Category Archive

I know that the title sounds - well… practical, but trust me, this salsa is amazing! It’s from The Paupered Chef, but I think he got the recipe through a friend, who got it from The Grocery Guy, but this recipe isn’t the one you’ll find on The Grocery Guy’s site. But you can read all about it over at The Paupered Chef.

It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who is currently paupered, or at least attempting to avoid pauperism, as the ingredient list is very simple.

Soak 12 or so guajillo chilies in bowl filled with boiling water for 30 minutes. When done, remove the stems and the seeds. Toss in a blender with a 28 ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes, 1 bunch of cilantro, 1/2 an onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and the juice of 3 limes. Blend until smooth. Season well with salt. Let it cool in the fridge to temper the insane heat.

So that’s it. Very simple. We have enjoyed the flavor when I double or triple the garlic, but then we really love garlic. I haven’t been able to locate guajillo chiles around here, but I have successfully used dried ancho chiles and New Mexico red chiles. Both were very good. Neither the ancho chiles or the New Mexican chiles were very spicy, and we enjoyed it more when we left some of the seeds in the chiles. The kids were still able to enjoy the salsa, but it brought the heat up to about a medium. I want to try the recipe with fresh tomatoes and see how it turns out.

What’s your favorite salsa recipe?

Journal Entry 5/19/08

As the sun peeked over the horizon and made its way through the window, onto my bed; it kissed my face. I thought of our weekend at Dan and Candace’s place. The highlight of our weekend, indeed! And how could it not be when sweet, little sunshiny kisses hit our cheeks on and off through the whole stay? And like the sun rises and sets, each kiss from our precocious little nieces, dampened our faces with moisture like the morning dew.

Upon our arrival we were enticed with a delectable menu creatively prepared by Candace, whose appetite for innovative recipes (influenced by the Confessions of a Pioneer Woman) tantalized our curiosities. She sited the recipes on her fifty’s retro, white enameled, metal cabinets. We gave our invitation of helping hands. She gladly accepted, but with our meager efforts she managed quite well; most of which could have been done without us, including a wonderful conflagration upon her busy stove top. Fireworks wouldn’t have done any justice; the excitement alone was quite exciting and entertaining! She calmly said, “What will put it out?” and I said hastily, “Baking powder! Oh, er…no, I think its baking soda!” Just like I said she could manage well enough without us.

We enjoyed a Cheese macaroni dish that consisted of green and red peppers, red onions, and…cheese! Brilliant! (That certainly didn’t give credit to the pioneer-lady, sorry about that), anyway, what ever was in it, sure pleased our palates…

…Along side this “palate-pleaser” was a beautiful, mostly homegrown salad (greens and scallions given by Grandma Brand of course) and arrayed creatively in a striking wooden, teardrop shape bowl was green and red bell peppers and…scallions! My brilliance strikes again, (she still could do better without my help). Let’s just say… you had to be there!

Oh, I did forget the stuffed jalapeños filled with…yikes; here I go again…cheese!! (Cream cheese…that is) At least they were wrapped with bacon and no doubt, deliciously HOT! I better quit while I’m ahead or am I? Uhgg, I left out the most important thing, dessert! Grasshopper Pie! There that was easy.

All in all it was very entertaining and very complimentary of Candace’s character. She enjoys the “far and outrageous menus” to which everything prepared was a palatal success, indeed!

Kinsley and Sophie, rug rats of the sort, displayed their precocious characters to the hilt. Crying and whining in a tizzy like manner, probably not even sure what they wanted or why they were fussing. They probably were mimicking what we “big” people tend to do, who knows. Their delectable nuance of character kept them entertaining at all times. Kinsley, in her own little world certainly thought she was the center of attention would carry on a “know-it-all” adult conversation; at least she appeared to have it all figured out, and maybe she did. Sophie on the other hand, puttered around with her two-inch length little legs, going from one thing to another; cloth on her head, ball in hand, examining crumbs and crying for Mama and her “binkster.”

We had beautiful walks down the city-park sidewalk, which led to the city park.

Our eyes found animated wild flowers waving their cheerful blossoms in the gentle breeze that tantalized and led them to the bubbling creek that runs through the little town.

The banks were also adorned with flowing, hair-like, tall grasses which gave a soft continuity against the rocky banks.

The activities of our stay consisted of basket ball at the park, without a basket ball— hum, “who would-a-thunk” (a Mark Jacobson term)? The only ball available was a soft soccer ball that Dan and Candace had…“Hey, whatever works!” The English family joined us there and all had a wild game of soccer-ball/basket ball game, they didn’t seem to miss the proper ball.

The playground was Kinsley’s and Sophie’s delight other than almost getting plowed on the court and totally oblivious to it all. Sophie found the slide to be thrilling and her face in an almost fright, gave “us” observing more of a thrill! Kinsley gave her Uncle Jared an exhausting time (to his delight of course) with her “peek-a-boo” games.

We headed to the Huzzah, I think or at least it was an arm of it, to slash on buoy-boards and plastic donut floaters.

It didn’t last long though, the water was too cold. Kinsley took it upon herself to release the “warm liquid kind” onto the only blanket we had to sit on. She thought what was wrong with that, it’s a normal fact of life!

Sophie examined the geological finds of ornate rocks though half her time was spent trying to balance on them which set her to get angry and think that it was her Mama’s fault or anyone who was near. My kids shivered and chattered most of the time, they didn’t want their Aunt Candace to get her feelings hurt you know.

Nathan took it upon himself to use Sophie’s floating ring and had a cute ride down some cute little rapids. He looked like an over-sized spider that found a nice spot to spin its web. Kind of gross with those hairy, spindly legs hanging out over the sides; if I had a fly-swatter I might have used it!

Gage and Glen, once back at D& C’s home, continued their racer-like bike rides down the sidewalk, dodging each other before a collision took place (I had to resign myself to whatever course it took, luckily nothing happened and they got to enjoy their uninterrupted fun).

Nathan and Eric took to mowing for Dan. I think they felt sorry for him; poor guy, he needs a break here and there; he’s a busy man you know! Ahh, gee (that’s what the kids would say)!

Nathan and Natalie were big helps in the kitchen washing dishes and mopping floors and at best helping with their tiny little cousins demanding needs.

We all found it a delightful weekend and a break from the monotony of our lonesome hill. Tears ended the stay for the little guys and following the next day, Gage didn’t unpack because it made him sad; he even said he was going to keep his toothbrush in there too, and didn’t see why we couldn’t just go back. He’d be ready if we had a change of mind.

To sum it up: “If you stay out in the sun long enough, you’re bound to get sun-kissed and better yet, if you stay out in the sun long enough with you nieces, you are bound to get the ultimate sun-kiss… ” — Aunt Paula of course!

Yesterday was my mom’s birthday. She had invited us to dinner (which she prepared herself) and it only struck me that afternoon that is was her birthday. Thoughtful daughter, huh?

We sort of turned it into a last minute birthday party.

The girls and I drove out a little early to wrap gifts at Granddad’s office. We are often the designated gift wrappers for such events.

Mom had already baked a delicious farm raised ham (raised by my brother Zion), and purchased local wines.

Hannah had made scalloped potatoes and a Boston Cream Pie, Zion made a frozen chocolate pie, we threw together a salad and some fresh squeezed lemonade, and we had a first rate birthday dinner.

(Please notice that my daughter is eating spinach. This may be the only documented consumption of green matter in her life.)

The girls generously assisted with the gift opening.

Kinsley even offered to model the ring which her Uncle Jared gave to Marme.

Uncle Jacob gave Marme this lovely wire work necklace which he made in his art class.

Uncle Zion gave Marme a set of three CDs of worship music. I neglected to photograph that, because I was busy photographing the back of my daughter’s head.

Grandma gave Marme this weedwhacker. Anyone who knows my mom, knows she loves nothing more than some garden/yard related tool, plant or book.

She also scored a couple of gardening books from us, a huge bag of gladiola bulbs from Dad (along with a beautiful white leather refillable journal), which I also did not photograph. Partly because I was marveling at my daughter’s pot belly and bony ribs.

Other photos from that evening:

Last week we spent quite a bit of time at Marme and Granddad’s house. My brother Caleb was visiting from Maryland.

There was much cooking, eating and entertainment from my girls.

The girls love to dance, and Uncle Jared built this coffee table in my parent’s living room - partly as a dance floor for the girls, and partly as a birthday gift for my mom (Marme).

Kinsley explored alternative wardrobe options.

Sophie snuggled with Aunt Hannah (alternately known as Hi-oh according to Kinsley, and HYnah according to Sophie).

I think that Sophie looks so much like my side of the family.

*More photos if the week to come*

Dan’s brother Mark sent us a box of some of the loveliest pears we’ve ever seen. The delicate combination of red and green begged to be photographed. The bowl of pecans in the background were one of many gifts bestowed on us recently by my grandparents.

And his sister, Holly sent us this amazing little nativity set. It was handmade in Spain, and picked up on their travels there.

I think it may be one of my favorite nativity sets of all time. It’s simple, and yet elegant. And to think of all the tiny details, all added by an attentive someone’s hand, instead of a machine, or factory line!

Western Christian liturgical calendars are based on the cycle of the Roman or Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, including Lutheran, Anglican, and Protestant calendars since this cycle pre-dates the Reformation.

Generally, the liturgical seasons in western Christianity are Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.

Thinking of the advent season and on creating memories, as well as incorporating new and old traditions from both of our families, I have come up with this list of ideas and projects:

Advent::
From the Latin adventus, “arrival” or “coming”, the first season of the liturgical year begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.

Advent in a box

Advent Candles to light and enjoy on Sunday evenings with cookies and tea.

I think it would be fun to decorate just a bit every night, in the spirit of preparation (what is advent for anyway?) and maybe to get a tree somewhere in the middle of the season.

Christmastide::
Christmastide begins the evening of Christmas Eve (December 24) and ends on (or, in some Anglican traditions, the day before) the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.

The Twelve Days of Christmas and the associated evenings of those twelve days (Twelve-tide), are the festive days beginning the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) through the morning of Epiphany on (January 6). The associated evenings of the twelve days begin on the evening before the specified day. Thus, the first night of Christmas is December 25–26, and Twelfth Night is January 5–6. This period is also known as Christmastide.

The twelve days have special significance to us as this is a tradition we have observed in some way since our first Christmas. Sophie’s birthday is on Epiphany, (which means, appropriately enough, appearance” or “manifestation”). So, you can imagine the possible celebrations to arise here.

Some possible ways to observe these days::

Christmas
Boxing Day - sorting through toys with the girls and taking some extra to a needy family.
King Cake
Sophie’s first birthday
12 Candles
And of course, re-reading the 12 Days Poem to the girls.

A good friend of mine recently told me about these amazing little tea flowers. I had no idea that such things even existed.

This morning as I was fixing breakfast, Kinsley was sitting at my feet discussing everything that popped into her nearly two year old brain. I was struggling to keep up with it all, when Dan walked in and Kinsley asked “You a man, Papa?” When he confirmed her suspicions, she turned to me and asked “You a yeady (lady), Mama?” Once this matter was settled in her mind, she asked “A yeady cookin’ eggs?”

We’re in the process of an ever growing bathroom remodel (pictures of that mess to come). The medicine cabinet was sitting on the floor last Sunday evening and Kinsley had been entertaining herself in front of the mirror for a minute or two when I heard her say “I love me!”. I looked at her, and she was tilting her head and looking fondly into her own eyes. No problem with her self esteem!

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On Friday I asked her if she wanted to help Mama make dinner for Papa.

“No - Papa just ‘pank Kinsley” Kinsley declared.

“Just be sweet and then Papa won’t have to spank Kinsley.” I advised.

“No, Kinsley just be naughty. Kinsley likes to be naughty.” Oh help us all!

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Turns out Kinsley threw the first fit of the evening shortly after that. She thought it was truly unfair and inconsiderate of me to try to get her out of the bathtub. I threatened her with a spanking if she didn’t stop fussing, and she got very quiet and looked at me. Then she announced,

“Kinsley just mad, Mama. Really mad.”

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She’s been into telling a really good story lately. It’s even more interesting if it involves emotions which she can identify. Like yesterday when we were driving to my parent’s (Marme and Grandad’s) house, she told me that Grandad got “real mad, and then he fell and got a sore on his nose and it hurt really bad and then he cried and cried and cried”. When we got to Grandad’s office, I checked out his nose, but it looked fine to me.

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This morning when Dan was getting ready to go to work, I told him that there was a bowl of spaghetti in the fridge for lunch. We continued to discuss the bathroom project for a minute, when Kinsley came into the living room with the bowl of spaghetti. She had gotten it out of the fridge herself! She handed it to Dan and said,

“Here’s your noodles, Papa. Oh - I’d better cook ‘em a little bit.” She took the bowl back from Dan and carried them to her play kitchen. As we watched, she tried to fit them into the toy microwave, but they wouldn’t fit, so she set them on the burner for a few seconds before bringing the bowl back to Dan and saying, “Be cayfull, Papa, the noodles so hot. Oh! Need a fork? Oh…” and she ran back to her kitchen and brought Dan a plastic (toy) spatula. “Here, Papa - fork!” Dan showed Kinsley the silver fork from his lunch bag.

“See, Papa has a fork already” he explained. He kissed all his girls and headed out the door. Kinsley followed him to the door, and with the spatula in her outstretched fist, sge hollered,

“Papa! Need Kinsley fork! Need it bad!”

So Dan has a small plastic spatula to eat his spaghetti with today.

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She’s not even two - what are we going to do?

The perfect summer dinner, in my mind, is always followed by root beer floats…

The last day of Julie’s Colour Week. Sure was fun!

I’m on a New Mexican kick, this week, as we’ve been thinking and planning for our trip there this summer. Also, Dan’s parents (who still live in Los Alamos) will be arriving for a visit sometime next week. So, our menu is greatly influenced by Dan’s childhood home this week. And you can expect several other New Mexico-related posts to come. I hope that Dan may even make a “guest appearance”, as this is really his forte, not mine.

Monday - Dinner at Mom and Dad’s

Tuesday - Carne Adovado

Wednesday - Pastel de Chile Verde

Thursday - Sopaipillas Rellenas

Friday - New Mexican Tacos

I just recently learned of a wonderful phenomenon which for some reason I have totally missed out on up till now.

I learned about no-knead bread from Amy of Angry Chicken.

Now, anyone who has followed this blog at all may remember that while good homemade artisan bread is my very most favoritist thing in the world to bake, my perfectionism makes it very hard for me to ever be pleased with the finished product. This bread, ladies and gentlemen, is the bomb.

Watch the video, and try it yourself!

Adapted from Jim Lahey, Sullivan Street Bakery

Time: About 1 1/2 hours plus 14 to 20 hours rising

- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting

- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast

- 1 1/4 [1 3/4] teaspoons salt

- Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed.

1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 [1 1/2] cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.

2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.

3. Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

4. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6- to 8-quart [about a 4-quart pot is preferred] heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is O.K. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 [10 or 15] minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

Yield: One 1 1/2-pound loaf.

I’ve always thought that the simplest ingredient list make the best bread!

Click here to view the auction…

Give the gift of an island of calm serenity in the ocean of chaotic daily life.

This kit has been lovingly assembled with careful attention to details.

Items included:

Basket has a very cottage chic feel to it. The embellishments look to be from the 40s or 50s.

Plate is a warm ivory with silver edging and has a floral design featuring the colors turquoise, mint green, rose pink, and golden yellow. The back of the plate (pictured) says “Crown Potteries Co. Made in the USA 4 47″. Family tradition says that the plate survived the San Fransisco Earthquake, but I have no idea if this is accurate.

Vintage Tablecloth is the perfect size for a solitary picnic. It is white with turquoise stripes on two ends. The cloth is in great shape, except for a small spot (the size of a quarter) which has worn through, and a tiny ink spot. It measures 31 1/2″ x 34″.

Antique Napkin is a warm ivory color with a tone on tone rose and lattice work design with heirloom entredeux on the edges. The napkin is made of a very sturdy and quality material.

Knife and Fork are authentic antique weighted silver flatware. They have been polished.

Thermos brand vintage thermos. We thought this was a truly unique item. It is a single serving size (one cup). The color is cream, with a turquoise inset on the cap.

Vintage Stoneware Mug has a very retro feel. It also echoes the color scheme of cream and turquoise, though the turquoise band at the bottom of the mug is of a lighter shade.

Monday: Mom and Dad’s

Tuesday: Southern Succotash

Wednesday: Crock Pot Tender Roast

Thursday: Tacos

Friday: Beef Stew

Saturday: Roasted Chicken Dinner

Monday -
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets
Dinner: Tortilla Soup

Tuesday -
Lunch: Meatball Subs
Dinner: Tilapia and Rice

Wednesday -
Lunch: Avocado Sandwich
Dinner: Egg Drop Soup

Thursday -
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Mom and Dad’s

Friday -
Lunch: PBnJ
dinner: General Tso’s Chicken

Monday - Dinner at Mom and Dad’s

Tuesday - Chicken Fried Steak (Leftover from last weeks menu).

Wednesday - Blackened Tilapia

Thursday - Chinese food from Aldis

Friday - Philly Steak and Cheese Sandwiches

Saturday - Dinner with friends

Monday - Gourmet Chicken Pizza

Tuesday - Green Spaghetti

Wednesday - Spinach Garlic Pizza

Thursday - Dinner at Mom and Dad’s

Friday - Bacon Jack Chicken Sandwich

Honestly - it wasn’t all that romantic. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered when the honeymoon phase is over, the answer is “After the birth of your second child”. It starts to taper off after the first baby, but by the second child, you’re just too tired for the honeymoon phase to go on any longer. That, and you don’t even have time to think, let alone get very romantic.

Not only did the two babies put a slight damper on our favorite holiday, but we are entertaining that winter demon, the flu. Even the tiniest baby has it, poor thing. Anyway, I got two hours of sleep last night because both daughters needed much help and cuddling. Poor little Sophie’s nose is so stopped up that she struggles with each and every breath.

Much resting is on order for us today!

Breakfast:

Caramel Cinnamon Muffins with Strawberries and Ham

Lunch:

Heart shaped cheese and sausages on crackers

Dinner:

Lobster dinner

Monday - Dinner at Mom and Dad’s

Tusday - Frozen chicken dish

Wednesday - see Valentines Day menu…

Thursday - Rainy Day Chili

Friday - Chicken Fried Steak

Saturday - We STILL haven’t gotten to that steak dinner…

1. What is your favorite main course to prepare?

Steak. Without a doubt.

2. What is your favorite side dish to prepare?

Artichokes.

3. Do you like to bake? If so, what is your favorite?

I like tro bakle artisan breads. I’m a perfectionist of sorts when it comes to breads, though, so I am often unhappy with the results.

4. What one dish would you like to learn to cook?

Crème brûlée

5. What is your worst cooking disaster?

The time I caught my grandmothers kitchen on fire. Or maybe the time I caught my own kitchen on fire. Or maybe the time I accidently flooded my kitchen. It would be hard to narrow it down, really.

Saturday

Brunch: Cheesy Potato and Green Chili Breakfast Casserole
Dinner: Casey’s Pizza

Sunday

Brunch: Dad’s Egg Burritos
Dinner: Fish Sticks

Monday

Breakfast: Egg McMuffins
Lunch: Tuna Salad
Dinner: Dinner at Mom and Dad’s

Tusday

Breakfast: Pancakes
Lunch: Spaghetti
Dinner: Philly Steak and Cheese Sandwiches

Wednesday

Breakfast: Leftover Breakfast Burritoes
Lunch: Macaroni
Dinner: Chicken Parmesan (We never got around to this last week…)

Thursday

Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: PB’nJ
Dinner: Dinner @ the Melby’s

Friday

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Toast
Lunch: Chicken Parmesan Subs
Dinner: Elegant Steak Dinner with Potato Gratin (We didn’t get to this last week, either!)

Sunday: Spaghetti

Monday: Tacos

Tuesday: Grilled Brie and Apple Baguette

Wednsday: Chicken Parmesan

Thursday: Dinner at Mom and Dad’s

Friday: Steak dinner with Potato Gratin…mmm…

Saturday: Chicken and Rice Dish (frozen dinner from Mom)