I bought these REALLY, cool bowls at Amazon.  They come from Zak!Designs. They are made out of recycled materials yet no harmful plastics are in them. VERY COOL!!! 

They are described as mixing bowls, but they aren't really the right size.  AND, one review said they cracked when she used them with her hand mixer.  My purpose is to use them as cool serving bowls.  Chips, dips, salsa or guacamole.

Aren't they fun?????

9/11 - 10 years later

Saute'd Chicken Thighs with Leeks

Hmmm, what's for dinner?

This recipe kind of came by accident. (Now, I am sure I am not the FIRST person to ever make this. But its my blog...and I wanted to share!)  I had some chicken thighs to eat up.  Didn't feel like baking or grilling so thought to saute them.  I also had a leek to use.  When it came time to add some liquid, I discovered I was out of white wine (GASP) and chicken broth.  But in the back of the fridge was a non alcoholic beer that someone left here.  So I used that in the recipe. 

And it worked! 

Plus a small glass for me was a nice treat.  I prefer the real thing...but it wasn't THAT bad!

Saute'd Chicken Thighs with Leeks

2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 leek, white parts only, sliced into thin rings
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Santa Fe Seasoning (I used one from Pampered Chef)
salt/pepper
1 cup white wine, chicken broth or beer

Heat your skillet over medium heat, add oil then add leeks and saute. 
Meanwhile, season both sides of chicken thighs with Sante Fe Seasoning, salt & pepper. 
When leeks are almost soft and translucent, add chicken.  Cook for about 15 mins (turning half way thru). 

Remove chicken to a plate.  Turn heat up to high. Add the liquid (beer, wine, chicken broth or whatever you have on hand).  Scrape all the bits off bottom of pan.  Keep stirring till bubbly then reduce heat to simmer.  Add chicken back to pan.  Turn a few times to get sauce on both sides of chicken.

Cover with a lid, turn off heat and let sauces coat chicken (about 3 - 5 mins).

ENJOY!!! 

They would be delish with smashed potatoes!  I served them, tonight, with some zucchini stix.  You can find that recipe here:
Zucchini Stix

Those were REALLY good. 

Nana's Roses

Thirteen years ago, my Nana passed away.  It was a really hard time and hit David, me and the kids really hard.  I had some wonderful friends give me a gift certificate to a local nursery and advised us to buy something special in her memory.  I spent months researching exactly what kind of plant I wanted in her memory.  Even though I do NOT have much success with any sort of plant that requires any sort of tending to; I decided on a rose bush.  Then I spent more time deciding what color/kind.   Finally found one that fit perfect.  'Touch of Class'.  It was an orangy/pink color and fit my Nana to a tee.

We designed a Peace Garden, where we planted the rose along with some other plants.  The garden was behind a big outdoor fireplace/grill so was semi private and secluded.  It had a stone bench.  I added a bird bath and other features.  For a few years it thrived and was a really peaceful place to go and reflect.  Then I got involved in other things and it grew into an ugly mess.  Although David would always weed around the rose bush. 

Three years ago we moved.  We rented out our old home and left the rose there.  David would go by occasionally and make sure it was still there!  When the renters moved out, David decided to dig the rose bush up and bring it to our new home. 

For the last three years, David thought it was dead.  But he kept tending to it.  Several times he thought it was gonna bloom and the deer would munch on it.  But he never gave up on it!!!

Yesterday as I drove down the driveway I saw a hint of orange in his normally green garden.  I thought maybe a weed?  Well tonight he came running in house with a big ole smile on his face and said "Nana's roses finally bloomed!"  And this is what he brought me:

Creamy Penne Pasta with Andouille Sausage

I received some yummy and organic pork andouille sausage this week.  They are local and made with no hormones or antibiotics.  I wanted to do something different than the obvious; grilling them and throwing in a bun.  So I did a search online and found one that looked promising.

The original recipe called for turkey andouille sausage.  Well, obviously, I substituted with my pork andouille.  And it called for baby spinach....I had regular spinach on hand.

(Excuse the messy plate.  I was so excited to eat I didn't have time for fancy staging. LOL)

OMG....it was DELICIOUS!!!  I totally could see ordering this in a restaurant.  It had just the right amount of spiciness and so creamy.  David had three servings, he loved it so much.

You MUST try this!!!

You can find the original recipe here Creamy Penne Pasta with Turkey Andouille Sausage

SKINNY GIRLS MARGARITA NIGHT

Yes...it is GIRLS NIGHT.  And Yes...I did pick up some Skinny Girl Margaritas. 

Never tried them before.  They JUST arrived in WA.  So me and a few girlfriends are gonna test drive them.  Crossing fingers that they are YUMMY.  I'm sure they aren't as good as my delicious margaritas....BUT I think they are more figure friendly.  And THAT is always a good option!!!

I'm ready to go!

SNOW!

Been snowing ALL DAY LONG.  Wasn't expecting this.  (of course I haven't really been paying attention!).  I had big plans tonight.  Getting together with the gals I graduated with.  Well due to weather, it was postponed.  Boo Hoo.  I was really looking forward to tonight.  I had margarita fixings all ready, I had my outfit set out.  I guess I REALLY have cabin fever and needed to get out of house!!! 

So instead I am going next door to hang out with my sister in law, while the guys are off at a poker tournament.  I think we are doing dinner and a movie.  Eat, Pray, Love.  At least I am not stuck in the house again and have something exciting to do:-)

When they said this was a La Nina year..somehow I expected it during December......not into almost SPRING.  Oh well.....its purty to look at:....and FUN to play in.

Update

Today is 2 weeks since I had my hysterectomy.  Everything went well.  I checked in Monday at 6am and was released Tuesday about 1pm.  Was on pain meds for 4 days before felt good enough to go without.  I felt GREAT that first week. So good that I overestimated my recovery and did a bit too much!!  My doctor made me realize that no pain did not necessarily mean I was back to 100%.  So last week I went back to taking it easy and think I am on the right track for healing.

Today, I drove my son to his chiropractor.  He was going to be in there a while so I decided to hang out in Target.  I just browsed and walked up and down the aisles at my own pace.  It felt good to walk.  While it wasn't anything that worked up a sweat...it still felt good. 

I can't believe I am saying this...but I miss exercising!!  I can't wait for my 6 week checkup, to be cleared to get back to working out.  For now; I am starting short walks...at a slow pace. 

It is hard to be stuck at home and seeing everything that needs to be cleaned yet not being able to really do much about it.  I can basic stuff but no vacuuming or scrubbing.  David has been awesome with keeping up laundry and dishes but I still see stuff that I want to do.  I think I need a maid........

So for now, taking it easy and trying not to go stir crazy!!!

A bit apprehensive....

(So trying hard to keep this post out of the TMI category......)

Tomorrow, I am off to the hospital to have surgery.  I'm going in for a hysterectomy.  Not for any cancerous reasons!  I am horribly anemic and have been for years.  After spending the last year, ruling out everything else; we (my doctor and myself) have decided this is my best option.  And believe me...I am ready!

So while excited about the future and improvement to my life; I am nervous.  I mean..its SURGERY.  Anesthesia and everything.  AND with my anemia; there is a possibility of a blood transfusion. 

Sooo, while I am 99% feeling positive about the situation, I am 1% scared!

I'd appreciate any extra thoughts, directed at me, in the morning:-)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Feb 2nd 2011