Rosemary-Skewered Artichoke Chicken

This is one Stan found, we always serve it with Pasta with Garlic and Lemon Sauce.  There's something wonderfully yummy about the slightly crispy ends of the artichoke hearts and the silky texture of the squash and tomatoes.  This is also easy to make for a crowd, as so much of the work can be done in advance, and guests can help thread their own skewers for an interactive dinner!

Rosemary Artichoke Chicken
Ingredients

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 t dill weed
• 1 t oregano
• 1 t rosemary
• 2 t lemon peel (fresh lemon zest will burn, due to the oil - stick with dried)
• 1 T crushed garlic
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/4 t pepper
• 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (14 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts
• 2 medium yellow summer squash, cut into 1-inch slices
• 12 cherry tomatoes
• 6 wooden skewers, soaked in water

Directions

• In a large resealable plastic bag or bowl, combine the oil, dill, oregano, rosemary, lemon peel, garlic, salt and pepper; add chicken. Stir to coat; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Drain and discard marinade. On soaked wooden skewers, alternately thread the chicken, artichokes, squash and tomatoes. 
• Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 10-15 minutes on each side or until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Yield: 6 servings.

Modified from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Rosemary-Skewered-Artichoke-Chicken

Pasta with Garlic and Lemon Sauce

Stan actually found this recipe.  He wanted Olive Garden but didn't feel like paying for it... we always pair this with Rosemary-Skewered Artichoke Chicken.

Pasta with Garlic and Lemon Sauce

1 lb. linguine or fettuccine
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
4 tbsp. butter
1 c. heavy cream
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp. lemon juice

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic and lemon zest until very fragrant.Add cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook to heat through. Set aside until pasta is cooked.
Cook pasta in plenty of salt water. If fresh pasta is used, this will take only 2 minutes after water returns to boil.
Reheat sauce, adding half the Parmesan cheese and all the lemon. Adjust seasonings. Drain pasta and serve. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

Chinese Chicken Salad

Get out the biggest bowl you own!  Then be amazed at how fast this disappears...

Chinese Chicken Salad
1 cabbage (nappa if the recipe will be consumed same-day)
2-3 chicken breasts, poached and cut into chunks
2-3 packages ramen noodles (oriental or sesame chicken flavor)
1 c rice vinegar (or 1/2 plain white and 1/2 rice)
1/2 c oil
1-2 c frozen peas
2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
sugar, salt & pepper to taste
1/4 c sliced almonds
1 can water chestnuts (optional)
toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Crunch up noodles in medium bowl, add juice from oranges, oil & vinegar, and seasoning packets from noodles. Stir and let sit.

Chop cabbage, combine in large bowl with chicken, peas, almonds and oranges.  Add noodes and mix.  Serve cold with almonds and sesame seeds sprinkled on top.

Taco Soup

We call this chili in our household.  It's a great addition to a baked potato bar, turns into nachos on day 2, and is super easy to make (you can even freeze it)!

Taco Soup

In a large pot:
Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 packet Taco Seasoning, drain excess grease

Add following and simmer for 20 minutes or more:
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
2 28oz cans diced fire roasted tomatoes (I love Muir Glenn brand)
1 can chili and lime Rotel
1 can cream corn (and sometimes some extra corn from a bag of frozen)
1 can dark kidney beans, drained
1 can white kidney beans (cannellini), drained
2 cans black beans, drained
2 cans pinto beans, drained

We like to top this like it's a taco... sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro.  It's a lot of fun to serve buffet style, letting everyone top their own bowl.  You can even make it vegetarian, or add TVP to stretch your meat.

Because I can keep the ground beef frozen and the cans always on hand, this is a go-to recipe, especially in the winter.  I keep all the cans for a single batch tied up in a grocery sack in my pantry and I toss the empty cans back in the bag as I make the recipe for easy clean up.

Apricot Gelatin Salad

I got this recipe from a blog another friend of mine follows, and I would link back, but I can't find it anymore... just so you know that I'm not the one that should be credited with this wonderful yumminess.  It should, however, be enjoyed all the same:

Apricot Gelatin Salad 

1        5.5oz package orange or apricot jello

1        envelope plain gelatin or 1 small package jello

1        cup boiling water

1        20oz can crushed pineapple

1        8oz package cream cheese or cream cheese substitute 

1        15oz can apricot halves, drained & chopped

1        carton whipped topping, thawed & divided

¼       cup chopped pecans

In large bowl, dissolve gelatin in water.  Drain pineapple, reserving juice.  Add pineapple to gelatin. 

In food processor or blender, beat cream cheese and pineapple juice until smooth.  Combine with gelatin mixture.  Chill until set. 

Before serving, fold in apricots and whipped topping.  Dollop with spoon of topping and sprinkle with nuts.

Notes:

You can make this work with mandarin oranges as well for a 50/50 bar whip.  It’s a lovely treat in the middle of winter when fresh fruit isn’t readily available.  

Chewy Wheat Crackers

This recipe is from Grandmother Searls.  Use high-quality whole wheat flour for the best results.

Chewy Wheat Crackers
2  whole wheat flour
2 c oats (quick cooking or chop up regular rolled)
1 t salt
2 T sugar

1 c water
8 T butter
Combine above in a glass measuring cup and microwave until butter's melted.

Stir together, knead only to combine.  Divide in half.  Pat into 1" thick disc, roll to desired thickness. (thicker for chewier flat-bread, thinner for crispy crackers).  Cut diagonally to make "diamonds" or use cookie cutters.  Bake without removing negative area, they will pull apart when cooked.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, coarse salt, or brown sugar and cinnamon. Lightly roll to embed topping.
Repeat with other half.

Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes.

Store in an airtight container.

Steamed Artichokes

Stan and I love steamed artichokes.  Here's how I prepare them.

At the store:
Choose artichokes that seem heavy for their size.  Purple discoloration on the petals just means it was exposed to a frost, but do make sure the stem doesn't show any signs of mold or rot.

At home:
Rinse well and cut off stem at base.  Cut off top 1/4 and trim petal tips with scissors (I don't always do this, but it makes them pretty and less "pokey").

Stand, stem up, in 1-2" of water in a pot (arrange so they hold each other in place). Add some crushed garlic, salt and lemon juice.  Bring to a gentle boil with lid slanted so that some steam can escape.  Cook until tender, test by pushing a butter knife thru the base - if it goes all the way in, you're done.  Usually, 30-45 minutes.

Use tongs to pull them out and turn them petal-side up.  Dip in garlic butter or mayo and scrape the meat off with your teeth.  When you get to the "choke", scrape it off with a spoon and enjoy the heart.  I buy 1 artichoke for each of us.

Apple Sausage Strata

I created this for Christmas brunch 2003.  It was something I could just wake up and pop in the oven, and it was a big hit.  I've since made it for retreats and family gatherings with rave reviews.  (It's easy too.)

Apple Sausage Strata
1 loaf french bread, sliced 1-1/2" thick
10 large eggs
3 c half and half (if you use non-fat, spray the pan with cooking oil)
2 t dijon mustard
1 t salt

Lay bread slices to cover bottom of dish, cut to fill smaller spaces.

Whisk together eggs with half and half and seasonings, pour over bread.  Let sit covered overnight, or at least 2 hours.

Topping:
2 c grated cheddar cheese
3 apples, diced with peels on (braeburn are my favorite)
2 c cubed smoked turkey sausage (or turkey kielbasa)

Top bread with some cheese, then apples and sausage and more cheese.  Bake at 350F for 30 minutes covered with foil, then remove foil and bake until bread springs back in middle (20-30 minutes more). Cool 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Serves 8-10 hungry people.

Peach French Toast Bake

Make this breakfast the night before... stumble out of bed and pop it into the oven. TahDah!

Peach French Toast Bake
1 loaf french bread
4 whole eggs
4 egg whites
1 c milk
1 t vanilla
5 c frozen sliced peaches
1/2 lemon or about 1-1/2 T lemon juice
3 T brown sugar
1/2 t cinnamon

Spray 9x13" pan with cooking spray.  Slice bread about 1" think and cover entire bottom of pan. Mix eggs, milk and vanilla.  Pour over bread, pressing down on any bread that floats and using little pieces of bread to fill in all gaps.

Toss the still mostly frozen peach slices with lemon juice and brown sugar.  Arrange in a single layer on top of bread and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

Bake at 350F for 20 covered with foil then 20 minutes uncovered, or until bread springs back in middle.

Tom Ka Gai Soup

My favorite Thai dish.  A yummy blend of creamy and lime, spicy and smooth.  I could eat a whole bucket of it- and now I can make it instead of shelling out $7 for a measly bowl.

Tom Ka Gai Soup

16-20 oz chicken broth
16-20 oz coconut cream (might be labeled milk, read the label for a 70% or better fat content)
3/4 t salt
4-8 2" long pieces lemongrass, mushed some but still intact (so you can pick them out)
1 heaping t galangal (or ginger from a jar or sliced)
6-8 oz chicken, thinly sliced (cut while still partially frozen)
2 T lime juice
8 oz straw mushrooms, about half a can
1 large tomato, coarsely chopped
1/2 c cilantro, pulled from stems
chili powder/paste/peppers and ground black pepper to taste

Combine broth, salt, lemongrass, galangal and bring to a boil.  Add chicken, coconut milk mushrooms and lime juice, return to a boil and add all other ingredients.  The longer you simmer, the better it gets.

I love this served over steamed Botan Calrose rice.


Adapted from: http://importfood.com/recipes/tcsoupwithcomilk.html

Cindy's Cheesecake Cups

A dear friend told me the other day that she'd never made cheesecake... and I don't blame her.  Spring pans and water baths and all that... it can be daunting.  What most people don't know is that you can make cheesecake without all that fuss.  You just need the right recipe!  Voila!  These are a family favorite.  Dress them up and they're the bell of the ball!

Cindy's Cheesecake Cups
3 8oz packages cream cheese (low fat works well)
3 large eggs
2/3 c sugar (half spenda's ok)
1 T vanilla
1 t lemon zest (optional)
1 box Nilla Wafers
foil muffin liners
1 can pie filling/topping of choice

Beat together eggs, sugar, cream cheese (softened), vanilla and lemon zest.

Line muffin pans with foil liners.  Place 1 Nilla Wafer in bottom of each cup.

Fill 1/2-2/3 full, bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes, until tops are drying, but not cracked.  Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks (cakes can be frozen at this point).

Serve chilled, topped with pie filling.  Makes about 24.

Variation:
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
3 8oz packages cream cheese
3 large eggs
3/4 c sugar
1 c pumpkin puree (pack pumpkin)
1-1/4 t cinnamon
1/2 t ginger
1/2 t nutmeg

Follow directions above.

Sour Cream Top:
16oz sour cream
1/3 c sugar
1 t vanilla

Mix well, spread over hot cakes and bake additional 5 minutes.  Cool on wire racks, serve chilled.

Easter Bread

A Russian Easter Bread (round) and Challah (long). They were marvelous! The Challah's tried and true. The Russian Easter Bread is a new recipe but sounded really interesting, from Epicurious.com.  It's dense, and sweet and Granddad's fresh whole wheat flour is what really made it WOW.  Grandmother said that I would have won a blue ribbon on the Challah, it was funny to inform her that I already had!  Hooray for a home-made Easter.
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Process This

Ran across this neat food-processor cookbook while searching bread recipes for Easter.

I think I'll save her Portuguese Farm Bread recipe for another time though.  This year, I think Easter's going Russian. I know how much I love challah bread, so this sounds really yummy!

Tomorrow I have a date with my breadmaker.

Blessing my Family

So, I've learned something that I want to share with all my friends:

HOUSEWORK DONE INCORRECTLY, STILL BLESSES YOUR FAMILY!

And on that note, some confessions:
I have removed my makeup with a cotton pad and then used it to wipe down my vanity.
I have quickly swiped a dusty baseboard with a clean piece of toilet paper (dust flushes)!
I have used my son's worn-but-not-actually-dirty sock to mop up drips from bathtime.
I have scrubbed the toilet bowl without any bowl cleaner.
I have used a piece of dirty laundry to wipe down the top-inside of my washing machine before tossing it in the load.
I have used a baby wipe to clean the inside of my car (not the windows) while at a stop light.
I have used waterless hand sanitizer to get ink off hard surfaces.
I have scrubbed only the bad spots on my floor with the sink sponge before tossing it and getting a new one.
I have used the spent hand towl from the half-bath to wipe down the entire bathroom with just water before laundering it.

And you know what - it's working.  I do what I can in the moment and there's some level of forward movement.  I throw more away.  I keep less.  I give more.  I sell more.  I clean less.  Because, as it turns out, you really can't clean clutter - you can only move it.  So.  I'm chosing to move it right out of my house!

While these specific tips haven't come from flylady.net, the concept has.  You're not behind, jump in where you are.  Fling Boogie.  Fire Drill.  Weekly Home Blessing.  Zone Cleaning.  It has taken time, but I have built some core routines and am proud to say that my sink is shiny, my dishes caught-up, the laundry managed, and the house is closer to being on auto-pilot each week.  I don't feel guilty about the "hot-spots" that still exist, I don't feel the weight of mountains of clutter or laundry, and I don't have CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome).  I'm rather quite enjoying coming downstairs for work each morning and seeing my lovely entry table clear except for the lovely vase and flowers on it!

And my sweet hubby and son are joining in, whether they realize it or not.  My behavior (improved attitude about cleaning in general) and routines have rubbed off on them.  Hooray for teamwork and a happy, mostly clean, home.
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Crochet Trim

Ah! Check out my trial run... This is so much fun, I feel like I'm rediscovering a lost art... And in the same translating my current crochet abilities to a new end product (without getting all crazy and making real clothes. which require patterns. phooey.)
Now I need some fun flannel, borrow the serger from my MIL (Get her to do it, actually. I'd be mortified if I broke it.) Baby blanket, burp cloth... I might even jazz up a sweater or t-shirt. Ooohhh... The creative juices are flowing now!

marketing

Heating and Cooling company with temps displayed in the back window of every service van... I love it!

PB Oatmeal Cookies

Pulled this recipe off the Rumsford jar:

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Blend/whip together:
1/2 c (1 stick) salted butter
1/2 c peanut butter (I used crunchy, mmm...)
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 c milk

Sift/whisk together:
1 c oatmeal
1-3/4 c all purpose flour
2-1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt

Stir butter mixture into flour mixture. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment, use fork dipped in warm water to make criss-cross pattern.  Bake at 375F for 7-8 minutes.  Makes about 3 dozen.

two.sentenc.es

New e-mail policy.


I like this concept.  Treat e-mail more like SMS, assume a character limit.  Instead of trying to track characters, just limit sentences- maximum 5 sentence response.

I love the power of e-mail.  When I started in my current position, I quickly realized that my boss responded to e-mail from his blackberry +90% of the time. I started posing my questions to him in multiple choice; A, B, C. I got responses from him faster than any of my peers, even on complex issues.

p.s. Each of the choices I posed to my boss were answers I was happy living with.  He had control and I always won.

Sailboats (part 1)

So, there's been an utter lack of real posts here lately.  A recipe, a link, a musing... but nothing with substance that's truly my voice. 

Well, in the process of cleaning out my inbox I ran across this conversation with my dear BFF and thought, surely, other people will laugh/cringe with me.  I can't possibly be the only one with this fear.  So, here you go, another piece of me.  (I'll have you know that when it comes to the ocean I am, afterall, that small.)

BFF: Sail boats are very peaceful by the way. I don’t know why they scare you either. Have you really escalated to that kind of control chica that you can’t let go enough to let a boat buoy you up? Lol! What would Dad say? Or is “The Other Woman” different from a Sailboat?

ME: And yes, I am totally, completely, freaked out by sailboats. For that matter, I'm totally, completely freaked out by 3 meter diving boards. A sail boat, a real one that is, asks you to not only conquer that fear, but to grasp it going 30 miles an hour on the open, and unpredictable, sea. Without a seat belt, roll cage, or helmet. I trust mechanical things more than I trust the ocean. If I want to feel the wind in my hair, I'll ride a rollercoaster.


See... I've hit water the wrong way from three feet and it's painful. Pain you don't easily forget, painful. Add speed, and many other variables, and my brain says "run away". So sailing... thanks, but no thanks. The boats are very pretty, and I've even step foot on a lovely catamaran while docked at the long beach boat show and found myself wondering for real if I could give up everything else and live on it. But no. I would want to idle in the harbor. Stan would want to see how fast it could go (and that means I'd be hanging out in the dinghy until he got back to the harbor).

My Dad's boat sorta freaks me out, except that I know that the walls of it are filled with foam so that even if it completely filled with water, it would still float enough for all the passengers to stand waist-high in water - inside of it. Which, funny story... we changed our course on the way back from Catalina once, to check out a whale we saw in the distance. My Dad wasn't paying attention to the waves... he was steering into them (ish) and I was standing in the open front taking pictures (not looking where we were going, he was driving, or so I thought). And a wave came over the bow. Completely. A 4" wall of water, right over the front edge. I was drenched. Shocked and drenched. None worse for the wear, thankfully.

But you must respect the water. The water is NOT your friend. It has no compassion, nor do the critters contained therein. Bah.

If that makes me a control freak, so be it. I prefer my water chlorinated, with high visibility and minimal unknowns.

Now. I'm going to go heat up my lunch and let my blood pressure reduce. Just talking about it freaks me out a little. I'm able to not think about this stupid fear any other day of the week. Seeing a sailboat doesn't freak me out, but having to dissect the fear, that's a little different. I'll just look at the pretty picture. Thanks.

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There's a Hummus Among Us

My favorite hummus recipes... You'll want a food processor for these - borrow one if you have to (or do like I did; piece-meal the individual parts on eBay and pay less than half retail price).

Cilantro-Lime Hummus

Unlike traditional hummus, this is a low-fat alternative, since it does not contain any tahini. Critics of hummus and cilantro have both devoured this recipe. Great with a Mexican menu.  Often found with the label "I'm not Guac." when I share it with friends.

2 15-ounce cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (peeled if you have time)
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
1 bunch fresh cilantro (washed, tearing the bunch off the stems in one big twist, discard stems)
1 small garlic clove, chopped - or 1 heaping spoon jarred garlic
3-5 T fresh lime juice (2 medium-large limes)
3/4 teaspoon salt

Purée chickpeas with sour cream, garlic, lime juice, and salt in a food processor, add cilantro and blend until smooth. (peeling the chickpeas will give a smoother end product; grab them with thumb and 2 fingers, point of pea pointing toward the palm of your hand and squeeze, toss the skin into a bowl nearby and trash).

Serve with pita or tortilla chips and carrots. Red bell peppers are also yummy!

Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Most people seem to enjoy this best cold.

(Modified from Chickpea Cilantro Dip with Grilled Pita and Carrot Sticks)



Low-Fat Lemon Hummus
This is so fresh and light with all the lovely flavors of a traditional hummus.

2 heaping teaspoons jarred garlic (or 2 large garlic cloves, chopped)
1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
2 T plain nonfat yogurt
2 T tahini (sesame seed paste)
2 T fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Mince garlic in processor. Add remaining ingredients; blend until coarse puree forms, occasionally scraping down sides of work bowl. Season hummus to taste with salt and pepper (I like white pepper). Transfer to a small bowl and serve with pitas/ pita chips and veggies.

Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

(Recipe from Hummus with Yogurt and Lemon)

Pretty Snow

20 worst passwords - and my new favorite toy

A new article showing the 20 worst passwords, and my new favorite toy, Wordle!:

Go... Somewhere!

Picture of the sign for our Go! message series at church.  Very cool.

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

I love this recipe!  Serve over baked potatoes with your veggie of choice and it makes enough for 2 meals + some leftovers! I've made some modifications from the original recipe, here's my (better) version.  Lovely spooned over baked or mashed potatoes.

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs
400 degrees - 16 minutes

2lbs lean ground beef (or turkey, or a combination)
1 pkg stove top stuffing mix (I like the whole wheat)
1 cup water
2 large eggs

1 bottle (16 oz) barbecue sauce
2 cans whole berry cranberry sauce

In a large bowl, combine meat, stuffing mix, eggs and water.  Roll into 1-1/2" balls and place on foil-lined, greased (spray olive oil) cookie sheet.  You should have about 60 meatballs.  Bake at 400 degrees F for 16 minutes.

While meatballs are baking:
Combine in large pot or saucepan the cranberry sauce and bbq sauce over medium heat, stirring well to melt the cranberry jelly.  When meatballs are cooked, remove from oven and stir into sauce in pot.  Serve hot.

Saving a batch for later: (possibly my favorite part of this recipe)
Reserve half of the sauce and half of the meatballs before combining in sauce.  Put sauce in a quart freezer bag, lay flat.  Place cooled meatballs in gallon freezer bag with sauce bag on top.  To serve: Thaw sauce and meatballs then combine in pot.  Cook over low-medium heat until warm.  Serve.

A Return To Slavery...

One Progressive Step at a Time

Interesting blog post you might check out. 

-Strip away the rheteric, boil it all down; forcing one person to do something for the benefit of another = slavery.  Makes you cringe, right?

-Punishing the young.  Not typical; watch out young people.  Oh, yeah, and you rich capitalist buggars too- but then, you're accustomed to being in the government's sights.

Contact your Senator or Congressional Representative now.  Tell them you don't want their idea of health care reform.  (personally, I'm for tort reform and allowing insurers/policies to travel across state lines instead of this comprehensive hooey - if after 5 years of reform we still don't see improvement, then consider a complete government run overhaul)  See, I'm in that 70% that works for a company that provides really great insurance - and I wouldn't have accepted their offer unless it did.  It's call choice.  Use it or lose it...
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Free eBook - What Matters Now

Thought you might enjoy reading this eBook.  What Matters Now

It's a bunch of 1 page musings on what matters now (Vision, Generosity, Ease, Meaning, Dignity, Fear, Enrichment, 1%, Excellence, etc.) by people like Seth Godin, Jessica Hagy, Hugh MacLeod, Elizabeth Gilbert, Chris Meyer, and a whole host of other big thinkers.  And well, if you don't enjoy it, no loss - it was afterall free! 

Cranberry Apple Compote

This is AMAZING over french toast (egg-nog or other) and has become a staple for Christmas brunch.

Cran-Apple Compote
2 c apple cider
6 t light corn syrup (you could also use maple syrup)
2 T dark brown sugar
6-8 T unsalted butter

3 apples, diced
2 c cranberries, washed and picked over
1/2 c granulated sugar

1/2 t vanilla

Whisk apple cider, syrup and brown sugar in heavy saucepan over high head until reduced to about 1 cup (about 15 minutes).  Add half of butter and whisk until melted.  Remove from heat.

Melt remaining half of butter in large skillet over medium heat, add apples, sauté 2 minutes.  Stir in cider mixture, boil until syrup consistency (about 6 minutes).  Stir in vanilla.  Serve warm.

Executive Presence

Forget Executive Presence, we're talking presence, period.  These are good things for everyone to be mindful of and try to improve on.  Pretty straightforward too:

http://blogs.bnet.com/ceo/?p=3193&tag=content;col1

FABULOUS topper

I know it's just an infatuation, but look at this amazing jacket by Ann Taylor!! 

I love Ann Taylor clothes, classic, streamlined, but not too simple... mmm... now, just how to afford them!  At least window shopping is free.

Funny Bones

Found this in one of Epicurious' recipe collections for Halloween, thought it was an adorably light-hearted take on traditional Halloween goodies! It was a big hit at Alex's school party and was rather quite easy to make.

I used 50/50 white chocolate chips and almond bark to reduce the cost (and because I had leftover almond bark to be used up). I also made my own double boiler by using a pot half-full of water on low with a SS bowl over. Make sure you don't exceed 120 degrees F or you'll wreck your chocolate!! Use a digital or candy thermometer if you're not sure. I used a plain ol' dinner fork and was able to turn out 200+ of these in about 2 hours. Hubby helped putting on mallows after I finished the trial run batch worth. I stored them in airtight containers with parchment paper between the layers for 1 week before packaging (as seen above).

I'm reminded, once again, never to play with chocolate unless you're using a double boiler!! Makes the whole process so much better.

Next: White chocolate covered fresh cranberries!!

You know you're old when...

completing an online form you have to scroll to find the year you were born. *sigh*

What I want out of work...

This!  This is what I want to say to prospective employers.  Please read and excuse me while I re-write my resume:

“You can hire any number of people who will go through the motions and do a perfectly adequate job for you. But I will do an outstanding job if you give me the right tools to do my work. That means I’d like access to the latest technology so that I can leverage it on your behalf (I probably know how to use it better than anyone on your staff). I’ll work until midnight if you need me to, but let me come in later the next morning, or maybe even work from home. If I’m slacking off, it’ll be obvious and then I’ll happily let you chain me to my desk.
I’m eager to learn, so give me training and a mentor and make me accountable for my performance. And if I do perform well, please don’t tell me I need to ‘put in more time’ before I get promoted because nothing is more sure to put a damper on my enthusiasm. I have a lot of good ideas and if you think they’re good, too, let’s implement them and not spend weeks just talking about them.”

Footnote: this stuff is good for everyone, not just Gen Y!



Above from BNet Insight Blog "Upstarts! Donna Fenn: The Lessons of GenY Entrepreneurs"


Depending on who's talking, I'm either a Gen X or Gen Y, based on my 1980 birthday.  I'm not sure that I'd latch on to one or another, though I think the title "baby boom echo" sounds good. My parents being of the Baby Boom and me being strongly influenced by them, and displaying baby-boomer-tendancies combined with all the influences of modern technology and recent global events.  (It's always interesting when you try to evade all labels, and then stumble into fitting one quite well!)

Another Trader Joe's Rally

Hi All,

Please join me in telling Trader Joe's that we need a branch in the Kansas City metro area. Please take just a few seconds to fill out their location request form online. You can use zip code 66061 (Olathe).

Whole Foods has the market cornered for health and gourmet foods and it's just not cool. Not that I have anything against Whole Foods, just that they should have some healthy (ha, ha... get it, healthy) competition.

Thanks again!
Tracy

...

Yes... That is the moon.

Not a street light, the moon.  Captured with my cell, so you can just imagine how amazing it was in person!

43 Things

Amazingly accurate, considering the lack of depth in the questioning!

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Romantic Self-Knowing Believer

Thouroughly Refreshed

Clean out the deep freeze,
Start a load of laundry,
Spa pedicure with best friend,
Lunch at 5 Guys with best friend,
Movie comped by BF's long-time friend (who we didn't know was practically a neighbor...)

A day to unwind, slow down, and enjoy some 'me' time...
Priceless!

If you've ever wondered about Fire Sprinklers...

Here's the stark comparison of a room without, and a room with sprinklers!

I already know what you're saying... So, what's that cost!?
For new construction, $1.00-2.00/sq. ft., depending on roof material and room layout. Prove to your insurance agent that it's a 13D system installed by a licensed contractor, and you'll pay less for your homeowner's insurance too. Long term savings AND life safety.

What a deal!


FENTON, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com/Modified AP) - This last Friday of the month is the first day for several new laws in Missouri. Among the new laws, home builders must now offer consumers the option of having fire sprinklers installed in their homes. To make a point about the new law, firefighters in Fenton, were 'burning down the house,' Friday morning. The firefighters at Engine House #1 demonstrated the value of an in home sprinkler system.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Stan wanted rice "just like Chipotle", so I made my own recipe:

3 cups rice, cooked according to package directions

1 bunch cilantro, chopped fine
2 serrano chilis, seeded and minced
Juice of 1 large lime
2 T oil (I use olive oil)
1/2 t coarse salt
1/4-1/2 t ground white pepper, to taste

While rice is cooking, combine all other ingredients in a large bowl. Mush them around with the back of a spoon to get the flavors mingling. Add the cooked rice, stir to combine. Serve warm.

Hooray for Whole Foods!

You should read this Wall Street Journal article by John Mackey, the co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods.

Then, you can read this MSN Money blog about the business ramifications of a seemingly level-headed businessman speaking his mind and standing up for the basic principles that founded our great nation!

Now go shop at Whole Foods and feel really, really good about it!

An honest question:

How do you balance pissing people off with getting stuff done?

Microwave Peanut Brittle

I love this recipe! My Mom had one just like it when I was a kid (at the height of microwave cooking) and I found this one in a friend's cookbook (which I only have a photocopy of the page and am sorry to say I don't know the name of the book, but it was all about microwave cooking).

Things you'll need:
16" piece of heavy duty aluminum foil, lightly greased (or a silpat) on a cookie sheet.
Candy thermometer.
8 cup Pyrex bowl or other micro-safe bowl of equivalent size (I like having the handle and still use a potholder, both for my hand and when I set the bowl down to stir).
Wooden mixing spoon.

Ingredients:
2 c sugar
1 c light corn syrup
2 T butter, cut up a bit (use high-temp coconut oil to make this dairy free)
1/4 c water

1-1/2 c nuts - roasted, salted (I use 1/2 c each- peanuts, almonds and cashews)

1/2 t baking soda

** All microwave times are uncovered on HIGH **

Combine 1st 4 ingredients, stir to combine, microwave 5 minues. Stir to dissolve all sugar.
Microwave 6 more minutes, or until 234-240 degrees F.
Stir in nuts, microwave 7 minutes, or until 290-300 degrees F.
Add baking soda and stir just until mixture stops bubbling.
Pour onto foil and spread to about 1/4" thick with wooden spoon.

Set aside to cool, about 20 minutes. Break into chunks and serve, or store in an airtight container several weeks.

Makes about 1-3/4 pounds.

Did we really just have this conversation?

I don't remember what started the conversation, but Stan mused that if they ever figure out how to slow down light, that he wouldn't be surprised if it turned into matter. Which made me think of the replicators on Star Trek, you know, you walk over to the box on the wall and say "earl gray tea, hot" some light appears and out of the light comes your tea*...
So I said to Stan, "like a replicator!", with which he immediately agreed and then I thought to clarify... "the Star Trek replicators, not the Stargate replicators". And Stan again agreed, thinking outloud though, that the theory could stand for either.

At which point I sighed, shook my head and asked Stan "Did we really just have a conversation in which we had to clarify which Star-series we were eluding to!?"

We're such old married geeks!!!




*before I get hate-mail from less casual Star Trek geeks let me disclaim - yes, I know, the replicator is transporter technology - taking matter stored in bulk and spitting it out in a different form. Turning light into matter is just my cool hypothesis of the how.

Cilantro & Pepita Salad Dressing

Tastes just like the house dressing at El Torito! We don't live anywhere near one anymore, so I had to go find a recipe for it.

This one's modified from one I found on Recipezaar (206911)

Servings: 8 servings

You'll Need:
Food processor
Large bowl
Whisk


Ingredients:
2 medium anaheim chilies, roasted, peeled and seeded*
1/3 c roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 t crushed/diced garlic
1/4 t ground black pepper
1 t salt
1-3/4 c oil (I used EVOO)
1/4 c red wine vinegar
5 T crumbled Cotija cheese

2 bunches fresh cilantro, stems removed

1-1/2 c mayonnaise
1/4 c water

Preparation:
Place all ingredients, except 3/4 c oil, cilantro, mayo and water in food processor.
Blend to combine, then add cilantro 1 bunch at a time blending well.
Add final 3/4 c oil while blending.
In large stainless steel bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and water until smooth.
Add blended ingredients and mix well.

Arrange romaine lettuce on a plate, ladle dressing over lettuce and top with diced tomatoes, crumbled Cotijo cheese and pepitas. (try not to lick the bowl clean)

*broil on low on a wire rack about 6 minutes each side, or until skin blisters. Remove and allow to cool. Peel off skin, scrape out seeds.

Twits

My company just announced that you can now follow them on Twitter.

Seriously.

We have some really neat products and all, but who needs hourly updates on an industrial manufacturer? Even a cool one.

A number of my customers still have dial-up. Only a handful have a website. (Yes, really... we are a construction trade afterall. Some of these guys rarely if ever see a desk anyway.)

As a company, we block Facebook, MySpace, Gmail, YouTube and various others... but we fully support being a Twit?

I give up.

Banana Split Muffins

These are a favorite. Modified from my M-I-L's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins, usually made in mass around Thanksgiving time. For Stan, Thanksgiving is not complete without them. I liked the base recipe because it didn't require butter, like a traditional banana bread.

Don't be afraid to experiment with these. I've tossed in yellow squash, butternut squash, wheat germ, almond flour, chopped dried cherries, almond extract... Pretty much, you can't go wrong with these muffins!

Banana Split Muffins
Preheat oven to 350, line or lightly grease muffin tins.

Combine in microwavable bowl and warm, but don't cook (1 minute on power 8):

1-1/4 c oats

1T multi-grain hot cereal mix

1-1/4 c milk

Add to oat mixture:

2 mashed bananas ( or 3/4-1 c squash, applesauce, pack pumpkin)

2 eggs

1/4 c oil (I use olive)

1 t vanilla

Stir with a whisk, then combine with wet mix above:

2 c flour (half all-purpose and half whole wheat or other)

1/2 c sugar 

1 T baking powder

1/4 t salt

1 t cinnamon

1/4 t ground nutmeg (especially good with the banana)

Stir until just combined then add:

1/2 c chocolate chips

1 c chopped walnuts

**Stir less if you like cakier muffins. Stir extra for a chewier, bread-like texture. 

Fill muffins 3/4 full and bake 20 minutes at 350F. Remove from pans immediately and cool on wire racks. Once cooled, store in airtight container. Makes 24.

If you want to get really fancy, put a small dish with water in the oven while they're baking. (Increased humidity is the same thing that makes bagels fabulous!)

I've been enjoying the "If You Care" unbleached muffin liners in the health market at HyVee. They act like parchment paper - have excellent release and stand-up. And they're a lovely brown-wrapper sort of color. I won't buy anything else now. I'm spoiled!

updated 12/13/2010

Frozen Fruit Salad

As much as I'd like to take credit for this yummy salad, it came from 30 Day Gourmet.

Frozen Fruit Salad
When we go camping, I create individual servings by using an ice cream scoop to fill foil muffin liners, then freeze. I transfer the individual cups to a single layer in a zip-top bag and keep in the cooler or camper freezer for an afternoon snack. For a meal at home I follow the recipe, using a 9x13 pan.

Beat together:
8 oz low fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 c sugar (or splenda)

Stir in:
1-1/2 c sour cream
20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
~30 oz or 2 lbs frozen fruit (I found frozen mixed berries at Costco, 1 bag made 2 batches)

Put into serving dish(s) and freeze. Thaw 15-30 minutes before cutting if using 9x13 pan, 5-10 minutes if using muffin liners.

Bunnies eat carrots.

"Bunnies eat carrots. Not wood chips. Just carrots. Wood chips are dirty and yucky. Carrots are cold and yummy."
I'm going to go out on a limb & guess that Alex tried to eat wood chips on the playground today.
They also had thei Easter party and MDA Hop-a-Thon. Auntie Valerie sent him the cutest bunny ears and a Lightning McQueen basket. I'm hooked on the ears though - they're SOOO cute!! (so is the kid wearing them) hehe
.
.

I am One of Seven

http://www.vinceantonucci.com/2009/03/so-acts-6.html

This really struck me. Ask anyone, no secret, Stan & I are not "touchy-feely" Christians. We are planners, doers, supporters. We're the logistics behind the people who are touchy-feely. And we're happy to fill that role any day of the week. We have no desire to go on a prayer walk - but ask us to plan one and we'll bust out a map with timelines and notes about the neighborhood demographics.

We are Stephens.

But we're given crap for it and I don't think that's fair. I think there's such a critical place for planner-doers in a healthy, growing church.

If all you have are a bunch of really inspired visionaries there's every possibility that they'll swirl around being fabulous - but without purpose and planing, it becomes near to impossible for outsiders to find a place, to get on board.

The bigger you grow, the more it's necessary for planning & purpose. And that's proven in this scripture. After infrastructure was added, the church grew and did even more amazing things, including the addition of some of the most unlikely people.

So I'm not going to feel lousy about not being a touchy-feely Christian anymore. I'm going to embrace the me that God made. The detail oriented, hospitality gifted, creative, organized, planner doer. That's me. And since I'm asking for less judgement from the touchy-feely people, I'm going to be less judgemental of them - because they do some pretty awesome things for God too.

Babe Count: 2

It's a quarter after 8 and I've already been called "babe" by 2 different customers.

Not that it necessarily bothers me... considering they call this "babe" when they need technical advice usually only gained from men twice my age. But it's noted.

Of all the words exchanged, somehow, this appears in my mind in neon lights. Not offensive in passing, but impossible to ignore.

And then.

Ever have one of those days, no, weeks?

The new year has come and gone and I haven't even stopped long enough to think about a resolution, let alone resolve upon it.

I have, however, come to once again question where I am and what I'm doing... only to find myself at a total loss for answers, leading me down a trecherous path of self-reliance that ends only in a pool of pity and mild depression.

And then.

And then I talk to a sage girlfrieng who reminds me to breathe, pray, count my husband not as the enemy, but as the hero by my side, (did I say pray), and that she could find a new year in a different culture every month of the year for me to decide to start all over with.

And then.

I'm reminded of how much faith I have that God's doing great things in our life and thru Stan's work. And that the sacrifices I am giving are an integral part of that - and suddenly I don't feel quite so out of control anymore. Still a little, won't lie, I'm still supressing evil urges to rip people's heads off... it's just not my own anymore. (I know you've all been frustrated enough to want to rip your OWN head off at some point or another...)

And then.

I laugh a little and the cloud that's been following me around lifts a little... and a little at a time I find I've let the sunshine back in and without anything in life's circumstances having really changed, I feel better.

Remembering to pray can do that for a person.

Throwing Mother Nature under the bus...

Read this article, laughed and had to share... They're building a giant snow-santa in China.

My take away: That it's OK to throw Mother Nature under the (diesel) bus now that we're in an economic downturn.

The Reuters reporter sites that the effects of global warming are taking their toll, making the build process more hazardous, and admits that snow had to be artificially made (gasoline powered snow-making machines I'm sure).

He then wraps up the story by siting a tourist who says it's all worth it to "stimulate the economy and consumption".

Seriously.

If you're on the man-made-Global Warming, hydrogen-powered wagon, aren't consumerism and fuel consumption claimed to be the primary causes?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? No - Be patriotic! Buy, Spend, Use!

Catch-22. I give up.

But what to call them...?

I created a new cookie last night... and am now at a loss for what to call them. I think cookie names should be descriptive and fun. It should give people an idea what they're about to bite into; but the name itself shouldn't be a mouthful.

Help me out if you would (and make a batch to enjoy for yourself too).

Yummy chewy, oatmeal, cranberry, orange-y with chocolate chips, cookie yet-to-be-named...

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

8 tbsp (1 cube) butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg + 1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup orange flavored dried cranberries
(sub.: 1 t orange zest and increase regular dried cranberries to 1 cup)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Place flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a bowl; stir with a whisk. Add oats, cranberries and chocolate chips, toss to coat.

In a large bowl or food processor, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract (and orange zest if using).

Add to dry ingredients and stir until blended. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons on to cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 24 cookies.

Christmas Marshmallows

Powdered candy canes add extra zip to these melt-in-your-mouth mallows!

If you don't own a stand mixer, borrow one... You'll be happier making this recipe if you do!

Servings: 90 mallows (approx)


Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup hot tap water
1/4 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 envelopes (or 2 T plus 2 1/2 t) unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water

2 large egg whites*
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
*if egg safety is a problem in your area, substitute powdered egg whites reconstituted according to manufacturer's instructions

Sift together:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup corn starch
3-4 candy canes, powdered in blender.

Oil bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 x 2 rectangular metal baking pan and dust bottom and sides with confectioners' sugar blend. You can also line with parchment paper, dusting bottom only.


Preparation:First, in a large bowl, or in bowl of a standing electric mixer, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let stand to soften. (add an extra tsp of water if necessary to wet all gelatin)

In a 3-quart heavy saucepan combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and salt over low heat, stir to combine then increase heat to moderate and boil mixture, without stirring, until a candy or digital thermometer registers 240°F, 10-12 minutes.

As sugar mixture comes close to temperature: In a medium bowl, beat egg whites (or reconstituted powdered whites) until they hold stiff peaks.

Remove pan from heat and pour sugar mixture over gelatin mixture. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. Removing any un-dissolved bits before whipping.

Beat sugar and gelatin mixture on high speed until white, thick, and nearly tripled in volume, about 5 minutes if using standing mixer or about 10 minutes if using hand-held mixer. Be careful this taffy-like mixture doesn’t take over your hand mixer!

Beat whites and vanilla into sugar mixture until just combined. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan and sift 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar blend evenly over top. Chill marshmallow, uncovered, until firm, at least 3 hours.

Run a thin knife around edges of pan and invert onto a large cutting board. Lifting up 1 corner of inverted pan loosen marshmallow with fingers and let drop onto cutting board. With a pizza cutter (or large knife) trim edges and cut marshmallow into generous 1-inch cubes. Sift remaining confectioners' sugar blend in large bowl and add marshmallows in batches, tossing to evenly coat.

Marshmallows keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature 1-2 weeks.

My Brother, the Chef

This is my brother Charles. He is a chef. It took him a while to find his passion, but it certainly is that! He's so happy... happier than I've ever seen him in his life. He's working hard and doing well for himself.

Everyone at the restaurant where he works wanted to come meet his family - so you know they like him, that they wanted to see where he came from. (well, that or they think he's crazy and wanted to see the loons he grew up with... but I'm gonna stick with the story that they like him)
The food at The Wilshire was amazing. I could go broke eating there and be happy doing it. I've never had such AMAZING food. Now I understand why people make lives in the culinary arts. There is a whole world of food out there I never even knew existed! And my little brother is a part of the club! How cool is that?!
And then he made the gravy for Thanksgiving. I think our friend Marilyn said it quite appropriately "I just want to pour it all over my fingers [so that I can lick them clean]". It was truly awesome. And then he made pot d'creme... let your tastebuds imagine with me: the best hot chocolate you've ever tasted, rich, smooth, creamy, not so sweet that it overwhelms you but just right - turn that into the tastiest chocolate pudding you've ever had and you're close to what Charles made. And he just whipped it up! :) He's so comfortable in his skin. I'm so very happy for him. (and sad that we don't live closer to enjoy his culinary musings more often!)

Hooray for Charles. For coming and spending time with us, for sharing the passion that is food, and for being my happy, sweet brother again. It's so good to see you doing so well!!! I love you kiddo. Even if I do have to look up to you nowadays! :)

Family Thanksgiving

This is my family!
Richard, Charles, Ben, Papa
Stan & Alex, Me, Mama


This is an outtake of my family:


I don't even remember what Alex did but Richard's girlfriend, Debi, was snapping the photos and doing her best to be a loon and get Alex's attention for a good picture!

It's the first complete Yoder family photo since Alex was born! He'll be 3 in January... you'd think we were all cameraphobes. Isn't it a great looking picture though!? I'm so happy we all got together - and that we have proof!

*and if my brothers are listening... I'm calling dibs on Raindrops! :)

Cruise Control

I got my first speeding ticket this morning. Big one.

And I feel really bad about it, because it's money we just didn't need to spend.

I don't actually feel bad about the speeding, however I realize now that my habit of speeding isn't a line item in our budget. Nor am I willing to make it one.

Which means it's a habit I have to break.

Hello cruise control.

Whatever sound it is you make when you're annoyed at yourself, but not pissed off because you knew you were going to get caught some day, and really you're only upset because you have to take it home to your husband and it's going to impact your shopping, and result in a good deal of razzing from here on out even though it's your first (and not his)... and that you managed to go ticketless longer than your Mom did... even with her 6th sense for when a cop was around. And, and, and...
That sound, whatever it is - INSERT HERE.

*thanks to gaping void for the art

Confession

I've worn my "I Voted" sticker all day.

And, even though I swore off news until the polls are actually closing, I logged on to RealClearPolitics.com for a little fix. I'm feeling better now. I might actually be able to stay away from talk radio during the drive home. Just a few more hours... hang in there!

An Election Day Note: Thanks, President Bush
By Andrew Breitbart

I have a dark secret to tell before the election so that it's on the record. It's something that is difficult to say to certain friends, peers, family and, lately, many fellow conservatives.

I still like George W. Bush. A lot.

For starters, I am convinced he is a fundamentally decent man, even though I have read otherwise at the Huffington Post.

President Bush is far smarter, more articulate and less ideological than his plentiful detractors scream, and, ultimately, he will be judged by history - not by vengeful Democrats, hate-filled Hollywood, corrupt foreign governments, an imploding mainstream media or fleeting approval ratings.

George W. Bush is history's president, a man for whom the long-term success or failure of democracy in Iraq will determine his place in history. He may end up a victim of his own tough choices, but the cheerleading for his demise when Iraq's outcome is yet determined has hurt America and possibly set up the next president for the same appalling partisan response.

The fact that the United States has not been attacked since Sept. 11, 2001, far exceeds the most wishful expert predictions of the time. Perhaps facing another al Qaeda-led barrage would have reinforced our need for national unity, caused us to recognize the gravity of the Islamist threat and fortified Mr. Bush's standing at home and abroad.

Yet, thankfully, that never happened. And Mr. Bush has been punished for this obvious success.

By most accounts, al Qaeda is reeling from the damage inflicted by our efforts against the once-thriving terror network. Yet reflexive enemies of the president - including Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee - shamefully mock him for not having caught Osama bin Laden.

It's a playground taunt from the same people who never seriously advocated for a strong military foray into the regions where bin Laden could have been caught. These Daily Kos armchair generals also rhetorically ask why we don't invade North Korea or Saudi Arabia. Yet no one takes this hypothetical warmongering seriously, or expects a President Obama to go on the offense in any of these conveniently preferable hot spots. It's meant to hurt, not help, the president.

While President Bush has been marshaling a multinational force to take on modernity's enemies in foreign lands, the American left has decided to go to war against not only Republicans but also moderate Democrats.

Bush hatred was a fait accompli.

Back in November 2000, when Al Gore contested Florida and the demonizing of George Bush began full-bore ("President Select," "Bush Chimp," "the illegitimate president"), I told Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund, "You watch, the Democratic Party will never grant Bush his humanity, and they will never let up."

And they never did.

The Democratic Party chose to send a clear message that the impeachment of President Clinton incurred by the newly minted Republican-led Congress and the upstart new media - talk radio and the Internet - would be countered by unprecedented partisan fury.

The media will shape "the truth" that Democrats were always behind the initial Afghanistan effort or were poised to grudgingly accept the president whom they previously mocked as "illegitimate."

But those brave liberals who stood by the president were mostly a small minority, and all of them have since been excommunicated for their apostasy.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and actor Ron Silver were presented as cautionary tales to left-of-center politicians and public figures who would lend support to a wartime Republican president.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut independent who was described as the "conscience of the Senate" when he ran for vice president with Al Gore in 2000, was summarily dismissed from the Democratic Party for dissenting over one thing.

And the youth movement that is fueling Obama-mania is riddled with minds that do not have the perspective of what happened before Mr. Bush, and why the media and the Democratic Party have stood against Mr. Bush and his motivations from the word go.

Much of Mr. Bush's 28 precent approval rating is born not of "failed policies" - of which there are many - but of the ill-gotten gains pilfered from a pre-Bush inauguration strategy to send the message to Republicans that the Democrats play politics harder and better.

Mr. Obama said it best: "If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun."

I don't think Albert Einstein could have devised an equation to guide the leader of the free world during the wildly tumultuous post-9/11 realities without a modicum of help from the opposition party and the vast majority of the print and electronic media.

Right now, America appears to be leaning toward electing a man for whom popularity is a paramount concern. That means he must trust the American media and the American electorate to guide him to difficult decisions, not the other way around.

The American people pay closer attention to "Survivor: Gabon" than to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Yet the majority will soon have a greater say in how we proceed in the war on terror. We are headed to the "American Idol" presidency. The last thing I want is my text vote on the financial crisis to have a say on how we proceed.

If Barack Obama is elected the next president of the United States on Tuesday, I hope the Republican Party and conservatives take the higher road. The republic cannot handle another four years of undeclared civil war while we have real enemies out there to fight.

Andrew Breitbart is the founder of the news Web site breitbart.com and is co-author of "Hollywood Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon - the Case Against Celebrity."

Miracles Happen

It's a bumper sticker I read on the drive to work this morning. It's had my attention all day. It could apply to many parts of my life right now...

Miracles Happen

-McCain could squeek by Obama via the "silent majority" for a victory.

-I could be given a raise.

-KCP&L could be preoccupied by an ice storm and not be able to hook-up the project that's currently preventing Stan from joining Alex & I at my parents for Thanksgiving.

-ChurchMP3 could take off and our financial life would be turned upside down, in the best way.

-I could read 2 bedtime stories to Alex, get the laundry and dishes done, sit on the couch and talk with my husband for an hour, shower, and still have my head hit the pillow before 11pm. (yeah, that would be a miracle)

-I could pay less than $2.00/gallon for gas... oh, wait! I already do! See, miracles do happen!



(Yes, that is indeed a Waffle House in the background. They do exist, not just in the movies. But, if you know what's best for you, don't actually go in. Just admire the yellow awning from a distance and trust me that they're much more glamorous from the outside.)

When I grow up...

This has been floating in my drafts box since the day after Sarah Palin accepted the VP nomination. Oops.

I haven't thought of myself as a feminist before this morning.

But last night, I watched the entirety of Sarah Palin's acceptance speech, and loved every minute of it. I was ooh-ing and ahh-ing like the rest of the country at the jabs and verbal poison darts she threw at "O-bummer's" camp. I like a good battle of words as much (if not more) than the next person.

But this morning, it became more. This morning, on my drive in to work, with my husband and 2 year old still asleep in their beds I realized just how much her presence means to me.

The mere fact that she was standing on that stage made me proud. Hilary never did because she doesn't have the same values as I do. Sarah Palin holds the same values I do... freedom, family, faith. Working to make this world a better place for my kid, and his kids. Doing everything in my power to cling to the traditional family unit; dinner at the dinner table with a home-cooked meal, setting an example, even something as simple as nursing... all when a world says that you could just "have it your way", use the "easy button", blame someone else, take a pill for that...

Instead, she's successfully doing what I do on a smaller scale. She doesn't make me feel any less for the fact that I'm not as accomplished, she instead inspires me to be more. There's something about the fact that she could hunt or win a beauty pagent - turn heads or turn legislation - that makes her oh-so-very fairy tale come true.

And I realize that it means so much to me, the prospect of having a great woman in the White House. So much more than I would have anticipated. It means that maybe, just maybe, some day my boss will take me seriously... not just pretend to. He won't ask me if I'm dedicated enough to take the company to the next level because I have a young family at home...

Would he ask a man the same question? Doubtful.

Will I allow the conversation to continue without calling him on it next time? Doubtful.

We are on the front edge of a revolution. The glimmer of which, I can say with confidence, has already changed the environment of the workplace!

Palin is a self-sufficient woman. A get-it-done, and do it with grace, kind of person (in heels, a flawless hairdo and lipstick, BTW). She is strong and caring. She is the absolute opposite of all the women on the liberal left. She does not blame anyone for the hypocricy she meets, she works harder to rise above it. She has never expected anyone to bail her out or do anything for her. She has pulled herself up by her bootstraps, struggled thru, and risen victoriously with a beautiful family, successful career, and her faith in tact. She is the American I want to be. Not without struggles. Not with everything. But with freedom and dignity, faith and family.

When I grow up, I want to be like Sarah Palin.

The Life Cycle of a Democracy

I've always found this really interesting, hope you do too:

Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the Univ of Edinburgh in 1787 has this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2000 years earlier A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy which is always followed by a dictatorship The average age of the worlds greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years.

From bondage to spiritual faith
From Spiritual faith to great courage
From courage to liberty
From liberty to abundance
From abundance to complacency
From complacency to apathy
From apathy to dependence (which is where we are now)
From dependence back into bondage.

I don't want Obama to be the first American dictator... (ok, I don't want a dictator, period)

I'm voting McCain/Palin. I hope you will too. If you don't know who you're voting for and would like to talk about the issues - leave me a comment. I'm happy to talk politics. Just keep it clean! We're all grown-ups!

Enchilada Lasagna

I just shared this recipe with a friend and as I pressed the SEND button it dawned on me that there are probably a lot of friends out there who would love a new recipe. This one is a favorite in our house. No rolling required! :)

Enchilada Lasagna
Preheat oven to 350F
Makes one 9x13 pan

1 19oz can Old El Paso Mild Enchilada Sauce
1 15oz can HyVee Mild Enchilada Sauce
1 10oz can Old El Paso Mild Green Chili Enchilada Sauce
(You'll have some sauce leftover, but they each taste different and blend to make it just right.
If you can't find these brands, just pick any 2 red and 1 green... it's a forgiving recipe!)
4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheddar blend)
36 +\- white corn tortillas, cut in half
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can black olives, sliced
1 can sweet corn (or frozen)
1 small can diced mild green chilies

Brown ground beef, using directions on taco seasoning packet (also yummy as plain cheese enchiladas).

Cut tortillas, slice olives, open & drain green chilies and corn. Use can opener key to open pour spouts in enchilada sauces. Open/prepare cheese.

Begin with a layer of enchilada sauce on bottom of pan, enough to coat the pan bottom (this will keep your tortillas from sticking).

Then the tortillas, with flat edges along outside of pan - arrange 3 along the sides, 1 on each end, and 3-4 down the middle.

Then 1/3 each of all other ingredients, and ~1 cup cheese. Another splash of sauce, tortillas, ingredients... repeat until pan is full - usually about 3 layers. Finish with a final layer of ingredients and cheese. Cover with foil, shiny side down, and bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with sour cream, chips & salsa. Enjoy!

It's so easy to double this recipe and make the whole thing assemly-line-style that I usually make 2 pans at a time and freeze generous portions in quart ziplock bags. They reheat beautifully!

I just have to brag...

I was finally able to purchase my Talented Berry lipstick form Sephora! It's been out of stock for weeks (since I got the free sample) and I was just moaning to my BFF today about how I'd give them my money if they only had what I wanted...

Now I just have to pretend to be a grown up and actually figure out how to reliably wear lipstick without looking like I'm playing dress up - or having it wear off of my lips all blotchy-like...
I'm a big girl. I have a kid of my own. A career. I should be able to conquer lipstick.

Wish me luck. (Because it's gorgeous!)

The Geese Are Back!

So there are about a million other things going on in life right now, but yesterday, among all the chaos, I noted the flocks and flocks of geese. They are once again passing our way. Before the grass browns or the trees turn - the geese come thru town.

Winter is on it's way and if it weren't for the amazing weather and round of golf last Friday I would feel as though I'd missed summer entirely. My head spinning, buried in paperwork, lost somewhere between a computer monitor and a pallet rack.

I'm taking tomorrow off just to play with my son. There's a trip to the park in our future...

Butterfly, freestyle, relay - monologue?

Phelps is hosting SNL Sept. 13th...

http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/ny-etmike285819164aug28,0,7870159.story?track=rss

greeting cards

I have this thing about buying greeting cards without having a specific need for them.

They'll make me laugh in middle of the store, or well up a little - or I'll buy them so far in advance of whatever I do need them for, that I can't find them and have to go back to the store - resulting in yet more unallocated cards.

This one I bought at LifeWay while picking up a card for my BFF a while ago. I stumbled across it today while considering cleaning out my work bag... I think, without knowing it, that maybe I bought it for me because it's what I needed to hear:

You are going through

trials and difficulties

not because God

has abandoned you,

but because He has

chosen you and called you

to know His heart.

-Roy Lessin

-----

"And we know that in all things

God works for the good of those

who love Him, who have been

called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28 NIV

-----

There is a purpose

in what you are

walking through,

and God would

never allow it if

He could not keep

you close to His heart

and use it for good

in the plan He has

for your life.

Can I just take this moment to confess that no matter how many times I hear that God has a purpose for my life and that he will use all things for good... it somehow sounds new every time.



My heart tingles as though I've never heard that message before. I am God's. He knows me and knows what I need. He put this card in my hand in the store, and again this morning... I believe that - so why does it always come as such a surprise to me?

Dropping Gas Prices...

Does anyone else find this interesting...?

Let me outline it for ya:

-People freak out about the high price of gas.

-People buy less gas. (and less of everything because there's only so much room in the budget)

-Gas companies sell less gas. (and other companies sell less stuff)

-Companies see less profit.

-Companies freak out about lowered revenue.

-Investors freak out about lowered revenue.

-Gas prices drop.

-People buy more gas. (and other things)

If I have this straight, we're talking about basic supply & demand here...

Capitalism in our great free country at work!

Irish Soda Bread

This is courtesy my S-I-L. She made it for St. Patrick's Day and I'm suddenly craving it so I had to dig out the recipe. It's on the list for this weekend now. Maybe it will make it on to yours too!

Irish Soda Bread
3-1/2 cups unbleached flour (or use 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour plus 1 cup unbleached)
1/2 to 3/4 cup raw or brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 stick butter, softened
1 egg
1-1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup golden raisins, cranberries or currants (soaked to plump)
1 teaspoon dried caraway seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 375F.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut the butter into the flour mixture, until crumbly. Add egg and buttermilk. Mix until moistened. Add raisins or currants and caraway seeds if desired.

Form into a round loaf on a greased baking sheet. Use a knife to cut a spiral or cross on the top. Bake one hour.

(She said that she only baked it for about 45 minutes and used all whole wheat flour. The original recipe called to soak the currants in whiskey I think, but she just used water overnight and it was oh, so tasty!)

He bought me flowers!

These are better than roses. Our front planter has been seriously neglected and I haven't had the time to do anything but shake my head at it... but my husband bought me flowers, and mulch, and killed all the weeds, and yanked out the half-dead plants (ok, he paid a friend to do it, but he got it done):



And didn't he pick pretty flowers!?! It's just fabulous!!!!

And he managed to take my car to the mechanic for new tires and an alignment and all that good stuff that will keep it from falling off the road with me in it!

Never mind about the empty toilet paper roll...

I have flowers!

And new, balanced and aligned, tires!

toilet paper

I just don't understand.

He pulls a new roll from the cabinet, uses a few squares (because the glue is gone), and leaves it sitting on top of the counter to be lightly dampened by the splashings of handwashing (at least he washed his hands)...

Really?

So last night I hit the edge. An edge maybe, as I've hit it before, made it back to solid ground and begun racing towards it again...

I am exhausted from work and torn in all different directions trying to be boss, valuable employee, wife, mommy, friend, daughter, granddaughter, and volunteer... Still finding time to sleep and attempt to remember who Tracy really is.

Could I get "restful sleep" in a pill form please? I just don't have time for it anymore.

At small group Tuesday night I heard (and preached a little) about the power and importance of prayer... even when you don't know the words to ask for what you need... even when you don't know what you need. So I stopped.

Between brushing my teeth and hopping in the shower I stopped and shared my heart with God. And I cried to him and gave him my burdened heart and heavy head. And he gave me a hug - which I expected. What I didn't expect was that he would tell me something too. He told me "You're doing a good thing" And I'm thinking, what? I'm doing a good thing by working hard and being a good employee that I'm away from the house for sometimes 14 hours a day and only get to see my son for an hour and a half before his bedtime. When I'm too late to cook dinner and too tired to stay awake to even watch a movie with my husband. When I can't remember the last time I just did something nice for a friend "because I could". What could I possibly be doing that's so good, God? "You're enabling your husband to grow and he's going to grow into someone who helps make My Kingdom known"

Well, how do you respond to that?

With renewed purpose (and some crocodile tears).

I go to work because that's how Stan can start his own company. That's God's plan for him. I'm just part of the plan to get Stan where God has set for him, but I'm part of the plan. All the hard work, stress, and emotional tuggings are worth it because He's worthy. God is worthy and whatever He's going to do with my husband is worthy and suddenly, I'm just glad to be on their coat-tails.