T17:27:00.000-08:002012-07-27T13:11:04.827-07:00"$250" cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXid1q9RkRW4gEi54domhNy7MbDTIY2BogfhCn1ia3d5kVtT5wnCRV6NbTzo-_eb7C1x6xgRE3IOMmW_jW768tkJnLNzv3trOnk8qnO47TWHfVXYt6qc_fuppsXaIKGTPRJ3kK78X4mtc/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXid1q9RkRW4gEi54domhNy7MbDTIY2BogfhCn1ia3d5kVtT5wnCRV6NbTzo-_eb7C1x6xgRE3IOMmW_jW768tkJnLNzv3trOnk8qnO47TWHfVXYt6qc_fuppsXaIKGTPRJ3kK78X4mtc/s320/IMG_3387.JPG" width="320" /></a>Today I'm making cookies. Some of you are probably familiar with the "myth of the $250 cookie recipe" others may not even know what it is... so I'll explain.<br />
<br />
I got an email one day that described a situation involving a woman having lunch with her daughter at Neiman Marcus. For one of the common texts <a href="http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/fooddrink/a/cookie_recipe.htm">go here</a>. Basically, this woman and her daughter finish their lunch and want a cookie for dessert. They like the cookie so much that they want to get the recipe, but the waitress tells them that she can't give it away, but they can buy it for "two fifty." Of course, the woman doesn't realize that she's actually paying $250 for a cookie recipe until she gets the bill. She then (to get retribution on Neiman Marcus) sends the recipe, in email form, to as many people as possible, telling them to forward it on to everyone they know.<br />
<br />
This story never actually happened. Neiman Marcus has, recently, started offering cookies (somewhat similar to this recipe but with some instant espresso in the mix) and offers the recipe free of charge to anyone that wants it. This email also went around for a while using "Mrs. Fields" as the over charging antagonist. Apparently the original story goes all the way back to 1948 when the outrageously priced recipe was for a red velvet fudge cake, made by the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, that had cost someone $25. Inflation has a lot to answer for...<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Apparently, no one knows where this recipe actually came from... but I read about other people trying it and saying it was a darn good chocolate chip cookie. So I figured I'd give it a try too. I altered the recipe a little, so this is my variation of the recipe:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievGetm2ouBX5YGgMyAtbDP2TsgqAHTHvFAEeWvDimOlp9TphvS_sZ8JM2drkSYDwd0fDDMCTSkxdVZ-2d_1eMdX_-eFuQ3G9HO9NvjUYS61-RJq4PFMYvwgNnj6tlmFsJefzS_FLA4nc/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievGetm2ouBX5YGgMyAtbDP2TsgqAHTHvFAEeWvDimOlp9TphvS_sZ8JM2drkSYDwd0fDDMCTSkxdVZ-2d_1eMdX_-eFuQ3G9HO9NvjUYS61-RJq4PFMYvwgNnj6tlmFsJefzS_FLA4nc/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" width="320" /></a>$250 cookies<br />
<br />
1 cup butter<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
2 cups flour<br />
2 cups blended oatmeal (or Oatmeal flour like I used)<br />
1/2 cup rolled oats<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp Baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt <br />
1 tsp instant coffee<br />
3 Tbsp Grated Cadbury chocolate (I used a few dove chocolate hearts I had left over from Valentine's day)<br />
2 cups chocolate chips<br />
1 cup chopped nuts (optional, I didn't have any so I left them out)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. <br />
Measure oatmeal, and blend in a blender to a fine powder.<br />
Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and mix.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz2wVoFnMmtJo1nINLnILzJeUfZKsaqSWmGKpvIiLF-oiR44ehMTQLqkMUbjHxTkZm90bZgYzSmweaWExW1iaOly-vx8FL0KfJlmc7GM0Hv70tPq7kv9XTSpHg3TA2OKsThUsRWD2KZ4/s1600/IMG_3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz2wVoFnMmtJo1nINLnILzJeUfZKsaqSWmGKpvIiLF-oiR44ehMTQLqkMUbjHxTkZm90bZgYzSmweaWExW1iaOly-vx8FL0KfJlmc7GM0Hv70tPq7kv9XTSpHg3TA2OKsThUsRWD2KZ4/s320/IMG_3373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In a separate bowl, add flour, oatmeal, salt, coffee, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix the dry ingredients then add to the butter/sugar. Add chocolate chips, grated Chocolate and nuts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA-5YSlhMDt9WNrPxHJNmnG6OQPAPjaj4SLeedot5xe1yfop3_EjC38quVtYer1YnkGkmYHaaLT13_-vl6fPeSt93oKulVWQd8zjgiYyLGrxPpQW7huyf8x7Kr4crsviQMTJD9dHsGE0/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA-5YSlhMDt9WNrPxHJNmnG6OQPAPjaj4SLeedot5xe1yfop3_EjC38quVtYer1YnkGkmYHaaLT13_-vl6fPeSt93oKulVWQd8zjgiYyLGrxPpQW7huyf8x7Kr4crsviQMTJD9dHsGE0/s320/IMG_3374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Roll into balls and flatten slightly. Place each about two inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqFWqBMqR0PCfZLbBHHj58f9AD4h24ofbIiCQhEoWe4-pKrLbQNdvld6-v3nFAt1F6ekuRG81CUVBwAzrEcZK7mB3exuamE4mlYpEgJGfdvpQUHnKLravsIB9hCqePBWeUvzr5Gzw2-Y/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqFWqBMqR0PCfZLbBHHj58f9AD4h24ofbIiCQhEoWe4-pKrLbQNdvld6-v3nFAt1F6ekuRG81CUVBwAzrEcZK7mB3exuamE4mlYpEgJGfdvpQUHnKLravsIB9hCqePBWeUvzr5Gzw2-Y/s320/IMG_3378.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The above quantities makes about 56 cookies.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<br />
I made these for a big group, so I ended up doing the full recipe which did yield right around 56 cookies. The recipe is pretty darn delicious and I would definitely make these again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiBQxP7FwoxzEJG2kzucZRNsO_m8CLrBMh-mVJHS6cUkmrT3rVOiG2BBTSdQVLMppPtFn6TXnkIE_bblFyGATmbTkD27WBFSbBzoc3tctRB8OTTzR_HfdUbihpL7-jcvOHN-YHKygZ3E/s1600/IMG_3383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiBQxP7FwoxzEJG2kzucZRNsO_m8CLrBMh-mVJHS6cUkmrT3rVOiG2BBTSdQVLMppPtFn6TXnkIE_bblFyGATmbTkD27WBFSbBzoc3tctRB8OTTzR_HfdUbihpL7-jcvOHN-YHKygZ3E/s320/IMG_3383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-1850917564061189012011-02-24T18:46:00.000-08:002011-02-24T18:46:54.836-08:00Potential Comic FridaysIt has been recommended that I should post my silly Lazy Wife pictures here (sometimes they even evolve into comic strips). So, hopefully... even if I'm not doing anything particularly interesting craft-wise, you'll still get a weekly Lazy Wife update.<br />
<br />
I now present, the first Lazy Wife comic:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF4XHnJCUVvzquKdmiJ3frBGhsgNJURfru7kJ12nDZ2gdygYNV3pSrpyfUFSM4fln-oZIs-wbwDsVG4cr-1ybwc2-jLLAbYKsFctbdYSc4w2D2WxgzGYvomhJPui_pppWJTxLVV8Taas/s1600/watermelon1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF4XHnJCUVvzquKdmiJ3frBGhsgNJURfru7kJ12nDZ2gdygYNV3pSrpyfUFSM4fln-oZIs-wbwDsVG4cr-1ybwc2-jLLAbYKsFctbdYSc4w2D2WxgzGYvomhJPui_pppWJTxLVV8Taas/s1600/watermelon1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_54pMn7hlAeCZdQ0cQG_bqgTOGASSIGgMzLcconiKQmvYz8b038mJDEhoxivS_SUEP14yTeCl2sGH49m-Rdj4faZ5vUSLC_0Lhoz185F9f106Wr0xxL2f3xRXtyVEB9ZsQI3_iRGpz1c/s1600/watermelon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_54pMn7hlAeCZdQ0cQG_bqgTOGASSIGgMzLcconiKQmvYz8b038mJDEhoxivS_SUEP14yTeCl2sGH49m-Rdj4faZ5vUSLC_0Lhoz185F9f106Wr0xxL2f3xRXtyVEB9ZsQI3_iRGpz1c/s1600/watermelon2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0R9Ze_nZvHOYoIG0rHGqpS5znI3UdUAfdqXTWeUi8qUuEhlAs__PSslwto-1ED9ahiXcGXwWHI5Vhh4PW0pomHPkGqooz41sLczP0cILQ4aduwOdgDyMOcd0YfRc5ykDQ9crXzIJ1Waw/s1600/watermelon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0R9Ze_nZvHOYoIG0rHGqpS5znI3UdUAfdqXTWeUi8qUuEhlAs__PSslwto-1ED9ahiXcGXwWHI5Vhh4PW0pomHPkGqooz41sLczP0cILQ4aduwOdgDyMOcd0YfRc5ykDQ9crXzIJ1Waw/s1600/watermelon3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriZhnljDohFJeHA3kHsZjkkU_YScnjgDz87yLPuRvoQK0Z7f0BuKV-kxdsfRhXiu3-vu8KPwG84QV5q5iqqumUHBT__HnNOK_h4OlkVN0wOTyqk1amCYkl-p3-zISK6PyI36uPZcf5PA/s1600/watermelon4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriZhnljDohFJeHA3kHsZjkkU_YScnjgDz87yLPuRvoQK0Z7f0BuKV-kxdsfRhXiu3-vu8KPwG84QV5q5iqqumUHBT__HnNOK_h4OlkVN0wOTyqk1amCYkl-p3-zISK6PyI36uPZcf5PA/s1600/watermelon4.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span id="goog_184310287"></span><span id="goog_184310288"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This all happened because I put on a bright pink tank top and a bright green sweater one morning. My husband didn't actually say that I was a watermelon, but he was thinking it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUZW1peb7_UNlRg174uSarcFK7H5yw1hvA91rJ75jDqP9c3JbUonQrbwbgRDdvnQwpNn5NqP2SynVvj9qZZacZJJql77i3QXYbYYo78xRmF4KLB1VGT7KV48aKAufl0ip27RAuDhRyVg/s1600/ID+Pig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUZW1peb7_UNlRg174uSarcFK7H5yw1hvA91rJ75jDqP9c3JbUonQrbwbgRDdvnQwpNn5NqP2SynVvj9qZZacZJJql77i3QXYbYYo78xRmF4KLB1VGT7KV48aKAufl0ip27RAuDhRyVg/s400/ID+Pig.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>This came out of Husband's remark about "Indignant pig" which is apparently his inside joke about Black Cauldron. I didn't get the reference because I haven't seen it, but I thought "Indignant pig" was really funny. He does a super cute impression too.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-50772973802769302012011-02-07T23:57:00.000-08:002011-02-08T00:21:32.826-08:00Crabapple Jelly<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB66HYr8wHAc9likYmqB60OgWdC_NuWP6-5bi5aPNPLgtpFJoJRlNnXLuZuqffbLxPfgr42W6UHA3mJSHAj5mIo15XKKTd00_pHiruB3eIwuJutoXoS9HrgoKL5j78OJj_cUo7n1qrrg/s1600/Crab-apple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB66HYr8wHAc9likYmqB60OgWdC_NuWP6-5bi5aPNPLgtpFJoJRlNnXLuZuqffbLxPfgr42W6UHA3mJSHAj5mIo15XKKTd00_pHiruB3eIwuJutoXoS9HrgoKL5j78OJj_cUo7n1qrrg/s200/Crab-apple.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Crab - Apple... get it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have been particularly lazy of late. I don't have any good excuses for my laziness, so I won't give any. But I did draw a silly picture for you all... Well, I drew the apple part... the limbs were taken off another picture (when I realized that I couldn't remember what crab legs looked like).<br />
<br />
Today, I will relate the events that occurred a few months ago when the trees were bearing fruit, and I happened to be listening to quite a bit of British literature, such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jeeves-Wooster-Complete-Hugh-Laurie/dp/B001V7UXG2?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001V7UXG2" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Northanger-Persuasion-Sensibility-ILLUSTRATED-ebook/dp/B0014U4X3U?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Jane Austen</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0014U4X3U" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> Novels adapted for radio. Within those stories, I heard how frugal people would pick fruit from the trees and preserve it for the winter months when fresh fruit was hard to find. While considering this, I was walking to pick up the mail from our box at our apartment and I began to wonder what kind of fruit trees were in our complex.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GHX4_8Kw7EziSNV4mWdGy4LRERuxQmHPFH0AlyJCYMr-6qlwSU_i0XXEzeZNOTnB-8Un55DG50Ktxhy1hHGtbs2S1DxESdn27drMRfi7rc3aevyDtc_tsZ9-bXrhmctnIE7onfCOczM/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GHX4_8Kw7EziSNV4mWdGy4LRERuxQmHPFH0AlyJCYMr-6qlwSU_i0XXEzeZNOTnB-8Un55DG50Ktxhy1hHGtbs2S1DxESdn27drMRfi7rc3aevyDtc_tsZ9-bXrhmctnIE7onfCOczM/s200/IMG_1867.JPG" width="200" /></a>I picked one of the globular pinkish fruits and a couple leaves and took them back to my apartment. I searched on the internet to find a description that matched the fruit I had found.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0McGF9M3NHsQJY_8iTJMbOitsz9J66QtW545eU2gNu2pkoJOzaU4eebnvBmzDgYOStrwZpcjwUd2aSxVTX7cUBPQakjFQCTK3q9ESQ_X5ZX5pDqXycsrx07m4-UeDsihVEXAhKTtX46Q/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0McGF9M3NHsQJY_8iTJMbOitsz9J66QtW545eU2gNu2pkoJOzaU4eebnvBmzDgYOStrwZpcjwUd2aSxVTX7cUBPQakjFQCTK3q9ESQ_X5ZX5pDqXycsrx07m4-UeDsihVEXAhKTtX46Q/s200/IMG_1857.JPG" width="200" /></a>I discovered that apples are the only fruit with seeds in a star pattern. They are related to roses and also have serrated leaves. I compared my samples with the descriptions and discovered that I had several crab apple trees in perfect readiness for harvest. Crab apples do have an apple-like taste and smell, but are generally a more tart.<br />
<br />
So I harvested them. I made Husband go out with me and hold a bag while I pulled the small apples off the higher branches (using a step ladder, of course). I brought them home, and washed them thoroughly. Once they were well washed, I cut them up and boiled them in water. I squeezed them through a cheesecloth and then used that juice to make crab apple jelly.<br />
<br />
The first try I got it into my head that I might not have to use pectin, because after doing a little reading, pectin apparently comes from apples, and other relatives. However, I must have done something wrong (or my apples just didn't have enough pectin) because the jelly didn't set. So I boiled it all over again, added pectin this time, and got a quite nice jelly in my re-sterilized jars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsap_Yea_HgWGNHRjGwmXjp785WsvPVzQ2PCPeAPWADi5gGP6pCUxH7ODuM0BCWcSKFn8lqdI7dhINlQXktyEuwJNwoGesJevgK9B74zuSXEPHsSuQKJ52CZ4OIPVylclL_JWH3DOvDaY/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsap_Yea_HgWGNHRjGwmXjp785WsvPVzQ2PCPeAPWADi5gGP6pCUxH7ODuM0BCWcSKFn8lqdI7dhINlQXktyEuwJNwoGesJevgK9B74zuSXEPHsSuQKJ52CZ4OIPVylclL_JWH3DOvDaY/s320/IMG_1874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
Crab Apple Jelly<br />
<br />
Crab Apples (about 8 cups?)<br />
Water<br />
1 box Pectin<br />
3 cups sugar<br />
<br />
If starting with whole fruit: <br />
Remove stems and leaves. Cut crab apples in half (or quarters if you have large crab apples) and put them in a large pot. Pour in enough water to almost cover the apples, but not to make them float.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8r28mjY3YtStSqk7ZUEqb2JaOPJu0vVkoN-tib5CisTaN3ZcjkAxwSMdu1eVAIRTzYF8InYpEAoIAYTBJskEZ1ydugsTUnFjp5n1yo4TnTGC8M0Fbldv6TQloizCCINrTV3auvF4hJI/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYnN4K6t6LR7tiGbu10adLsifZfMDuhqQ-j_fqe4d-SICJGLuNZLmiJLB9cGtNz8EKuV3a5LmcuibhJ5VclC7QhknfhyLyGMVPksEw7ZQrPRQFUmKSkfl5SvFcZ9RtOY6FO07IDIuVQw/s320/IMG_1868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bring to a boil and then turn down to medium. Let cook until the apples change color and are soft. (You can also use a juicer, if you have one) Let it cool, then strain the apple mash through a few layers of cheesecloth... you may need to squeeze the juice out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe27Uslow_HfjMvDgdRnjqx4t9kQcfRd3rbZU1zGL_N0hmFWEUhvKqrdJI2gB-RDZLpH1sg3V92QOO7kbunlM8kj7zcMkIZMrXb8eHNE0ZWf02YFQLXAwPbt7pWzcBobf3kY_Qxeq2oE/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe27Uslow_HfjMvDgdRnjqx4t9kQcfRd3rbZU1zGL_N0hmFWEUhvKqrdJI2gB-RDZLpH1sg3V92QOO7kbunlM8kj7zcMkIZMrXb8eHNE0ZWf02YFQLXAwPbt7pWzcBobf3kY_Qxeq2oE/s320/IMG_1869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Measure about 4 cups of juice and put in a pot with 1 box of pectin. Bring to a boil, then add 3 cups of sugar. Bring back to a boil and boil for at least 1 minute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO7w16tap4YxUjIWgV7rsLaOsWLBflgtqV4P6t3rJjY7G-jlzWWm-pnbjHB4SwcpE4lCOdeRPSdNXvdGYKWuxb2AWbRdesGjFF3TOAFn6zTOuakGG9fUg2eL3dirs1svptvVQNbU_dzQ/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO7w16tap4YxUjIWgV7rsLaOsWLBflgtqV4P6t3rJjY7G-jlzWWm-pnbjHB4SwcpE4lCOdeRPSdNXvdGYKWuxb2AWbRdesGjFF3TOAFn6zTOuakGG9fUg2eL3dirs1svptvVQNbU_dzQ/s320/IMG_1872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4" space at the top. Put on lids and process in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove jars from water bath and let cool, being sure the lids seal and the jelly has set. Keep in a cool dark place, and these should last for at least a year.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>That's it for the recipe. I must admit that every time I hear "Crab Apples" I think of some sort of strange crab with the body of an apple... then I stumbled across <a href="http://crabapplenyc.com/2008/07/31/a-crabby-logo/">this picture</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3Lnf_H0M2APY42OZ2Mz5C13QKPzf0qBfqy8_RMVgl686LJaztGwq4ttRnSQyFNiy9QFwF8V1_ecudgt-_Tsp6FCETPW2q9-LgXW-RCkfMewgqk7DLB16sATye8KRKJ6TPGeBgcpXt5Y/s1600/crabapple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3Lnf_H0M2APY42OZ2Mz5C13QKPzf0qBfqy8_RMVgl686LJaztGwq4ttRnSQyFNiy9QFwF8V1_ecudgt-_Tsp6FCETPW2q9-LgXW-RCkfMewgqk7DLB16sATye8KRKJ6TPGeBgcpXt5Y/s320/crabapple1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and I'm glad that my imagination lines up so well with other people's.The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-47907914340545350962011-01-21T15:47:00.000-08:002011-01-21T21:16:19.143-08:00You win this time, Crochet...I am a knitter. I like to knit. I DO NOT like to crochet. I own crochet hooks, but they've mainly been used to finish knitting projects, when I can't find a tapestry needle. I do know how to crochet... at least, I know some of the basics. I just don't really enjoy crochet because I always hold the yarn too tight, or I go through the wrong loop, or something. But for certain things, you just can't use knitting... so I once again gave crochet a chance.<br />
<br />
I saw this: <a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-crochet-heart.html">How to Crochet a Heart</a> and decided that I could make some pretty cute stuff with hearts. Normally, I'm not a "heart person." By that I mean that I've never been particularly attracted to the design... but sometimes I just get in a mood for something and I can't get enough of it. And with Valentine's day coming, I thought I might make some garlands and such for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theLazyWife?ref=pr_shop_more">Widgetorium</a>.<br />
<br />
I did find that the yarn I used made the holes in the center too big, so I adjusted the pattern (which made it easier and faster to make). This is a great way to use those little balls of yarn you might have sitting around. Here is the pattern (with picture guides for the stitches).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Crochet Heart Pattern</span><br />
<br />
Supplies:<br />
<ul><li>crochet hook (you might need to play with size, based on your yarn, I used a size F)</li>
<li>1 1/2 yards of Yarn (I used red heart acrylic yarn, it takes about 50" but I rounded up. The amount/size/finished product will be slightly different, depending on what you use)</li>
</ul><br />
All stitches are worked into the first chain.<br />
<br />
Cast on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz5wrYVChliNma04IlQ10aqiSQ8v5Oqa65cZoDzyxjf6liOv4WG4iTbztlde_xh0DrNOaLujfVuMy0mx-o_Akr3J-kI36WSdBuM7tD12iY-MNBu4g3B4iLsuhYF6JE_Eaw8kZ8-AgeJ4/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz5wrYVChliNma04IlQ10aqiSQ8v5Oqa65cZoDzyxjf6liOv4WG4iTbztlde_xh0DrNOaLujfVuMy0mx-o_Akr3J-kI36WSdBuM7tD12iY-MNBu4g3B4iLsuhYF6JE_Eaw8kZ8-AgeJ4/s200/IMG_3208.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjj22JNpynv2cfjbMDcyI1ffMnjtwe6gHT5OyfioKUsvdVacOacmqBYscZ3cPbCVtG0OYnL-6X1RUTUl7XE25E11yDw54wNacoAcwrWbkaZPAO_wuALOhCRowtQH4nS0YNSf8kfiZ_ec/s1600/IMG_3211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjj22JNpynv2cfjbMDcyI1ffMnjtwe6gHT5OyfioKUsvdVacOacmqBYscZ3cPbCVtG0OYnL-6X1RUTUl7XE25E11yDw54wNacoAcwrWbkaZPAO_wuALOhCRowtQH4nS0YNSf8kfiZ_ec/s200/IMG_3211.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Chain (Ch) 4<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8hJieBiGYUOs2oELTx9HkWy4sNM_RCq12n-7eV1_oUpGp1S_qgVq4qsvbQAlnWxsR7bq9iIiO7mtVy7QrTACjr3ID9mZeaprQFrz7x-72jCjEGTJ5zpVZBkQNEUJyS4Ix3UKXn4WGj4/s1600/IMG_3212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8hJieBiGYUOs2oELTx9HkWy4sNM_RCq12n-7eV1_oUpGp1S_qgVq4qsvbQAlnWxsR7bq9iIiO7mtVy7QrTACjr3ID9mZeaprQFrz7x-72jCjEGTJ5zpVZBkQNEUJyS4Ix3UKXn4WGj4/s200/IMG_3212.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Work 2 Triple Crochet (tr) into the first chain<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pt_LpxDAz4NyYkCq4W2dbSHx5cSGIKPqJJObvLRm9D16bJc4CtXDeH4RlEnxkcL194teBMTCxCF8YDsgCsvnIWzc2zUcrstfZbsyMYmal3wkUrQ1kkpLvs3PiR-PYr2s-fxp6h4V0as/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pt_LpxDAz4NyYkCq4W2dbSHx5cSGIKPqJJObvLRm9D16bJc4CtXDeH4RlEnxkcL194teBMTCxCF8YDsgCsvnIWzc2zUcrstfZbsyMYmal3wkUrQ1kkpLvs3PiR-PYr2s-fxp6h4V0as/s200/IMG_3218.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qBZvpMwZcLZSuomzd8kZeF49NNOe2D-aK0ul1coUn7JomdL9DBb7AxWscO3XhYFjkMOnWZIWb29TBjW1hkrLcjI3iP7FSpb6skMcpk2FQOclnZKUIDUdeX2cT9payGMz86oBL2DtfoE/s1600/IMG_3219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qBZvpMwZcLZSuomzd8kZeF49NNOe2D-aK0ul1coUn7JomdL9DBb7AxWscO3XhYFjkMOnWZIWb29TBjW1hkrLcjI3iP7FSpb6skMcpk2FQOclnZKUIDUdeX2cT9payGMz86oBL2DtfoE/s200/IMG_3219.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEUlDz54Mr2o91eeAfzb45jfyS6Mtv9DEeRO8HmYtvLn_BqF1EU_5A-bWxmK62ZZQGjTYjnWINT1_YlvMQjLhQEcr3hPCdpewQBDGL7hvcpNdt5jHfYB_0e7uKAq5B-k-DglcXXIsij0/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEUlDz54Mr2o91eeAfzb45jfyS6Mtv9DEeRO8HmYtvLn_BqF1EU_5A-bWxmK62ZZQGjTYjnWINT1_YlvMQjLhQEcr3hPCdpewQBDGL7hvcpNdt5jHfYB_0e7uKAq5B-k-DglcXXIsij0/s200/IMG_3221.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPeaUyHCdy1L9F9XqA77XQ2UF3NOLNZ9pZlwNaVqB1abtMOcQcF1fCnNiY7cweHAq4ZE5SevkadP_q_HCdR63ECaVT_M24CvBo2-AjN-u69Pq5Tu6C24H0padVCrzSvHytb5Ja2TgDEA/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPeaUyHCdy1L9F9XqA77XQ2UF3NOLNZ9pZlwNaVqB1abtMOcQcF1fCnNiY7cweHAq4ZE5SevkadP_q_HCdR63ECaVT_M24CvBo2-AjN-u69Pq5Tu6C24H0padVCrzSvHytb5Ja2TgDEA/s200/IMG_3223.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Work 2 Double Crochet (dc) into the first ch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPeaUyHCdy1L9F9XqA77XQ2UF3NOLNZ9pZlwNaVqB1abtMOcQcF1fCnNiY7cweHAq4ZE5SevkadP_q_HCdR63ECaVT_M24CvBo2-AjN-u69Pq5Tu6C24H0padVCrzSvHytb5Ja2TgDEA/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPeaUyHCdy1L9F9XqA77XQ2UF3NOLNZ9pZlwNaVqB1abtMOcQcF1fCnNiY7cweHAq4ZE5SevkadP_q_HCdR63ECaVT_M24CvBo2-AjN-u69Pq5Tu6C24H0padVCrzSvHytb5Ja2TgDEA/s200/IMG_3223.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG-dYEwGwcWV0VT7bQ5GcGM_WOZ9OClVLwdF1aXv39PF4NZ44ZiKYHDnuLQMa55bd-NeIyHe0oxqGMPUWnpSqMhuTH_6qVx5b-nscAVtz2Ukox6T23YpiqNbgTOKfclODOzP9ZNRtMcI/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG-dYEwGwcWV0VT7bQ5GcGM_WOZ9OClVLwdF1aXv39PF4NZ44ZiKYHDnuLQMa55bd-NeIyHe0oxqGMPUWnpSqMhuTH_6qVx5b-nscAVtz2Ukox6T23YpiqNbgTOKfclODOzP9ZNRtMcI/s200/IMG_3224.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
ch 1<br />
1 tr into first ch<br />
ch 1<br />
2 dc into first ch<br />
2 tr into first ch<br />
ch 3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY3j1jVg6XV9HAFGaI2h9X_ScLTK2R9avGatDys2nbkjngOeovO63JSR7na1ig6_v5rwe5N97EaeGvdhm-a8_iwymEoTLZ-D12EdUnolpVzPAAi_h81IWq51Dt2B0qNC0QFiDlJCDsu4/s1600/IMG_3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY3j1jVg6XV9HAFGaI2h9X_ScLTK2R9avGatDys2nbkjngOeovO63JSR7na1ig6_v5rwe5N97EaeGvdhm-a8_iwymEoTLZ-D12EdUnolpVzPAAi_h81IWq51Dt2B0qNC0QFiDlJCDsu4/s200/IMG_3226.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
slip stitch into first ch and fasten off<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj093ffw_ng2VNeblK-wcLf_-Tfgvl-mQ7rmL6n7-_wSWWTJJckXbZTJWCjZVB5oD5TtwolSHcYzQzOCs02FjcThNz3o5f1cXLEVByphXc6j8u-n2KfxLK2zlHCYNx6rAWdCL92hPFyHfk/s1600/IMG_3228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj093ffw_ng2VNeblK-wcLf_-Tfgvl-mQ7rmL6n7-_wSWWTJJckXbZTJWCjZVB5oD5TtwolSHcYzQzOCs02FjcThNz3o5f1cXLEVByphXc6j8u-n2KfxLK2zlHCYNx6rAWdCL92hPFyHfk/s200/IMG_3228.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbN9M2XD4kYh8XawPbBd1UM8PbkAvg3jToNPiEQmUrMYvHd72g-GlbzWvgaUhoFga3DSxYFpFe-NcTSePVi6URVNTd8oeYxtptPdFjUp3WmRTZXZdfJM28eOE1cpiAWIJwkxK1l4GsEo/s1600/IMG_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbN9M2XD4kYh8XawPbBd1UM8PbkAvg3jToNPiEQmUrMYvHd72g-GlbzWvgaUhoFga3DSxYFpFe-NcTSePVi6URVNTd8oeYxtptPdFjUp3WmRTZXZdfJM28eOE1cpiAWIJwkxK1l4GsEo/s200/IMG_3230.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV_-YL3lXgPK4Ck2n7LLX8xU9FoO6XIcEx-WI-mq_f362Zwo2lrzIeI6D7d5SLj7Bjp0ORwqR-7eTaJCY42-vfyfdMzlnmW9oeTkDH_LqJs_laRuVkA4zK_k7iYcu-FhXko1ICarHfzo/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV_-YL3lXgPK4Ck2n7LLX8xU9FoO6XIcEx-WI-mq_f362Zwo2lrzIeI6D7d5SLj7Bjp0ORwqR-7eTaJCY42-vfyfdMzlnmW9oeTkDH_LqJs_laRuVkA4zK_k7iYcu-FhXko1ICarHfzo/s200/IMG_3227.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F6njlu2Zp-MjR04k6Y7M3dQmyslb8oTGbFOHR7SoB48GlCNI6jIRLGxYzks7bhiJi_7IcoyyzAyHV9JKNw3IXHYO91Dvpe_7MRZvDNYGMZ4sQfq8U-wycGo32e6hZ0YG7x9KALNuo2E/s1600/IMG_3232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F6njlu2Zp-MjR04k6Y7M3dQmyslb8oTGbFOHR7SoB48GlCNI6jIRLGxYzks7bhiJi_7IcoyyzAyHV9JKNw3IXHYO91Dvpe_7MRZvDNYGMZ4sQfq8U-wycGo32e6hZ0YG7x9KALNuo2E/s200/IMG_3232.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Pull the two ends tight <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RfinS27V2SxdHF5I0a8id4wWypi0p6EntFJIaY3XXc_lgfrpJ0DDpc5dkt09DXKmwf3sbeyd0N-2Ex4NV5bJvP3FfngueKoqi1XXLGvYsdCeVoQNeQLMnPdzj228zDa_sa6en9fMkMM/s1600/IMG_3235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RfinS27V2SxdHF5I0a8id4wWypi0p6EntFJIaY3XXc_lgfrpJ0DDpc5dkt09DXKmwf3sbeyd0N-2Ex4NV5bJvP3FfngueKoqi1XXLGvYsdCeVoQNeQLMnPdzj228zDa_sa6en9fMkMM/s200/IMG_3235.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ7ombHhPikmJkHI3YbXqmQ1J-9uPyiuW6cONKXxhJO2L7Rz_KrZBVtC9l8KBjigjyNl0oKoyelmDcm8heGjtmg6YmbI7PjVrwjKQBwupJGHV2lwudaz63lzWknhc0G2lCw3CCR18ZvY/s1600/IMG_3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ7ombHhPikmJkHI3YbXqmQ1J-9uPyiuW6cONKXxhJO2L7Rz_KrZBVtC9l8KBjigjyNl0oKoyelmDcm8heGjtmg6YmbI7PjVrwjKQBwupJGHV2lwudaz63lzWknhc0G2lCw3CCR18ZvY/s200/IMG_3237.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Flatten out the heart and you're done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8ZPKFI4pJQsGeewldI2EhhB25YltTeeb2SfQ6MRT1hkeMLqW56i71bdmV4g56dJbuJHyolukpg3Qx5ETbtS_vL-MfCepvPOCXPOnfS55AGPuE2SULBSlQtsyZL1cnA8_7CoirDGEtOc/s1600/IMG_3239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8ZPKFI4pJQsGeewldI2EhhB25YltTeeb2SfQ6MRT1hkeMLqW56i71bdmV4g56dJbuJHyolukpg3Qx5ETbtS_vL-MfCepvPOCXPOnfS55AGPuE2SULBSlQtsyZL1cnA8_7CoirDGEtOc/s320/IMG_3239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hopefully the pictures and instructions made sense, I figured out how to do it from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXuL2596zEA&feature=player_embedded">this video</a>. From there, you can make all kinds of things with these. Here is one example: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsQaWW3_z7_rCITSMYHABxdgpZ_uP5bggVABzexdqsvLPAkYv7-ybjplp1ZbEU7HmQHMbjSiemAGnkMvJvfrffyEc8M4qJU0fsvrwvYu1GWzUcpNm6vPVEkYSlTP5v2n7IVwFq0Zu_Vw/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsQaWW3_z7_rCITSMYHABxdgpZ_uP5bggVABzexdqsvLPAkYv7-ybjplp1ZbEU7HmQHMbjSiemAGnkMvJvfrffyEc8M4qJU0fsvrwvYu1GWzUcpNm6vPVEkYSlTP5v2n7IVwFq0Zu_Vw/s320/IMG_3249.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XA-3Ehl6DaHKEH24-0uU1zwgeYY4nK_HGCVUjLXPnC0XsHqeI-7Oi9qX2GTWQetYSDGAnLp9gvpzJpGIgMUugO3RguO5JrwwzcBFrtWF60CsecKooBMhyMiDOEzDoSGah84VWhIG1yI/s1600/IMG_3259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XA-3Ehl6DaHKEH24-0uU1zwgeYY4nK_HGCVUjLXPnC0XsHqeI-7Oi9qX2GTWQetYSDGAnLp9gvpzJpGIgMUugO3RguO5JrwwzcBFrtWF60CsecKooBMhyMiDOEzDoSGah84VWhIG1yI/s320/IMG_3259.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-31955289250742772402011-01-19T13:20:00.000-08:002011-01-19T13:35:24.499-08:00Things I did YesterdayRather than a usual post, I'm going to just tell you all what I did yesterday... mainly because I'm pretty excited about what happened and what I did.<br />
<br />
I had some errands to run, and I was also on the look out for some buttons (I need to fix a sweater that I've had for a while, but I don't have enough buttons for it), so I decided to stop by our local SPCA thrift store. I wasn't really convinced that they'd have what I needed, but it was worth a stop, since I was out anyway.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Bread-Five-Minutes-Revolutionizes/dp/0312362919?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0312362919&tag=thesgu04-20" /></a>I should also mention that I've been looking for a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cambro-RFS6PPSW2190-6-Quart-Food-Storage-Container/dp/B002PMV77G?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">6 quart food storage container</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002PMV77G" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, because I want to make <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0312362919" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Bread-Five-Minutes-Revolutionizes/dp/0312362919?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Artisan Bread in 5 min</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0312362919" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. Since I couldn't find any 6 quart containers in any of the stores near me, I ordered them online. They also had a deal to include the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BrotformDotCom-Danish-Dough-Whisk-Large/dp/B002PABWJQ?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Danish Dough Whisk</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002PABWJQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> for $9. I decided that $9 was too much to spend on a one-use item, even if I would be using it often.<br />
<br />
While I was wandering around at the thrift store, I found their prices were really good. They have deals everyday, it seems... when I was there, the clothes were buy 1 get 1 free. I didn't need any clothing, but it was nice to know that I could get really inexpensive clothing that could be altered, if I have the time. While wandering, I didn't find any buttons... but I did find this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBHZX5pIOAyaE9z9plf_BN8x-DT2r8QWO-Ttb1m3CRIAzKAG_L9SHFx97VMU0zrip4GKPowbov4j71q2ScLF-bETlrm_BlrYtX__lSm-K9GQA4hnsznr-7Ny4JDuxDV40kEtEkiqbs3c/s1600/IMG_3204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBHZX5pIOAyaE9z9plf_BN8x-DT2r8QWO-Ttb1m3CRIAzKAG_L9SHFx97VMU0zrip4GKPowbov4j71q2ScLF-bETlrm_BlrYtX__lSm-K9GQA4hnsznr-7Ny4JDuxDV40kEtEkiqbs3c/s200/IMG_3204.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>And the price? $1! Yup, got myself a really good Danish Dough Whisk for $1! And when I went to the counter to pay for it, I asked if they had any buttons... the helpful man behind the counter said that I was in luck, because a girl had asked them to save buttons for her, but she hadn't come by to pick them up even after they called her. So I could have them. All of them for $10!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1U4K7xfXQ-5yufjJOoSeugi7iRTVvoMDLSpsBkWfCyeUzzjyCzRxLpJT86yS6jvxixLjftc16ZHig_w_71uxBLk4NoV2Tpd2B_8Epku04pcb-lZEs16-HJnJEebp3cqjC8G35Oeceh0/s320/IMG_3199.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had fun sorting them last night :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> So, $11 later I'm the proud owner of a Danish Dough Whisk, and a bunch of exciting buttons!<br />
<br />
Later in the day, I saw a recipe for <a href="http://twopeasandtheirpod.com/homemade-soft-pretzel-bites/">Soft Pretzel Bites</a> (from one of the blogs I follow), and I figured I may as well try it out. I'd also stopped at <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joes</a> and picked up some much needed dairy products for baking <a href="http://thelazywifesguide.blogspot.com/2010/09/cranberry-cream-scones.html">scones</a>/<a href="http://thelazywifesguide.blogspot.com/2010/12/cinnamon-rolls.html">cinnamon rolls</a>/etc. So after I got home, I started baking... and kept baking until I had this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjA7y9AprxjhnTZAISrZeCr_cLoISq78fSM_vFyEa96P2D6kDkKQVjjZq1It64hIYQsZQkWaxCdjcUwaLXqBn6RtMq-lj7QWZ_XU2A0ZkOkdbGkjPdIYqqvdC6aQ5U8QYzs0S7kuY-HRg/s1600/IMG_3205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjA7y9AprxjhnTZAISrZeCr_cLoISq78fSM_vFyEa96P2D6kDkKQVjjZq1It64hIYQsZQkWaxCdjcUwaLXqBn6RtMq-lj7QWZ_XU2A0ZkOkdbGkjPdIYqqvdC6aQ5U8QYzs0S7kuY-HRg/s320/IMG_3205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Rolls, Cranberry Scones,and Pretzel bites/rolls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I altered the recipe for the scones a little, I substituted 1/4 cup of vanilla soy protein powder for 1/4 of the whole wheat flour from the original recipe. So the new measurements are: 1 1/2 cup All purpose flour, 1/4 cup Whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup vanilla Soy protein powder. I also used whole milk instead of cream. They taste really good. Slightly sweet, slightly vanilla, and very delicious. I originally had a lot more of the soft pretzels, but they got eaten before I had a chance to photograph them... I'll have to post about the pretzel rolls later, since they're a story in themselves.<br />
<br />
Also, here's the current progress on the socks (I'll do a full post when they're done): <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14g4-W5ioCqHkD_KofdLSmbCCUtjP4E429Zir7GzkLuVPJghF_2ex1n94n-YHRv1sdOAALi2Ukc1yAPb3JsB9H1NEilUH7bMgZma6WuKoX7ISnNRY1F3hqwvHq8K2WeXTd1zH6iXI1kE/s1600/IMG_3197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14g4-W5ioCqHkD_KofdLSmbCCUtjP4E429Zir7GzkLuVPJghF_2ex1n94n-YHRv1sdOAALi2Ukc1yAPb3JsB9H1NEilUH7bMgZma6WuKoX7ISnNRY1F3hqwvHq8K2WeXTd1zH6iXI1kE/s320/IMG_3197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 socks at once! No second sock syndrome for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-49934491017335762142011-01-17T21:06:00.000-08:002011-01-17T21:25:19.955-08:00Chicken Pot PieThe other day I went ahead and bought a 25lbs bag of flour at Costco. I also bought some boneless skinless chicken thighs. I had been buying chicken breasts, but the thighs were so much less expensive... and then I cooked with them and discovered how much more flavor the thighs had, I'm very pleased that I bought them.<br />
<br />
It's cold and damp where I am right now, and it felt about the right time for some good old fashioned comfort food.<br />
<br />
I've never made Chicken Pot Pie before, and so I set out to make one. I started with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Cooking-School-Cookbook-Fannie-Merritt/dp/0517186780?ie=UTF8&tag=thesgu04-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">1896 Boston Cooking-School Cookbook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thesgu04-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0517186780" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, the plain paste recipe, to be specific. Then I just sort of thought about what is normally in chicken pot pie and went from there.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
The Lazy Wife's Chicken Pot Pie<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pie Crust:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 1/2 cup flour</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 cup butter, cut in cubes</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 Tbsp vodka</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 Tbsp cold water</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My crust ended up being a little thin, but very flaky and delicious, next time I'd probably double the pastry recipe, then again, I did end up making two pies. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Put flour in a medium bowl and cut in the butter cubes. Add vodka and water until you can form a smooth ball (sometimes it requires a little more vodka or water if your flour is dry). Place the smooth ball in plastic wrap and chill for about 15min. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface, and place in pie pan. Cover with wax paper and pie weights (I use beans). Prebake for about 10 min with the weights, then remove them and bake another 5-10min until it just starts to get a light brown color. Remove from oven and fill with chicken filling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs7Ii43JE-J-bId_R0hB98IjUUTUW8d3c_GFp06OV3ebu7VBVNXQnK0Ahp1T4l1P7gdk4tnhnWwwa1tPpjfwKqJGlQZ1fZU-8prbaFv8-5DQYlw9o_ZwmMJz68pHwodBBKGNex57hSs4/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VIxiNQmHBrQ/TTUgxSdAl4I/AAAAAAAAAL4/xLGi5kFXQ2k/s1600/IMG_3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VIxiNQmHBrQ/TTUgxSdAl4I/AAAAAAAAAL4/xLGi5kFXQ2k/s320/IMG_3180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7D5xK5ZywgKEMPgUKqNdx_3uNmC2rqK2WqOlCO5LyV-vQ8T-_QG_MbvnjTffkj2hRXXsQBXwSSbTchyphenhyphenqaDHUabInzFze4UX2C_cs6xsVFH2ZwYVGCf5oUnAYIzIoWVbd1Pi4fPXkGB4/s1600/IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7D5xK5ZywgKEMPgUKqNdx_3uNmC2rqK2WqOlCO5LyV-vQ8T-_QG_MbvnjTffkj2hRXXsQBXwSSbTchyphenhyphenqaDHUabInzFze4UX2C_cs6xsVFH2ZwYVGCf5oUnAYIzIoWVbd1Pi4fPXkGB4/s200/IMG_3182.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Pie filling:</div><div style="text-align: left;">1-2 Tbsp olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 onion, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">8-10 cloves garlic, minced</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup frozen corn</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VIxiNQmHBrQ/TTUg6Y0dKLI/AAAAAAAAAMA/mT1OpSJdd6U/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VIxiNQmHBrQ/TTUg6Y0dKLI/AAAAAAAAAMA/mT1OpSJdd6U/s200/IMG_3189.JPG" width="150" /></a>1/2 cup frozen peas</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup mixed vegetables (I like the "hodgepodge" mix from Trader Joes)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 carrot, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 can condensed potato soup</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tbsp Herbed Poultry (from my spice rack, I think it's Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Marjoram)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp Worcestershire sauce </div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tbsp flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tbsp butter</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZihGNMfMx0Jl_CbECzvh85hGFbEKYNulynu3Cr6B2abcr5hRn4LLa5p8fVxO3NNDg2CEC6bFiYCDzR1_R_OPSeTgpr4b_X0z4ViCcwHgMpEHCBcAx9_a4CYF8k7o8NT9hYDHzO1Uo8lU/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZihGNMfMx0Jl_CbECzvh85hGFbEKYNulynu3Cr6B2abcr5hRn4LLa5p8fVxO3NNDg2CEC6bFiYCDzR1_R_OPSeTgpr4b_X0z4ViCcwHgMpEHCBcAx9_a4CYF8k7o8NT9hYDHzO1Uo8lU/s320/IMG_3187.JPG" width="240" /></a>Salt & Pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VIxiNQmHBrQ/TTUewa_uGuI/AAAAAAAAALw/-_X-fpwGD0Y/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a medium pot, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil, on low heat, until soft. Add herbs, salt and pepper (about 1 tsp of each), add chicken and continue cooking, turn up to medium heat, stirring occasionally. When the chicken is cooked, add vegetables and soup (as well as 1 can of water). Stir until all ingredients are combined. Add flour and butter and stir until incorporated. Cook down to thicken.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When the pie crusts are ready (prebaked/just starting to brown, you can use scraps of pie crust to put on top for a cute decoration, bake them with the crusts but on a separate baking sheet) add the chicken filling to the pie shells and bake at 350 for 20min until the crusts are brown and the filling is bubbling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Take out of oven and serve.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
Well, that's about it for the recipe. It tastes pretty darn awesome (the Husband even went back for seconds, despite the pie containing peas). Chicken breast would obviously work as well, but I really do think the thighs have better flavor.<br />
<br />
Also, I'm working on a pair of socks now... but I'll post about those later, when I have pictures and such. That's all for now!The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763454884159074119.post-61397412269453107122011-01-08T21:35:00.000-08:002011-01-08T22:25:05.307-08:00HummusMy husband was recently bothering me because I had not made hummus last semester. So, by request, I made hummus today.<br />
<br />
Hummus is a Middle Eastern staple food. When eaten with bread it makes a complete protein, which is awesome especially if you're vegetarian or vegan (though understandably less awesome if you suffer from Celiac disease). Hummus is actually pretty easy to make. It relies heavily on taste... so be sure you're tasting as you go. So, here's my recipe, feel free to play with it and adjust as you like.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdOcO8DQTudBqpus7b2Wzio-kuH3YhBWEzmQo1QZvTjioISRjmR6vuIn1NRrQ4tPOPXNiwCkGyIay3T8j1FepaXeH2cCHP7F9UN1TZWSV64kYdlTgS-L3LOxK9EhkZNNx2ZDXa2k7cdI/s1600/IMG_3145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdOcO8DQTudBqpus7b2Wzio-kuH3YhBWEzmQo1QZvTjioISRjmR6vuIn1NRrQ4tPOPXNiwCkGyIay3T8j1FepaXeH2cCHP7F9UN1TZWSV64kYdlTgS-L3LOxK9EhkZNNx2ZDXa2k7cdI/s320/IMG_3145.JPG" width="320" /></a>Hummus, ala the Lazy Wife<br />
<br />
1 lb bag dried chickpeas (you can, of course, use canned chickpeas, dried are sometimes cheaper)<br />
Water<br />
1 head of Garlic, minced<br />
The juice of 2 Lemons<br />
1/3 - 1/2 cup Tahini (Sesame seed paste)<br />
1/2 cup Olive Oil<br />
Salt to taste <br />
Optional Hand full of Sun Dried Tomato, Red Pepper, Paprika, Basil, Avocado, Chipotle pepper, etc.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_8FSKYghwdQVoZ65B3rLauLfnmcIJMfKq2VzXe4R7H1jWaj_r42vpX5x-kJInrYF3edRVtW9gaf_dky90BOLVOSIeIfkc2WwCV9SRGM8qDGNrl1kXb28kDIbe4SZc-wslExAepj_Hlg/s1600/IMG_3143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_8FSKYghwdQVoZ65B3rLauLfnmcIJMfKq2VzXe4R7H1jWaj_r42vpX5x-kJInrYF3edRVtW9gaf_dky90BOLVOSIeIfkc2WwCV9SRGM8qDGNrl1kXb28kDIbe4SZc-wslExAepj_Hlg/s320/IMG_3143.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
For the Hummus purists (No optional extras):<br />
Soak the dry chickpeas in water overnight. Drain the old water and cover the now plumped peas with water by about an inch over the level of the peas... it's not important to get the water quantity exact for these steps, just to make sure the peas absorb as much water as they need to become soft. Bring the peas to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer.<br />
<br />
My chickpeas have always boil over... but uncovered they smell funny, so choose your poison.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK40D2CTgF9fj2K-BsLD5SaokRwcBJSI7Y_Hj_-WcCR3ZY59rHQ43UIGWxuojyvzKvuQUjA13tDuLeGE1EvisvO6QGc4-B2zyJA9KDkA-t-7amYnUDr-NI0LZJzPC0pBTmbwHnE7XEf0/s1600/IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK40D2CTgF9fj2K-BsLD5SaokRwcBJSI7Y_Hj_-WcCR3ZY59rHQ43UIGWxuojyvzKvuQUjA13tDuLeGE1EvisvO6QGc4-B2zyJA9KDkA-t-7amYnUDr-NI0LZJzPC0pBTmbwHnE7XEf0/s320/IMG_3148.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower: cooked peas, top left: pea skins, top right: naked peas</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Once the chickpeas are soft (30min - 2 hours). It really depends on how much attention I'm paying... when they're soft to the touch (squish one between your fingers after letting it cool and see if it mashes easily) turn off the heat and let them cool.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNLL4vsORebfWIaYjXmwYmxmZeTCL9Vbosrl_VBJD8q6LiME_EE0d8pQxQnHI7lmlYvFkizD-cOpGSCpNNFDLnso2J31zdr2Heic17qUsiWkkAdL8Q7wZU5UqVUTeGYttr93hcNrnpSM/s1600/IMG_3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNLL4vsORebfWIaYjXmwYmxmZeTCL9Vbosrl_VBJD8q6LiME_EE0d8pQxQnHI7lmlYvFkizD-cOpGSCpNNFDLnso2J31zdr2Heic17qUsiWkkAdL8Q7wZU5UqVUTeGYttr93hcNrnpSM/s320/IMG_3149.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsNBtpjxh9zMMe2phA59Fglm8H6-I9w0AotCb2LocYBBmsZmon3HoQxeNAUd0OajdI7rtgLY1K_0dnO_kWtK0Nh8G3do7Gs2IUNAwE7hyphenhyphenIAASG41InDqUYr3V4yjjDuzs6GIA7hs2Bqs/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsNBtpjxh9zMMe2phA59Fglm8H6-I9w0AotCb2LocYBBmsZmon3HoQxeNAUd0OajdI7rtgLY1K_0dnO_kWtK0Nh8G3do7Gs2IUNAwE7hyphenhyphenIAASG41InDqUYr3V4yjjDuzs6GIA7hs2Bqs/s320/IMG_3155.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummus with Sun Dried Tomato and dried red pepper</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQQDJfg2MxJYnlE7jLKEF2NBR63J9u63wzlePHmNxhWA2Qrl4XpVhYZgNQxW9DfkA3Obr5ykveuZZo-nO8TaKnfZFMYAM5YGtXY9xTj140H-jz_G3QxMmtL3lcKLIjLXrK1AAAFRNSHk/s1600/IMG_3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQQDJfg2MxJYnlE7jLKEF2NBR63J9u63wzlePHmNxhWA2Qrl4XpVhYZgNQxW9DfkA3Obr5ykveuZZo-nO8TaKnfZFMYAM5YGtXY9xTj140H-jz_G3QxMmtL3lcKLIjLXrK1AAAFRNSHk/s320/IMG_3152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummus with olive oil and paprika</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When you can handle them, strain the chickpeas and prepare for the "fun" part. Now, some people just leave them in water and roll them around in their fingers to remove the skins, because the skins, for the most part, rise to the top and can be skimmed off. I, however, am a perfectionist. I sit down and watch something while I squeeze the skin off of each and every pea. My other reason for this is because I do not own a food processor, and mash the peas with a potato masher, and I get a better consistency when I remove every skin. If you don't care about texture or are blessed with a food processor, then go ahead and remove as much of the skins in whatever way you like.<br />
<br />
After removing all the skins, put the peas in a medium to large size bowl. Add the garlic, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil and some salt, and mash until you get a nice smooth paste.<br />
<br />
Some of the ingredient amounts can vary depending on how moist or dry your chickpeas are, and how much you like or dislike certain flavors. I happen to LOVE garlic, so I used a whole head... just enough to almost give me heartburn. If you don't like garlic so much, then use 1-5 cloves or whatever you like.<br />
<br />
If you find the mashing is not giving you a nice smooth paste, then add a little more tahini, olive oil or lemon juice, depending also on what flavor you think is lacking. You do have to play with it a little, to get the right taste for your pallet.<br />
<br />
If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you can experiment a little more.<br />
<br />
Make the original recipe, but at the end stir in some chopped up sun dried tomato, or some red pepper, or avocado... I know at the farmer's market I used to go to, there was a guy that had all kinds of interesting flavors of hummus.<br />
<br />
In most of the Middle Eastern restaurants I've been to, they serve hummus with olive oil and paprika on it.<br />
<br />
If you can't find tahini (which I couldn't for a while where I am) I substituted smooth peanut butter! I know! Sounds totally crazy, right?! Well, I did, but I used a little less peanut butter and a little more olive oil and lemon juice, and lots of garlic. Once it sat for a day in the refrigerator, it tasted pretty much the same as regular hummus, with maybe a little more of a nutty aftertaste.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />
The historical origins of Hummus are unknown. The earliest verified description of hummus comes from 18th century Damascus. There were probably similar recipes before the 18th century, and in fact, the Egyptians ate a similar dish that used vinegar instead of lemon juice (which was the ingredient that arrived in the middle east later than all the others). But it is still unknown where or when hummus, as we know it today, was first made.<br />
<br />
Chickpeas are GREAT! Chickpeas are a good source of zinc, folate, and protein. They have a lot of dietary fiber and are a good source of carbohydrates (especially for people that are insulin sensitive/diabetics). They also contain phosphorus, magnesium and iron.<br />
<br />
Citations: Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummus">Hummus</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chickpea">Chickpea</a>The Lazy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17816415493197532703noreply@blogger.com2