Thursday, January 26, 2012

I was born today

Today is my birth anniversary (as my husband likes to call it).  I love birthday's...not just mine, but everybody's!  How can you not love a day where people celebrate you and you can eat as much cake as you want? 

I've been pretty fortunate in that I have had so many wonderful birthdays.  As a kid, I absolutely adored my birthday.  My parents did a pretty amazing job at making me feel like my existence in this world was one of the best things that ever happened to them.  I can remember many parties with my friends...party hats, party games (yes, pin the tail on the donkey was played), pizza and of course cake!  So much fun. 

Even as I have gotten older, I can still find the joy in birthdays.  The kid in me loves the little birthday decorations, the special plates and napkins, balloons and even a present or two.  I know that I am getting older and I should probably start treating birthdays like any other normal adult would...but I'm just not there yet...give me a couple of years.

So, as I sit here and reflect on my birth anniversary, it only seems right to thank my parents.  Mom and Dad -thank you for bringing me into this world and for loving me with all of your hearts.  You have inspired me in so many ways and continue to do so.  Thank you for supporting me and making me the person I am today.  I love you both very much.

Friday, January 20, 2012

It's cold...I want Baked Oatmeal!

Do you have a favorite go-to recipe that you crave when you are seeking something comforting?  I definitely have more than my share...let's see, my mom's infamous (and amazingly delicious) chicken and noodles, pizza (yes, this is also a comfort food for me), warm chocolate brownies....and there's of course many more. 

When I am looking for a breakfast comfort food though, there is one that always hits the spot.  That one is Baked Oatmeal.  It's a recipe that I found years ago in Cooking Light magazine.  In fact, my copy is so worn and yellowed that I am surprised I can still read it.  I know what you're thinking, "I really don't like oatmeal."  Well, first of all, shame on you!  Second of all, I promise that even if you don't like oatmeal, you'll like this.  It's basically an oatmeal souffle loaded with healthy protein (milk and walnuts), fiber and just a touch of sweetness.  I like to bake mine on Sunday and then have it for breakfast in the morning for the rest of the week.  I'll cut myself a little square and top it with some milk and microwave it for about 30-40 seconds.  Yum!!!  I've even taken it to work to have for lunch.  So good...give it a try...it will surely become one of your favorite comfort foods too.

Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Cooking Light Magazine, October 2003

Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (I don't think you need all of this...maybe just a couple of tablespoons)
1/3 cup raisins (or any dried fruit, Trader Joe's has a yummy dried berry blend that is great for this)
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (Um, I usually add at least a 1/4 cup, chopped)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk (I use 1% organic, but that's just me)
1/2 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (not in the original recipe, but it makes it much better!)
Cooking spray
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°.
  2. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine the milk, applesauce, butter, and egg. Add milk mixture to oat mixture; stir well. Pour oat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 20 (I think it takes more like 30) minutes. Serve warm.
Serves: 5 (but I think more like 6)

Yup, the good stuff.

Oh my, so much lovliness in one little bowl!

The beauty, in all of its glory!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Mmmmm...homemade guacamole!


Beautiful Hass avocados!
image from www.avocadocentral.com
 Have you ever.....

1) Purchased the delicious (yet VERY expensive) guacamole from Whole Foods?
or
2) Purchased the not-so-delicious (yet still kind of expensive) prepackaged, weirdly-colored guacamole at your neighborhood grocery store?

If you answered "yes" to either of the above questions, then I have an idea that will save your wallet and your tastebuds!!!

My solution?  Glad you asked!  Make your own.  Yup, I said it, make your own.  Believe it or not, it's much cheaper (I just bought an avocado for $1.00) and even more delicious because you control what goes in it.  I know, you are worried about picking the right one...am I correct?  Well, it's easy...really. 

Most of the avocados in our grocery stores are Hass avocados from California.  Because they don't ripen on the tree, they may arrive to your grocery store rock hard.  Depending on when you're going to use the avocado, this may not be a bad thing.  For instance, you can absolutely buy the rock-solid avocado if you aren't planning on using it within the next few days.  Just leave it on the counter and allow it to ripen at room temperature.  Once it's ripe, just put it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it (within a day or so would be good).  If you want to use your avocado right away, be sure to pick one that gives slightly to light pressure.  If it's bruised or dented or super-soft to the touch, it's not any good.  If you aren't confidant, just ask the person working in the produce section.  Trust me, they would rather be helping you than stacking bananas on the shelf.   

Now that you have your perfect avocado, you will need to pick up a few other ingredients for this amazing guacamole that you're going to make.  Those other ingredients include a yellow onion, fresh cilantro, a lime, garlic and a jalepeno.  Ok, now you are ready!

Homemade Guacamole

Ingredients:
1 avocado, peeled, seeded
2 tablespoons minced onion (or chopped whatever you prefer)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (more or less based on your preference)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (this can be left out if you dislike cilantro, but I don't recommend it)
1 tablespoon jalepeno (ribs and seeds for heat!), chopped

Method:
Place the avocado flesh in a bowl and mash with a fork or potato/avocado masher.  Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.  Season with salt to taste.  Done!

It's just that easy and delicious and you made it yourself!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Cold that won't Quit

Me: "Um, excuse me nasty, yucky, snotty cold living inside me, can you please go away?"

Nasty, Yucky, Snotty Cold: "No way!  It's awesome in here!"

Yes, this is the conversation I feel like I have been having with myself everyday for the last few days.  Maybe I am becoming sick in the head too?  No, I think I've always had that problem.

So unusual for me to get sick.  In fact, last week, when I was convulsively shivering (which I thought was just me feeling cold), it didn't even cross my mind that I could have a fever (101'F! Holy cow!).  No way!  I haven't had a fever in years!  It was straight up awful.  I laid in bed for two days straight and it finally went away...but it left a bunch of snot in it's place...thanks so much. 

Here's my point.  Colds (or whatever this is) really stink, but maybe it's a way for our bodies to tell us it's time to slow down and take it easy.  Rest...relax...rejuvinate.

So, I hate you cold and yet...I love you!  Now go get 'em immune system!!!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Thank you 2011!

Whew...back home in Chicago.  After 8 days away from our humble home, it's nice to be back.  Let me say this though, we had an amazing time with all of our friends and family.  There's nothing better than sharing the holidays with the people you love the most. 

On our windy drive home, I had some time to do some thinking.  As I stared out of the car window into the overcast sky, my thoughts started to drift to the upcoming year.  What will 2012 hold in store for me?  I started dreaming about babies and vacations and washers and dryers (yes, I dream about those things), and stopped myself.  Perhaps, before I focus on the future, I should celebrate the past.

So, in no certain order, here are some of the good things (so Martha Stewart of me!) that happened in my life in 2011!

1) I started this blog!  :)  No explanation needed there!
2) I met my amazing doctor who I adore!
3) My brother met his future wife!  Fun! Another sister!
4) My brother-in-law just got engaged to a wonderful woman.
5) My mom promised that she wouldn't move again for awhile (this is great for those of us that know her).
6) I got a cool writing gig with a professional publication.
7) I celebrated my 6th wedding anniversary.
8) I learned a few new culinary skills...or maybe I should say "re-learned."  (Breaking down a chicken is a skill my friends!)
9) I won a recipe contest...not going to lie, that was pretty fun.
10) My friends and family remained healthy!!!

There are so many more, and I am so grateful to have had such an amazing year.  Thank you 2011 for all of the goodness you provided. 

Looking forward to 2012!  Happy New Year to everyone!