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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Recipe for the Day

For you more adventurous eaters, here is a recipe that is both satisfying and tasty! OH and it makes a ton.

*See notes

Jambasta

Rachael Ray


Salt
1lb Penne rigate pasta
2 tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbs butter
*1/2 lb andouille sausage, remove casing
4 cloves garlic chopped
1 pablano pepper seeded and chopped
1 red pepper seeded and chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 onion chopped
2 tbs flour
*1 cup beer
1 cup chicken stock
1 14oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tbs hot sauce
2 fresh thyme sprigs
*1/2 lb chicken breast chopped
*1/2 lb medium shrimp deveined, tails off
1/4 cup heavy cream

Heat a pot of water to a boil for pasta, add salt cook to al dente.

Heat deep skillet over medium high. Add Extra Virgin Olive Oil, butter, and sausage. Brown sausage 2 to 3 min. to render fat. Remove with slotted spoon. Add garlic, peppers, celery, and onion to same pot that sausage was in. Saute the veggies for 5 to 6 min. Season with salt and pepper. Add flour, and cook for 2 min more, than whisk in beer. Cook beer out, 2 min. Add chicken stock, tomatoes, hot sauce, and thyme. Bring liquid to a bubble and add chicken and shrimp. Cook 6 to 7 min. until chicken is firm and shrimp are opaque and firm. Stir to mix in cooking juices then add in cream. Ddrain pasta and add to the sauce. Top with scallions and sausage.



*Ok For starters I can never find andouille sausage and the grocery store and not really willing to go out of my way to get it when Hillshire Farms Beef Sausage works perfectly fine.
For those of you who don't feel comfortable buying beer or don't want to use it at all, I just substitue it for 1/2 cup chicken stock and it tastes great.
To save time a I usual precook the chicken and shrimp and then throw them in once it has boiled.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

A break from being mommy

First off, I haven't had much of a break sense Hailey was born and she just turned one! So I finally broke down and made a hair appointment. Mind you, I haven't had anything done with my hair for over a year now so I was long over due. Anyways I got there and wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do yet, because usually I just get it all chopped off when I do get it done. I knew I wanted it trimmed up. It had grown out kinda funky from the last cut. In the end I decided to get some highlights, ok make that a lot of highlights and have an inch taken off. It was so nice to just have some time to relax and not have to worry about the kids. It took four hours! I had so much foil in my hair I could get HBO. (I know you've heard that one) So anyways, It turned out fantastic and I had fun relaxing. When I got home Karie and Jon were playing Guitar Hero. Not much got cleaned in fact there was more mess. HA! Back to playing mommy again, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Recipe for the Day

You'll never want a regular rice krispie treat agian, these are awesome!

Chocolate Peanut butter Krispie Treats

2 cookie sheets sprayed with pam
12 oz box of Rice Krispies
2 cups sugar
2 cups Karo lie syrup
2 cups peanut butter
2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 bags butterscotch chips

Mix over low heat sugar, Karo syrup and peanut butter and stir until melted and creamy. Pour over rice krispies, stir tell smooth. Pour half of mix on one baking sheet and then pour the rest on the other, flatten both. In another bowl, pour all of the chips and put in the microwave for 30 sec. Repeat until melted. Pour melted chips over the top of both Krispie mixes. Put in fridge and wait until they cool.


(It makes a lot, but trust me they will go fast.)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Hailey's Birthday



Hailey's Birthday turned out great! She had so much fun, opening presents and being the center of attention. She ate a good portion of her birthday cake and got a lot of really nice gifts. Thank you to all who made it possible and for everything. You're all wonderful! I'll get some pictures posted from the party soon.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Recipe for the Day

Sorry I have been a bit preoccupied the past few days planning for Hailey's birthday!

Since Valentines Day is literally around the corner I decided to give you all a recipe that is satisfying, and romantic. It's one of my favorite comfort foods. :)
*(see notes below)


Shar's Spaghetti and Meatballs with cheesy baguette

For Meatballs:

1 lb
ground beef
1/2 cup italian seasoning bread crumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp shredded Parmesan
Cheese plus more for serving
*7-10 saltine crackers crushed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 can of your favorite Spaghetti Sauce (I know you all were expecting homemade)
*1 lb Spaghetti noodles
1 Baguette
Mozzarella cheese (sliced thin to fit on baguette) Plus more for serving
1 large garlic clove
Olive oil
butter

Preheat oven to 350


Bring a large sauce pan of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling add a couple pinches of salt. (Follow directions on package for Spaghetti).


For Meatballs:

While water is coming to a boil, combine first eight ingredients in a mixing bowl. Using your hands form mini meatballs. Heat a skillet on medium high.
Once the pan is hot add olive oil, couple turns of the pan. (you made need a tiny bit more as you add the next batch of meatballs). Brown meatballs on all sides. They will brown quickly and will burn if you don't watch them. They take a min to two per side. As the meatballs brown, add them to a 13x9 pyrex pan and put them in the oven. The water should be boiling by this time, so go ahead and cook the noodles.

For Cheesy Baguette:

Slice the baguette at a diagonal angle to get a bit of a fancy cut. Cut the garlic clove in half. Take one of the halves of garlic and with the cut side down rub it a couple of times over each Baguette. Use the other half as needed. Then butter each baguette to your liking. Place all the baguettes on a cooking sheet. Put athin slice of Mozzarella cheese on each baguette. Put in the oven on top rack and move meatballs to bottom rack. Cook for 7min. Once there done take them out. If you want them crispier just put them back in, but keep an eye on them because if they get too crispy there impossible to eat.

Warm up your sauce

After you drain the noodles toss them lightly in olive oil. (just a drizzle) Then sprinkle with Parmesean Cheese. By this time the meatballs should be about done. So take them out and slice one open. Depending on how much pink you like in the middle, is how much longer you will need to cook them. Total though the take anywhere from 15-20 min.

Assemble your plate with noodles, sauce, meatballs, and Baguettes top with cheeses and enjoy!

*Cooks notes:

-If you want a moister meatball use a slice of bread dipped into milk, instead of crackers

-For my family we never use a whole bag of speghettie, we generally use half a bag. So if you don't like a lot of extra noodles watch how much you put in the pot.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

For those of you who like pictures






Kirt and Hailey goofing off



Add more to the list


So I'm sitting there working on the computer and I put a movie on to calm the kids down and get them ready for bed. Well it's a bit quite and I hadn't seen Kirt zip past in awhile. So I look over and what is he doing? He is smearing yogurt all over the couch! I just cleaned it the other day too. He had his lightning Mqueen car and was just running it through the yogurt. So I decided that was it and put him down for bed early. Which I'm sure he was worn out anyways because we played outside for a good hour and half today. We pulled out his jeep and let him ride around. Then we went over to the neighbors and played some more. :) It was a fun day. (besides the yogurt part). Ha! Oh and the Chili I posted turned out ok. So if anyone has a better recipie I would like it please.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Tip/Quote for the day

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on.
-Robert Frost


Isn't that the truth

Recipie for the Day

White Bean Chili

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried navy beans
  • 5 cups chicken stock
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped green chiles (fresh or canned)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions

Rinse beans well, cover with cool water, and soak for 2 hours. Drain. Place beans in large pot with chicken stock and bring to a boil over high heat. In a saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and chiles and saute for 5 minutes. Add chile mixture to pot with beans. Add chicken, cumin, oregano, pepper, white pepper, red pepper flakes, and cilantro. Lower heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Serve with cornbread, if desired.

by Paula Deen


Busy Day

Today I worked a ton on my site. So Check it out :) http://www.delicatedelightful.com/. Hailey cut her other hand today on a razor. She has managed to do more damaged to herself, than Kirt has before the age of one. She is ok, she just has to bandage hands at the moment. (All sharp things are put up and out of reach for sure now.) After the hectic morning I helped Sara put together some book marks for new beginnings. So for dinner we are trying something new. I'll go ahead and post it for now, but if it turns out bad I'll take it off.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Recipe for the Day

Taco soup

I love this one because it's all in on pot, quick, easy, and YUMMY!

1 lb ground beef
2 cans ranch style beans
1 cup frozen corn
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
1pkg taco seasoning
1pk ranch seasoning


Brown Ground beef in a large sauce pan. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a bubble. Serve with chips, cheese, and sour cream.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Recipe for the Day


Sour Cream Cinnamon Buns

(I know it sounds gross, but give um a chance a they are awesome!)

1 8 oz carton sour cream
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp baking soda
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 package active dry yeast
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp buttered softened
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups sifted pwered sugar
2 tbsp milk

-Heat sour cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat to 105 to 115 degrees.
-Combine warm sour cream, 2 tbsp butter, 3 tablsp sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Add egg and yeast; blend well. Add 1 1/2 cups flour; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly 4 to 5 times. Cover and let rest 5 minutes.
-Roll dough into an 18x 6 inch rectangle; spread 2 tbsp softened butter over dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over dough. Roll up dough, starting at long side, pressing firm to eliminate air pockets pinch seam to seal.
-Slice roll into 12 (1 1/2 inch slices. Place sliced side down, in greased muffin pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place 85degrees, free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
- Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Remove buns from pan immediately. Combine powdered sugar and milk then drizzle with Powdered sugar mix.

For added flavor add 2 to 3 fresh orange juice or lemon juice to Powdered sugar mix instead of milk

to slice the dough with ease, use a long thread. Place under dough and pull crosswise. Pull all the way through. ENJOY!

Sorry they were eaten before I could get a pic of the finished product

Much better

So today went a lot better then yesterday. I took Hailey to see her pediatrician and they agreed that the cut should have been stitched, but since it wasn't she'll just have to have it heal the long way and I'll have to keep it clean and put medicine on it and all that jazz. Oh and they gave her a tetanus shot.

While we were waiting to be seen, I put Hailey down and she started to walk all by herself. Not just a few steps, she went far like a few feet. Kirt started walking just before he turned one as well.

I spent the rest of the afternoon working on taxes. Which will have to be continued tomorrow....

On a more fun note Kirt and I made cinnamon rolls. So that can be the recipe for the day

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Tip/Quote for the day


"There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage"
-Martin Luther

Striving for a good marriage that will last through eternity is worth getting through all trials along the way. :) At times some or all us feel like giving up or we find ourselves struggling to get along with our spouse. Well I have found that I set the mood of my home. When I'm happy and loving, Jon is more likely to feel that way, but if I'm negative or down on myself I find everyone on edge. Now our marriage is no where near perfect. We have so many challenges we are facing at this moment in time, but I know with prayer and faith we can overcome anything.

Another Happy couple :)



She just loves playing with Kirt.


It usually doesn't last long before he desides to hope out. Poor Hailey is stuck.

Just haven some fun



Kirt loves to get in the crib with Hailey and jump

Recipe for the Day

For all those who know me real well, know that I love Mexican food. Well I came across this recipe awhile back and I just love it. Granted, it takes a bit of prep, but it has fantastic flavor, you gotta try it. :)

Easy Chicken Mojo Burritos

Ingredients

Mojo Sauce:

  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 serrano chilies, seeds removed
  • 1 large handful fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 limes
  • Juice 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1 (3 to 4 pound) whole roasted chicken, shredded
  • Yellow Rice, recipe follows
  • Spicy Black beans, recipe follows
  • 2 avocados chopped
  • 1 cup grated queso blanco or Monterey jack cheese
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Directions

Make the Mojo Sauce: Put the garlic, chilies, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, and olive oil into a blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

To make the burritos: Warm the tortillas for 30 seconds in a dry skillet or on the grill until pliable. Place some chicken down the center of a tortilla and top with rice and beans, avocado, grated cheese, and Mojo Sauce. Roll up the burrito and serve topped with a generous drizzle of sour cream; garnish with cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice.

Yellow Rice:

2 cups long-grain rice

4 cups water

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 bay leaf

Put all the ingredients into a heavy bottomed pot, stir well, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice has absorbed the water, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the garlic and bay leaf, fluff with a fork, and serve.

Yield: 8 servings

Spicy Black Beans:

2 cups (about 1 pound) dried black beans, picked over and rinsed

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 bay leaf

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Quick soak the beans: Put beans in a pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour. Drain the beans.

In the same pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, jalapeno pepper, garlic, and bay leaf and cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the beans and cover with water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the beans and season them with salt and pepper.

Yield: 8 servings

Just one of those days


So today started out like any other, I got the kids breakfast, got everyone cleaned up, and then put on a movie so I could clean the kitchen. Well it just so happens that Kirt decides to spill some beads on the floor. ( I know I should have had them up). Anyways some roll under the couch and Hailey goes after a them. Right as she does that she starts crying. I pull her hands up and blood is gushing from her finger.


On super bowl Sunday While Jon was watching the game, I was watching kids, and moments before he got home Kirt dropped a glass jar on the ground. Of course it shattered. So I begin cleaning it up all the while trying to keep Kirt and Hailey out of it.

Well As soon as I saw the blood I knew I missed some glass. So I ran over and grab a paper towel to put some pressure on it and stop the bleeding. After a min it's still bleeding and I'm freaking out at this point because my phone was turned off. So went and payed it to get it turned back on. I call Karie over to have her take me to ER. By the time she gets to my house I got the bleeding to stop. Then we proceed to take her to the doctor. They had her soak her hand to clean it all out. Then as the doctor examined it he said he was just going to glue it close, but then for some reason he decided to use a special glue strip instead. I was kinda iffy when he pulled it out, because I knew Hailey would just tear it off the first second she got. Of course, I didn't say anything. Well we get discharged and Karie drops us off at home and what does she do. She tears the everything off. So now I have to take her back in tomorrow so get everything closed back up so it can heal properly. I'm glad she is ok though. I think she handled it a lot better then I did.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Under the weather

I must have caught something because I feel terrible today. I coughed all night last night and I'm congested. I literally only have two weeks left before Hailey's birthday and I am in no way ready. I'm still trying to get her dress done. I almost done with it I just need to stitch the last finishing touches onto it. Then I need to get her invites out. So on top of all this I am sick and Jon is working late tonight because he has a conference call.


So if you would like to come to Hailey's birthday it will be on Feb, 14th at 12-3pm at Grandma Sessions House. (if you don't get the invite in time) If you have questions call :)

Tip/Quote for the day

Sorry I missed adding this yesterday so I'll give two little tidbits.
#1
"When you reach the end of your rope,
tie a knot in it and hang on."
-Thomas Jefferson

I'll feel like I'm at the end of my rope these days, but I continue to push forward, and prayer for better days. Not just for me, but for all my family and friends. It's rough for everyone and there is always some one out there with a more difficult situation. With that said If we try to focus on helping others it allows it puts qualms at ease.

#2
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God

Mosiah 2:17

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Recipe for the Day

As you can see Jon and Kirt helped. (they tested the dough)



Cowboy Cookies

Ingredients

  • vegetable oil cooking spray
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut inoh1/4 inch chunks (1 cup)
  • 3 ounces (3/4 cup) pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray, line with parchment paper, and spray parchment. Sift flour, bakng soda, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl. Beat butter and sugars with a mixer on medium-high until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and slowly add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Beat in oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut until combined. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days) Using a 1 1/2 inch ice cream scoop or a small spoon, drop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. Bake until edges of cookies begin to brown, 11 to 13 min. Transfer baking sheets to wire rack, and let cool for 5 min

Side note: I cooked some cookies for 11 min and that was a bit long, at least for my oven. So I would start at ten and if it needs more then add a little more, I find though if you cook them from 9- 10 min then they are softer later :)

Super Bowl Sunday

Did everyone enjoy the Super Bowl?! I wouldn't know, I didn't watch. Jon of course is watching it as I'm writing this. He is at the neighbors. I didn't feel like taking the kids over. I know they would get too rambunctious. So I put my creativity skills too the test and made something a little different for dinner. I'll post the recipe in a bit. Anyways It was a pleasant Sunday. I just got released from nursery last week so I was able to go to relief society. It's been a year and a half! I saw new faces, and old faces. :) Well my new calling is Stake Sports director. HA! Go figure. I'm not the most athletic type, but I'm grateful for the opportunity. So our first game is This Tuesday. I know exciting right? Well I'm excited. Oh I almost forgot I only got one person to sign up. Not a lot of people enjoy volleyball, I'm realizing. It's fun though you just got to give it a chance and I'm really not the best at it, but it's fun to laugh and hit the ball into another court. (Not on purpose of course) Plus its fun to get to know the sisters.
So I guess for this week we'll just have to see who shows up. Next week I'm going to try another pitch. Maybe offer treats and have a babysitter for all the kids. (Then that can't be an excuse he he) If anyone has any suggestions for making Womens volleyball sound like a blast let me know.