Thursday was a super busy day. I mean super busy. I am not much of a crock pot cook primarily because my husband doesn't like food in a crock pot (I don't get it, but whatever). So what else is easy and convenient- grilling!
Confession, I'm afraid of cooking on the grill. Like, I've never actually completed a meal on my own on the grill and the one time I tried to grill, it was yuck - like raw. You know the cooked on the outside but raw in the middle... Ewww. I hate that. However, we just bought a new grill as our 12 year old grill pretty much died on us (crusty, rusty and not cooking evenly due to poor upkeep on our end). I decided it would be the year that I overcame my fear of grill cooking. I mean, it could blow up, I could catch on fire, lil man could get burned, what if I dropped the food in the grates and lost it forever...
I had some pork chops in the fridge that I picked up the day before hoping to make this recipe that night (but didn't work out as we wanted burgers badly). So, since they were thawed, I whipped up this quick recipe from Kraft Food and Family Magazine. It was called something like zesty pork and veggies.
This recipe is beyond easy. Beyond... seriously. Simply take the pork chops out (bone-in or boneless) and poke them with a fork then place into a shallow bowl. Whip up 1/4 c. Italian dressing and 1 Tbsp Grey Poupon (or other dijon mustard). Pour half of it over the pork (I poured all and made more for basting). Cover and refrigerate... get this... not hours... for 15 minutes! Yep, 15 minutes.
During that 15 minutes, I chopped up green pepper, red pepper and zucchini (I forgot the onion) then I added in some fresh garlic and drizzled with olive oil covered and stuck in fridge. In the meantime, we played for another hour outside giving everything time to marinate- besides in the summer, we don't eat until a little later.
I warmed the grill... put the pork on and the veggies into the basket on the grill. I waited... and waited. I then realized, the grill ran out of gas at the beginning of cooking... nice. Ran to the store for a new propane tank, grilled up my food and basted the pork with the extra batch of marinade that I made. The veggies were simple and fantastic. The pork was some of the tastiest that I've had in a while. The flavor kept throughout and there was no need for more. Despite the fact that I overcooked the pork a little (due to running and chasing an almost three-year-old who was into EVERYTHING), dinner was amazingly delicious. Hubby even said it was some of the best pork he's had in a long time. The flavor was splendid. I will certainly make this again. And the fact that it took 5 minutes to whip up and 15 minutes cooking time is a plus.
Try it. It's good. No lie. If my almost three-year-old son wanted seconds, so will you!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
Book Review: Divergent
GET THIS BOOK- NOW! Wow, I just shouted at you. I apologize. I just really really enjoyed this book. It was definitely a good read. Remember, I do not write spoilers, so you are safe to read on.
Set in the future where at the age of 16 you must choose which faction you are going to live in and become part of or stay with your family. Faction or family? Hmm What to choose? Most people are given the choice between their current faction (with their family) or another that they tested to have an affinity for. Then there are the special people, the Divergents, who have an affinity toward 2 or more factions. Such is the case with Beatrice.
Beatrice makes her choice and goes through the initiation (which everyone does even if they are from that faction - ie staying with the faction their family is part of). Being one of the divergent, she soon finds that she's not as safe as she thought.
This book is so fantastic. Pretty well written for a YA novel. Yes, it's another post-apocalypse/dystopian society book. It's one of the best I've read in a long time. The series of events in the book are amazing. At one point, I looked at the different factions Roth created and wondered if they were based off characteristics in the Beatitudes. Weird, I know, but for some reason, I thought of the factions in that way.
If you like YA and page turners, this is it. It is long (550 pages) but it's definitely not a cumbersome read. Just pick it up and give it a shot. I have yet to meet someone who hasn't enjoyed it. Yes, it's part of a trilogy and I've read the second book "Insurgent" which is PHENOMENAL! I'll review that for you soon! GET THIS BOOK!
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| Image from Google Books |
Set in the future where at the age of 16 you must choose which faction you are going to live in and become part of or stay with your family. Faction or family? Hmm What to choose? Most people are given the choice between their current faction (with their family) or another that they tested to have an affinity for. Then there are the special people, the Divergents, who have an affinity toward 2 or more factions. Such is the case with Beatrice.
Beatrice makes her choice and goes through the initiation (which everyone does even if they are from that faction - ie staying with the faction their family is part of). Being one of the divergent, she soon finds that she's not as safe as she thought.
This book is so fantastic. Pretty well written for a YA novel. Yes, it's another post-apocalypse/dystopian society book. It's one of the best I've read in a long time. The series of events in the book are amazing. At one point, I looked at the different factions Roth created and wondered if they were based off characteristics in the Beatitudes. Weird, I know, but for some reason, I thought of the factions in that way.
If you like YA and page turners, this is it. It is long (550 pages) but it's definitely not a cumbersome read. Just pick it up and give it a shot. I have yet to meet someone who hasn't enjoyed it. Yes, it's part of a trilogy and I've read the second book "Insurgent" which is PHENOMENAL! I'll review that for you soon! GET THIS BOOK!
Friday, June 8, 2012
My addiction....
I have a problem. Yes, I'm finally admitting it... I can't believe I'm about to tell you... Really? Should I? Hmm... Well, here goes nothing... I'm addicted to books. There I said it. Whew!
I have so many stinking books that it's absolutely ridiculous. Sad thing, I haven't read them all. Problem: I not only have shelves of books at home, they are at school, and since Hubby bought me a Kindle Fire for my tonsillectomy, I have a bunch on there as well. Not to mention it's library reading program time and I have library books too.
I love free Kindle books. I download them all the time. I love going to the library and just perusing the books (children's, YA, adult, fiction, nonfiction, you name it). The greatest thing, the library lets you check out books for free- provided you 1. return them, 2. return them on time. It's a sad state. Really, it is.
What's the problem? Well, I'd rather read than do housework or exercise or watch tv. I so love to read. The other problems: I'm a slow reader (I like to read in my head as I would outloud - animated and fun) and I have many books going at the same time. Who does that to themselves? Seriously, it's an illness and I need to get on some major medication.
Right now, I'm reading:
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (a whole 180 pages of ease but I'm not into it right now)
Fifty Shades Freed by E L James (not a genre I usually read and I skip the explicit parts- I'm reading it because the first was a book club choice and I get hooked on trilogies- I have to finish them).
To Love Anew (some free Kindle book)
My goal: Finish 50 shades and move to Chocolate War then to Total Money. I have about 10 books I brought home from my classroom that I want to read and figure lesson plans for (am I crazy or what?). I think I'm attempting to overachieve and I doubt I'll finish all of it, but it's worth a try- not to mention other books I want to read that I've heard about, read excerpts from, friends recommend, or whatnot. Oh yeah, plus the 2 books about reading instruction and comprehension I borrowed from the library that are due next week. I better get reading!
Please tell me there are others like me out there? How do you have time to read it all? It's so true: "So many books, so little time". I'm out! Off to get a few minutes to an hour in reading.
I have so many stinking books that it's absolutely ridiculous. Sad thing, I haven't read them all. Problem: I not only have shelves of books at home, they are at school, and since Hubby bought me a Kindle Fire for my tonsillectomy, I have a bunch on there as well. Not to mention it's library reading program time and I have library books too.
I love free Kindle books. I download them all the time. I love going to the library and just perusing the books (children's, YA, adult, fiction, nonfiction, you name it). The greatest thing, the library lets you check out books for free- provided you 1. return them, 2. return them on time. It's a sad state. Really, it is.
What's the problem? Well, I'd rather read than do housework or exercise or watch tv. I so love to read. The other problems: I'm a slow reader (I like to read in my head as I would outloud - animated and fun) and I have many books going at the same time. Who does that to themselves? Seriously, it's an illness and I need to get on some major medication.
Right now, I'm reading:
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (a whole 180 pages of ease but I'm not into it right now)
Fifty Shades Freed by E L James (not a genre I usually read and I skip the explicit parts- I'm reading it because the first was a book club choice and I get hooked on trilogies- I have to finish them).
To Love Anew (some free Kindle book)
My goal: Finish 50 shades and move to Chocolate War then to Total Money. I have about 10 books I brought home from my classroom that I want to read and figure lesson plans for (am I crazy or what?). I think I'm attempting to overachieve and I doubt I'll finish all of it, but it's worth a try- not to mention other books I want to read that I've heard about, read excerpts from, friends recommend, or whatnot. Oh yeah, plus the 2 books about reading instruction and comprehension I borrowed from the library that are due next week. I better get reading!
Please tell me there are others like me out there? How do you have time to read it all? It's so true: "So many books, so little time". I'm out! Off to get a few minutes to an hour in reading.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
My Little Secret(s)
Yep, I'm gonna share a secret with you... actually, a few.
1. I used to be a HORRID cook
2. I'm actually afraid to make some foods/try some cooking methods....
Whew! I feel better now. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
I have to share this story only because it's so funny and it's one my hubby likes to share when people try my cooking. I mean, it's no secret that hubs and I have put on a few pounds since marriage, but moreso since I've started cooking (the past 5 years or so).
I have to admit, I used to only make certain foods. Our menus were hot dogs served with mac and cheese and occassionally broccoli; spaghetti and take out. Literally. I may get spiffy at times and attempt something fun.... Let's go with fish.
Here's the story: Hubby and I spent our first 6 months of married life living in an apartment. It was on the fifth floor at the very end of the hall. Actually, for what we paid, it was a nice place. One day, my brother, an avid hunter and fisherman, brought me some serious fish steaks. They were thick and beautiful. Don't ask what kind it was because I can't tell ya. All I know is they were nice looking. He told me how to cook it (because being the outdoorsman he is, my bro can cook some mean dishes- he is a terrific cook). I thought it was way too easy. I didn't feel like eating it so I put it in freezer wrap in the freezer. A month or so later, I decided I would try it. I was feeling adventurous.
I was so excited. I wanted to surprise the hubby with a great home cooked meal and try my hand at cooking.... plus, I was in the mood for good fish. Well, I did what I thought my brother said- put under the broiler for a few minutes with olive oil and some spices. I was curious when I looked at the fish as to what the dark vein-like spot was but figured it needed to be in there so I left it.
While it was cooking, the apartment really started to smell like fish. I'm talking so strong even with the patio door open (to the balcony) the stench was overwhelming. I thought we would have to crawl on the floor as though smoke were filling the room except instead of smoke, it was fish smell. I didn't think anything of it other than it was a stinky fish and going to taste disgusting.
Hubby came home and said he smelled fish down at the other end of the hall. I said, "Oh. It's probably because I'm cooking fish and it just wafted down there." I mean, I had opened the door to the apartment as well because it was so overwhelming. The timer went off and I took the fish out to find a black smudgy fluid all over the pan. Ewww...
Hubby looked at it and said, "Honey, you're supposed to cut that part out. Now it's ruined and we'll have to eat something else. That's the poop vein." I thought he simply was avoiding trying my wonderful dish, so I called my brother who confirmed what hubby said. I was devastated. What's worse, that apartment smelled like fish until we moved out a month later! Boy, am I glad I cooked that fish there instead of in my current home! To this day, when someone comments on my cooking or says to hubs something about why they see he stays with me, he chuckles and says "She didn't always cook like this."
I thought you would enjoy that story. I'll share more on my cooking fears over the next few months. I'm still overcoming some and loving what I'm learning and the fact that I'm challenging myself! Do you have any cooking mishap stories? I love hearing them!
1. I used to be a HORRID cook
2. I'm actually afraid to make some foods/try some cooking methods....
Whew! I feel better now. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
I have to share this story only because it's so funny and it's one my hubby likes to share when people try my cooking. I mean, it's no secret that hubs and I have put on a few pounds since marriage, but moreso since I've started cooking (the past 5 years or so).
I have to admit, I used to only make certain foods. Our menus were hot dogs served with mac and cheese and occassionally broccoli; spaghetti and take out. Literally. I may get spiffy at times and attempt something fun.... Let's go with fish.
Here's the story: Hubby and I spent our first 6 months of married life living in an apartment. It was on the fifth floor at the very end of the hall. Actually, for what we paid, it was a nice place. One day, my brother, an avid hunter and fisherman, brought me some serious fish steaks. They were thick and beautiful. Don't ask what kind it was because I can't tell ya. All I know is they were nice looking. He told me how to cook it (because being the outdoorsman he is, my bro can cook some mean dishes- he is a terrific cook). I thought it was way too easy. I didn't feel like eating it so I put it in freezer wrap in the freezer. A month or so later, I decided I would try it. I was feeling adventurous.
I was so excited. I wanted to surprise the hubby with a great home cooked meal and try my hand at cooking.... plus, I was in the mood for good fish. Well, I did what I thought my brother said- put under the broiler for a few minutes with olive oil and some spices. I was curious when I looked at the fish as to what the dark vein-like spot was but figured it needed to be in there so I left it.
While it was cooking, the apartment really started to smell like fish. I'm talking so strong even with the patio door open (to the balcony) the stench was overwhelming. I thought we would have to crawl on the floor as though smoke were filling the room except instead of smoke, it was fish smell. I didn't think anything of it other than it was a stinky fish and going to taste disgusting.
Hubby came home and said he smelled fish down at the other end of the hall. I said, "Oh. It's probably because I'm cooking fish and it just wafted down there." I mean, I had opened the door to the apartment as well because it was so overwhelming. The timer went off and I took the fish out to find a black smudgy fluid all over the pan. Ewww...
Hubby looked at it and said, "Honey, you're supposed to cut that part out. Now it's ruined and we'll have to eat something else. That's the poop vein." I thought he simply was avoiding trying my wonderful dish, so I called my brother who confirmed what hubby said. I was devastated. What's worse, that apartment smelled like fish until we moved out a month later! Boy, am I glad I cooked that fish there instead of in my current home! To this day, when someone comments on my cooking or says to hubs something about why they see he stays with me, he chuckles and says "She didn't always cook like this."
I thought you would enjoy that story. I'll share more on my cooking fears over the next few months. I'm still overcoming some and loving what I'm learning and the fact that I'm challenging myself! Do you have any cooking mishap stories? I love hearing them!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Book review: Wither
I'm back... Figured I'd start easy- a book review.
Anyway, while lil man was snuggling with me after his tonsillectomy/adnoidectomy (that's just a weird word - adnoids... add ectomy and it's weirder- who named those things anyway??), I finished reading Wither. A book that came recommended by a friend, coworker, and fellow reader - she's a librarian. She felt I would enjoy it. Imagine my surprise when I found it at Ollie's for $3.99. It was hardcover in perfect condition brand new... fantastic! I've gotten off the book buying habit as I feel we have WAY too many books in our possession (more on that later). I just couldn't resist buying it because I could also put it in my classroom for the students to read. That's the main reason I buy books- can I use them for my classroom or if they are a good reference book. If not, I get them from the library (I'm posting about our wonderful libraries soon. They truly are great places.).
I picked it up and about 6 weeks later, I was finally diving in; however, I must say, I got extremely busy at work and my reading was down to 1-2 pages a day because of the work load and needing to spend time with my family. Reading is the last thing I do before bed and I try to sneak some in during lunch- but I do it daily.
Back to the book review.... sorry... I get talky at times.
Wither is the story of a girl, well 3 really, who lives in a world where despite the fact that diseases such as AIDS and cancer no longer exist, life expectancy is not long. A nearly perfect race proves to still have imperfections. Males live to 25 and females to 20. This means, in order to have children, girls are married off (or kidnapped and sold) by the age of 13 so they can have children in the hopes of finding a cure for the short life span.
Rhine is captured and sold to a wealthy man, Linden. She is noted and sought after for her beautiful eyes. Her twin warns her not to leave their home; however, she didn't listen and was whisked away to be sold to Linden. With him, she lives in a mansion where wealth knows no bounds with 2 other sister brides and her father-in-law. Watch out, he's creepy! The man is pure evil in my sight!
Rhine seeks knowledge, understanding and freedom. She spends time with the staff (when it's forbidden) creating an interesting love triangle- or is it? Does she love Linden or not? Does she simply want to go back to her twin brother and be free from the bondage of this house and father-in-law? She sets out to gain all of those things - knowledge, understanding, freedom, and, yes, love.
While I thought the world that was created was intriguing and unique, I struggled with getting into the story. I don't know that I really connected with Rhine. In hindsight (since it's been a while since I read it) it wasn't terrible. It was okay, but it could have something to do with all the interruptions in my reading and such. Should you read it? Sure. It's a short YA novel that is the first in a trilogy (The Chemical Garden). The second book, Fever, just came out not too long ago. I'll pick it up and give it the "old college try"- but this time, I'm sticking to my rule - 50 pages and I'm out if I'm not into it!
Anyway, while lil man was snuggling with me after his tonsillectomy/adnoidectomy (that's just a weird word - adnoids... add ectomy and it's weirder- who named those things anyway??), I finished reading Wither. A book that came recommended by a friend, coworker, and fellow reader - she's a librarian. She felt I would enjoy it. Imagine my surprise when I found it at Ollie's for $3.99. It was hardcover in perfect condition brand new... fantastic! I've gotten off the book buying habit as I feel we have WAY too many books in our possession (more on that later). I just couldn't resist buying it because I could also put it in my classroom for the students to read. That's the main reason I buy books- can I use them for my classroom or if they are a good reference book. If not, I get them from the library (I'm posting about our wonderful libraries soon. They truly are great places.).
I picked it up and about 6 weeks later, I was finally diving in; however, I must say, I got extremely busy at work and my reading was down to 1-2 pages a day because of the work load and needing to spend time with my family. Reading is the last thing I do before bed and I try to sneak some in during lunch- but I do it daily.
Back to the book review.... sorry... I get talky at times.
Wither is the story of a girl, well 3 really, who lives in a world where despite the fact that diseases such as AIDS and cancer no longer exist, life expectancy is not long. A nearly perfect race proves to still have imperfections. Males live to 25 and females to 20. This means, in order to have children, girls are married off (or kidnapped and sold) by the age of 13 so they can have children in the hopes of finding a cure for the short life span.
Rhine is captured and sold to a wealthy man, Linden. She is noted and sought after for her beautiful eyes. Her twin warns her not to leave their home; however, she didn't listen and was whisked away to be sold to Linden. With him, she lives in a mansion where wealth knows no bounds with 2 other sister brides and her father-in-law. Watch out, he's creepy! The man is pure evil in my sight!
Rhine seeks knowledge, understanding and freedom. She spends time with the staff (when it's forbidden) creating an interesting love triangle- or is it? Does she love Linden or not? Does she simply want to go back to her twin brother and be free from the bondage of this house and father-in-law? She sets out to gain all of those things - knowledge, understanding, freedom, and, yes, love.
While I thought the world that was created was intriguing and unique, I struggled with getting into the story. I don't know that I really connected with Rhine. In hindsight (since it's been a while since I read it) it wasn't terrible. It was okay, but it could have something to do with all the interruptions in my reading and such. Should you read it? Sure. It's a short YA novel that is the first in a trilogy (The Chemical Garden). The second book, Fever, just came out not too long ago. I'll pick it up and give it the "old college try"- but this time, I'm sticking to my rule - 50 pages and I'm out if I'm not into it!
Monday, June 4, 2012
I'm back!!!
Hi everyone. I'm back from the abyss of life that prevented me from blogging. There really isn't much reason other than work, sinus infection and potty training my soon-to-be 3-year-old. Wow. I can't believe my son is going to be 3! Amazing how time flies!
I've accomplished a little in that time. I haven't made an incredible amount of new recipes, but a few. I managed to read a few books and will be reviewing them soon. I also managed to clean out my cabinets at work to get them more organized. Now, I will admit that I didn't get through all of them, but I got through 4 out of 6 that needed cleaned. Hopefully, this week, I'll clean out the rest.
So I have to tell you that I'm working on my son's birthday party. I had a theme in mind and the invitations written and printed, but I'm thinking of changing my mind.... AND there are 4 weeks til the party! YIKES! I doubt I will, but I'm thinking about it. I have a HUGE surprise for him on his actual birthday and can't wait til he finds out what it is. That will be a GLORIOUS moment in his life.
That's about what I've been up to (aside from playing with my lil man). Several of you have asked if I'll be blogging again. To answer your question, yes. I'm just trying to figure out a time to do it! For some reason my use of time has changed and I'm not on the computer much at all. I must admit that I frequently forget to check email - even though I can do it from my phone which sends me reminders.... Maybe I'm just too caught up in the moment, but isn't that the way to be?
I've accomplished a little in that time. I haven't made an incredible amount of new recipes, but a few. I managed to read a few books and will be reviewing them soon. I also managed to clean out my cabinets at work to get them more organized. Now, I will admit that I didn't get through all of them, but I got through 4 out of 6 that needed cleaned. Hopefully, this week, I'll clean out the rest.
So I have to tell you that I'm working on my son's birthday party. I had a theme in mind and the invitations written and printed, but I'm thinking of changing my mind.... AND there are 4 weeks til the party! YIKES! I doubt I will, but I'm thinking about it. I have a HUGE surprise for him on his actual birthday and can't wait til he finds out what it is. That will be a GLORIOUS moment in his life.
That's about what I've been up to (aside from playing with my lil man). Several of you have asked if I'll be blogging again. To answer your question, yes. I'm just trying to figure out a time to do it! For some reason my use of time has changed and I'm not on the computer much at all. I must admit that I frequently forget to check email - even though I can do it from my phone which sends me reminders.... Maybe I'm just too caught up in the moment, but isn't that the way to be?
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Tasty Tuesday: Kale and Feta Breakfast Casserole
I've been cooking my way through my pinterest pins. A few at a time. Can i just say, I'm addicted to checking what's out there all the time? Can I also tell you that I really like to be able to visit favorite sites and pin things for later review using Pinterest? Okay. I'm done now.
Back to cooking. I decided I would make a recipe for Kale and Feta Breakfast Casserole using my friend's farm fresh eggs. Since hubby doesn't like these things, I knew it would be up to myself to eat it all (thank goodness for friends who like what I like!).
I made up this yummy recipe and at the same time made hubby tuna noodle casserole (something I really do not like). I was afraid my dinner would smell like tuna, but it wasn't the case- thank goodness!
The breakfast casserole cooked a little longer than I wanted, but it wasn't bad. The other problem is with my oven. It is at an angle so things do not cook evenly. I will fix this when we fix our flooring (hopefully this summer or next year). Until then I just work with it.
I loved the bite of the kale and the tang of the feta (one of my favorite cheeses). The recipe was easy to make and made a lot. I didn't have spice seasoning so I used Lawry's Season Salt. It's my go to seasoning for things like this.
As far as reheating, I did this in the microwave and it turned out just fine provided I didn't microwave for more than 1 min 30 sec-2 min.
Click this link to get the recipe.
Join me at 33 Shades of Green for Tasty Tuesday. Let's see what's cooking!
Back to cooking. I decided I would make a recipe for Kale and Feta Breakfast Casserole using my friend's farm fresh eggs. Since hubby doesn't like these things, I knew it would be up to myself to eat it all (thank goodness for friends who like what I like!).
I made up this yummy recipe and at the same time made hubby tuna noodle casserole (something I really do not like). I was afraid my dinner would smell like tuna, but it wasn't the case- thank goodness!
The breakfast casserole cooked a little longer than I wanted, but it wasn't bad. The other problem is with my oven. It is at an angle so things do not cook evenly. I will fix this when we fix our flooring (hopefully this summer or next year). Until then I just work with it.
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| Image from here |
I loved the bite of the kale and the tang of the feta (one of my favorite cheeses). The recipe was easy to make and made a lot. I didn't have spice seasoning so I used Lawry's Season Salt. It's my go to seasoning for things like this.
As far as reheating, I did this in the microwave and it turned out just fine provided I didn't microwave for more than 1 min 30 sec-2 min.
Click this link to get the recipe.
Join me at 33 Shades of Green for Tasty Tuesday. Let's see what's cooking!
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