East Coast to Midwest

Turkey Salad that I have to share

2011-02-13T20:00:00.001-06:00

I also posted this over at delish but you have to try it yourself well, after you have roasted a turkey or a turkey breast!

Recipe from Alton Brown...

Here's the recipe:
1 lb Roasted Turkey meat
1/2 c mayonnaise
1/2 small lemon freshly squeezed
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 c pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1/4 c dried cranberries, roughly chopped
2 TBSP fresh sage, chiffonade
1/4 tsp kosher salt
black pepper, to taste

Combine everything in a large airtight container. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Store in the fridge for 3 days.

I normally don't like fruit mixed with my meat. But this was great. I think the fresh sage really added a lot to this salad.

Reporting Back

2011-02-10T22:51:00.004-06:00

Well I have made some changes. I bought a wii and the EA Active 2 "game". I have enjoyed the variety of the workout since it does seem to different every time although not the entire workout since each workout is based on a variety of strength training and aerobic exercises. If you have a wii and are looking for something check out EA Active 2! I also invested in WII fit plus. Wow they really developed some interesting new games since they came out with WII fit. I especially like the kung fu (sp?)

I'm not working out everyday but do hit at least 5 days a week so it has given me a good change. Hoping to keep it up as we go along.

Now if the weather would just warm up that would please me a great deal! :)

New Beginnings

2011-01-12T20:22:00.002-06:00

I haven't been writing on this blog as much but would like to change that for 2011.

Other changes I need to make in my life:

1. Add regular exercise to my daily life

2. Find and obtain a new job hopefully in event/meeting planning this year.

3. Discover and visit interesting spots around Minnesota and Wisconsin.

4. Find time to see friends and family near and far.

5. Send more snail mail to others...everyone enjoys getting a letter in the mail.

6. Take more pictures maybe doing 3 and 4.

List to continue

Happy New Year everyone.

Holy Cow

2010-08-19T21:04:00.003-05:00

Holy Cow. It has been a really long time since I blogged last.

What have I done since I last posted?

Still working both jobs but am now doing the bank job during the day instead of second shift. Feels so good to be able to get back to my bookclub as well as feel like a normal working person or at least the typical with the usual hours.

I had a road trip adventure driving from the twin cities area to Lancaster, Pa. I tried to divide it up within two days but ended up spending a third night in Ohio near Sandusky, thanks to tornadoes and massive rain. Glad to say that the journey back was much faster and I had less storm issues.

Promise to update more often.... I do have lots of postcrossing postcards to post if anyone wants to see them ;)

Long Time No Post

2009-11-15T20:02:00.001-06:00

Well the good news is that I have been working. I have been working a retail job and been working a second shift job as well. I like the second shift job a bit more but I'm not looking forward to working retail during the holiday season though. But the discount will be nice.

I have some postcrossing cards to post but I haven't scanned them yet either.

Postcrossing Postcards from the last week or two

2009-09-07T21:54:00.011-05:00

Here are some postcards I have gotten recently.

Recipe: Buttermilk Bacon Corn Salad

2009-08-24T22:46:00.003-05:00

I made this as part of dinner last night. I admit I used vegetable cream cheese instead of goat cheese since I'm not a fan.

I found this recipe at www.seriouseats.com

About the author: Tara Mataraza Desmond writes about, cooks, and eats food for a living. She blogs about food and life through words and pictures at Crumbs On My Keyboard)

Buttermilk Bacon Corn Salad Tomatoes

- serves four -
Ingredients

4 jumbo heirloom or beefsteak-type tomatoes, or 6 to 8 plum or Roma tomatoes
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 ears corn, shucked and kernels cut from cob (4 cups of kernels)
2 jalapeños, stemmed and chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
4 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup buttermilk
4 ounces soft plain goat cheese
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Procedure

1. Core the tomatoes and cut a wide opening in the middle from the core. For plum or Romas, cut the tomatoes lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Set the tomatoes aside.

2. Add the bacon to a hot sauté pan over medium heat. Render until crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour the bacon fat from the sauté pan and wipe it clean (unless you prefer sautéing in the bacon grease).

3. Add the oil to the same pan and return to medium heat. Put the corn kernels, jalapeños, and garlic in the pan and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes.

4. While the corn cooks, combine the buttermilk and goat cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

5. Transfer the corn mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the buttermilk dressing, stirring to coat all the ingredients. Add the cilantro and scallions and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Spoon the corn salad into the tomatoes. Serve immediately. If serving later, let the corn salad chill and stuff the tomatoes just before serving.

Made way more than just four servings!

Long time no post

2009-08-03T20:54:00.002-05:00

One photo I took at the St Paul Winter Festival will be included in an online guide. Check it out!

See the widget on the side.

But here's the picture that will be in the guide.

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T15:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T15:53:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDA9NbPAK8o

Franconia Scuplture Park & Pot Holes

2009-07-01T08:26:00.009-05:00

Went to Franconia Sculpture Park with some College Friends 3 of whom I hadn't seen for 19 years or so. Wow. This park is pretty much in a corn field in Northern Minnesota. I think it was pretty interesting. Maybe it wasn't art you wanted in your living room but I think it was fun to see it in this type of setting.

Here are some pictures.

I forgot to add the pot hole pictures. Will do that tomorrow.

www.franconia.org

Postcrossing Postcards from the Past Month

2009-06-29T10:54:00.013-05:00

I've been bad about scanning lately. So here's a bunch of postcards I have received from other postcrossers over the past month.

Which one is your favorite?

I have a few favorites: The strong man, the Moomin (hippo) card, the robot,

Looking to Use Public Space for an Event?

2009-06-23T20:35:00.005-05:00

I have been working with a nonprofit to find locations to hold a walk next spring. It has been a challenge to find space that might be good for about 200 people and have a pavilion and have availability in March, April, or May 2010. What I have discovered is St Paul doesn't reserve park space until January of that year. Not any sooner. I don't see how that could work for brides planning weddings but I believe what I was told on the phone.

Since it might be cold here one of these three months I also looked at possible indoor facilities, like the sky ways in St. Paul and the Metrodome.

I think it would be cool to have a walk in the sculpture garden outside the Walker Museum but I'm not sure if it is possible.

Thinking about a New Collection

2009-06-18T22:27:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking about collecting globes. Of course I'll have to wait until I'm working full time again. But I like the looks of the ones here that I found online. I don't know what it is about maps and globes for me now. But I have enjoyed collecting map based postcards and want to expand into the globes or maybe snow globes too.

What do you collect?

Recipe: Pasta Puttanesca

2009-06-07T21:20:00.005-05:00

I made this tonight for dinner. I really liked it and it was as easy as they say in terms of the speed to put everything together. I just served some bread along with it.

Pasta Puttanesca Gourmet | June 2008

by Ian Knauer

Our take on this dish, famously named for the fact that Italy's "ladies of the evening" quickly made it between clients, is just as fast and easy as the original and requires nothing more than some everyday items you probably have in your pantry already.

Yield: Makes 6 servings
Active Time: 10 min
Total Time: 30 min

1 pound dried spaghetti, spaghettini, or linguine fini
5 garlic cloves, forced through a garlic press
2 teaspoons anchovy paste
1/2 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice (preferably Italian)
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
2 tablespoons drained capers
Pinch of sugar (optional)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped basil

Cook spaghetti in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (2 1/2 Tbsp salt for 6 qt water) until barely al dente.

While pasta boils, cook garlic, anchovy paste, red-pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and pale golden, about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, purée tomatoes with juice in a blender.

Add tomato purée to garlic oil along with olives and capers and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is ready. Stir in sugar if desired.

Drain pasta and add to sauce. Simmer, turning pasta with tongs, until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with basil.

Lemon Meringue Pie

2009-05-24T20:58:00.003-05:00

I made Betty's Lemon Meringue Pie today. Do you know Betty of Betty's Pies. Maybe its just a Minnesota thing? Here are some pictures.

This was a hit with 5 out of 6.

Two pieces left. Wonder who's going to claim one first?

Postcrossing Postcards Received

2009-05-22T19:19:00.006-05:00

I guess I have been busy or something. Sorry I haven't posted postcards in a while for those of you who like them ;)

Here are some I received in the past week or two from postcrossing.

New Purse

2009-05-19T10:00:00.003-05:00

I've been wanting a new purse for a while. I found this one at TJ Maxx. And it was only $20.00.

Mini Greek Lamb Burgers

2009-05-18T22:29:00.001-05:00

Mini Greek Lamb Burgers
I got this recipe from Martha Stewart and Every Day Food.

Ingredients

Serves 4.

FOR TZATZIKI
1/2 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated (3/4 cup)
1/2 cup plain yogurt, preferably whole milk yogurt
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper

FOR LAMB BURGERS
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
1/2 small onion, minced (1/4 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried
Salt and pepper
4 pieces pita bread (6 inches each)
Directions
Heat grill or grill pan to high. Make tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, mint and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Make burgers: In a medium bowl, use a fork to gently combine lamb, onion, parsley, and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Gently form mixture into 16 small patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Grill until medium-rare, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
To serve, warm pitas on the grill or directly over a gas burner, turning occasionally. Halve pitas, and fill with lettuce, burgers, tomato, and tzatziki.
Iceberg lettuce, for serving
2 medium beefsteak tomatoes, sliced, for serving

Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie w/ Whipped Cream

2009-05-13T17:37:00.001-05:00

I made this to serve after the Salmon and Asparagus. I would suggest making more of the crust since it was hard to get it to cover the whole pie pan.

Again I found this on Epicurious hope you like it.

Fresh Strawberry Pie with Whipped Cream Gourmet | June 2008

by Ruth Cousineau

There is nothing like this pie. It was created by test kitchen director Ruth Cousineau, and if there were ever a laurel to rest on, this would be it. The berries are key, so look for local ones (those that travel least taste the best) that are plump, fragrant, and fully ripe, with no white shoulders. One of the miracles here is that the gelatin will be set just enough so that you can easily cut a slice, but it's not bouncy.

Yield: Makes 8 servings
Active Time: 45 min
Total Time: 5 1/4 hr (includes chilling)

For crust:
1 (5-ounce) package shortbread cookies
2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For filling:
2 pounds (1 1/2-inch) strawberries, hulled (see cooks' note, below)
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (2 1/4 teaspoons)

Accompaniment:
lightly sweetened whipped cream

Make crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

Pulse cookies in a food processor to fine crumbs, then pulse in sugar and butter until combined. Press crumb mixture evenly onto bottom and up side of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

Prepare filling and assemble pie:

Select 20 large strawberries as close to same size as possible and set aside. Cut remaining berries into 1/4-inch dice and toss with sugar and lemon juice. Let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Drain berries in a sieve set into a large glass measuring cup. Add enough water to measure 2 cups. Transfer liquid to a medium saucepan and reserve berries.

Sprinkle gelatin over strawberry liquid and let soften 1 minute. Bring to a bare simmer, stirring until gelatin has dissolved. Add diced berries, then transfer to a metal bowl set into an ice bath and stir frequently until mixture begins to mound, 20 to 30 minutes.

Spoon 1/2 cup filling into pie crust and arrange reserved whole berries, stem ends down, on filling. Spoon remaining filling over and between berries. Chill pie until filling is set, at least 4 hours.

Cooks' notes:
·Pie crust can be made 2 days ahead and kept (covered once cool) at room temperature.
·Filled pie can be chilled, loosely covered, up to 1 day.
·While not as dramatic as whole large berries, if you find juicy small berries, cut them into quarters or halves. It may take longer for mixture to set, but pie will taste just as good.

Recipe: Salmon with Roasted Asparagus & Lemon Caper Sauce

2009-05-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

Confession I have never liked Asparagus well until I made this dish. Since moving in with my sister and brother-in-law I have grown to appreciate more and more vegetables that I haven't liked in the past i.e. Broccoli.

I found this recipe online at Epicurious. Try it for yourself. It is very easy and tasty!

Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Lemon-Caper Sauce Bon Appétit | February 2001

Yield: Makes 4 servings
ingredients
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced red onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon drained capers, chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1 1/2-pound skinless salmon fillet (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches thick)
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
preparation

Whisk first 6 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut three 1/2-inch-deep slits crosswise in top of salmon (as if dividing into 4 equal pieces but do not cut through). Arrange asparagus in even layer on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and turn to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place salmon atop asparagus; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until salmon is just opaque in center, about 20 minutes.

Transfer asparagus and salmon to platter. Spoon sauce over salmon. Cut into 4 pieces along slits and serve.

Nearly Done with Classes

2009-05-11T19:14:00.002-05:00

Well I'm nearly done with classes. I have one more class to take online in the Fall and then I'll be done with the certificate in Event/Meeting Management.

I'm now looking for internships to apply the skills I have learned. I have had the opportunity to work a few events as a student. I worked one event last week and found that I have a talent for organization especially with prepping signs, handouts, and other materials for the workshops by day and room. I also enjoyed being MOD (Manager on Duty) especially working the breaks and working with the conference center food and beverage staff. I also liked ringing the chimes to help to lead the conference participants back to their sessions.

I would like to find something more full time and still looking for an opportunity but feel that I should focus on an intern level and maybe that can lead to something full time.

Recipe: Potato Leek Soup and Herb Garlic Bread

2009-04-26T21:02:00.003-05:00

I have been catching up on some shows and watched Barefoot Contessa w/ Ina Garten. I love her! Wish I could just stay at her lovely house and she could make me meals all day ;)

Well Ina made Potato Leek Soup and this herb garlic bread and I thought it sounded really good. Luckily ? the weather cooperated with me tonight and so soup worked.

Here's the recipe:

Roasted Potato Leek Soup

Prep Time:: 35 min
Inactive Prep Time:: hr min
Cook Time:: 1 hr 35 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
4 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts, cleaned of all sand (4 leeks)
1/4 cup good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups baby arugula, lightly packed
1/2 cup dry white wine, plus extra for serving
6 to 7 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
3/4 cup heavy cream
8 ounces creme fraiche
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnish
Crispy Shallots, recipe follows, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine the potatoes and leeks on a sheet pan in a single layer. Add the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss to coat the vegetables evenly. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, turning them with a spatula a few times during cooking, until very tender. Add the arugula and toss to combine. Roast for 4 to 5 more minutes, until the arugula is wilted. Remove the pan from the oven and place over 2 burners. Stir in the wine and 1 cup of the chicken stock and cook over low heat, scraping up any crispy roasted bits sticking to the pan.

In batches, transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor fitted with the steel blade, adding the pan liquid and about 5 cups of the chicken stock to make a puree. Pour the puree into a large pot or Dutch oven. Continue to puree the vegetables in batches until they're all done and combined in the large pot. Add enough of the remaining 1 to 2 cups of stock to make a thick soup. Add the cream, creme fraiche, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and check the seasonings.

When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently and whisk in 2 tablespoons white wine and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Serve hot with an extra grating of Parmesan and crispy shallots, if using.

Crispy Shallots:

1 1/2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 to 6 shallots, peeled and sliced into thin rings

Heat the oil and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it reaches 220 degrees F on a candy thermometer.

Reduce the heat to low, add the shallots, and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, until they are a rich golden brown. The temperature should stay below 260 degrees F. Stir the shallots occasionally to make sure they brown evenly. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon, drain well, and spread out to cool on paper towels. Once they have dried and crisped, they can be stored at room temperature, covered, for several days.

Yield: about 1/2 cup

Notes: I couldn't find creme fraiche so I used sour cream instead. I did not do the crispy shallots and I added 3 cloves of garlic with the arugula to the pan. I think the garlic made a great addition.

Herb Garlic Bread

Prep Time:: 10 min
Inactive Prep Time:: hr min
Cook Time:: 8 min

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 8 servings

Ingredients

6 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
1 large baguette

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until finely minced. Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and parsley mixture and cook for 1 minute, until the garlic is tender but not browned. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Slice the baguette lengthwise down the center, but not all the way through, and spoon the garlic mixture into the bread. Place the bread on a sheet pan and bake for 8 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve warm.

I liked this bread but I admit I missed the buttery taste of you got it butter! ;) but I liked the addition of the herbs to this.

Swap Bot Postcards from the past week

2009-04-24T21:25:00.010-05:00

Again I haven't been scanning and posting lately so here is a big bunch of postcards I've received from swap-bot swaps. :)

Postcrossing Postcards

2009-04-24T20:47:00.008-05:00

Sorry for the lack of postings. I'm hoping to write more now that I'm pretty much done with classes until Fall. Here are some postcrossing postcards I have received over the last few weeks.

Diorama Part 2 with Lights

2009-04-20T14:01:00.004-05:00

Here's a good example of how my diorama was presented to my client...(for class)
I did have a tray of mini red velvet cupcakes too. But alas not any to use for these shots at home.

Hope you enjoy.

Diorama Part 1

2009-04-16T23:56:00.005-05:00

Well this is where my diorama stood a few days ago. Look at the glory.

I have now embellished it and will be adding Christmas lights tomorrow. Otherwise this is done and I need to get going on the presentation.

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T22:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter!

Postcards From Earlier This Week

2009-04-08T22:56:00.004-05:00

I got the Rooster Card in an Easter Card Exchange. I like that it is so big. Well maybe you can't tell on here. The state map card is from Michigan. Or did you figure that one out?
I also like the sheep card from Germany. I guess it is not a steiff sheep.

New State Map Cards

2009-04-03T13:24:00.001-05:00

Swap bot cards and one from a friend

2009-03-30T11:26:00.007-05:00

Here are some of the swap bot cards I received, which includes a really incredible homemade birthday card I got and one postcard from a friend living in France..Hi Cathy.

Postcrossing Cards

2009-03-30T11:20:00.006-05:00

School has been kicking my butt lately so I haven't been posting as much. I can tell you that I prefer in person classes to the ones online.

Postcards I've received over the last week

2009-03-29T20:48:00.006-05:00

Where I'd Like to Be Right Now

2009-03-19T13:06:00.007-05:00

I'm working on a presentation for my Special Event Coordination & Management Course. I have to design a meeting for a software/hardware development firm for about 40 employees. I'm going to have them go on a team building challenge of sailing. I think I'd like to be on a sailboat right now! Especially if it is warm.

Here's the resort I'm using outside of Santa Cruz. I'd settle for going here too!

Happy St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T10:55:00.003-05:00

Happy St Patrick's Day & Well Happy Birthday to me and my nephew Theo!

New Wisconsin Map Card

2009-03-16T20:58:00.001-05:00

I get a lot of people who want map postcards. These are harder to find in Hudson then I thought they would be.

This is the new version... I'll try to scan in the old version too.

Enjoy

3 Postcrossing Cards & 2 Swapbot cards

2009-03-16T20:53:00.005-05:00

Here are the postcards I got today. It was a bonanza!
1 Moomin card, 1 architecture card, and 1 art card from postcrossing and 2 art cards from swap bot! Which is your favorite?

Two Postcrossing Cards & 1 State Map Swap Card

2009-03-16T11:50:00.004-05:00

One architecture card from Germany and another Moomin from Finland. Along with the obvious state map card from California!

Recipe: Chicken with Artichokes & Angel Hair

2009-03-15T14:44:00.003-05:00

Recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.

Ingredients

Serves 4

* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 8 thin chicken cutlets (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts packed in water, rinsed, drained, and quartered
* 2 tablespoons rinsed and drained capers
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 8 ounces angel-hair pasta
* 1/2 cup parsley leaves

Directions

1. Set a large pot of salted water to boil. Place flour in a shallow dish, and season with salt and pepper. Dredge cutlets, shaking off excess. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Cook chicken in batches, adding remaining oil as needed, until light golden, 1 to 3 minutes per side; transfer to a dish.
2. Add broth to skillet, and bring to a boil; cook until reduced by half. Add artichokes, capers, and the chicken with any juices. Gently swirl to combine, and bring just to a boil. Remove skillet from heat. Swirl in butter, and cover to keep warm.
3. Add pasta to boiling water. Cook until al dente; drain. Serve chicken and sauce over pasta, topped with parsley.

I skipped the parsley. This was good. The adults liked it more than the kids but it was to be expected.

Just One Postcrossing Card Today

2009-03-13T23:37:00.002-05:00

Just one postcrossing card today. Are you celebrating pi day? Its tomorrow if you didn't already know i.e. 3.14.

I'll be making a brownie pie. I'll try to post pictures and the recipe tomorrow. In the mean time enjoy this postcard ;)

One Postcrossing Card & 2 Swap bot Cards

2009-03-12T15:46:00.003-05:00

I love these map cards. I think they are fun.

Postcrossing Cards

2009-03-10T21:28:00.003-05:00

Here are some postcrossing cards. 2 Moomin cards and 1 with lots of architecture from Germany.

Swap Bot Cards

2009-03-10T21:21:00.009-05:00

Here are some Swap Bot Cards I have gotten.

I'm saving the ones from the St Patrick's Day swap to post on my birthday.

Recipe: Easy Chili Chicken Tacos

2009-03-09T21:13:00.002-05:00

Recipe and picture from Martha Stewart.
I actually made this in the oven versus the slow cooker. I also let the sauce simmer down a bit more on low on the stove top.

Ingredients

Serves 4

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6)
* 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup prepared tomato salsa, plus more for serving (optional)
* 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 8 hard corn taco shells
* Cilantro, shredded cheese, lime wedges, and sour cream, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. In slow cooker, combine chicken, garlic, salsa, chiles, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and teaspoon pepper. Cover; cook on high, 4 hours (or on low, 8 hours).
2. Transfer chicken to a serving bowl, and shred, using two forks; moisten with cooking juices. Serve in taco shells, with toppings, if desired.

Helpful Hint

Oven method: preheat oven to 350 degrees. In step 1, use a 5-quart Dutch oven or ovenproof pot with a tight-fitting lid; add 2 cups water. Cover; bake until chicken is fork-tender, about 2 hours. Proceed with step 2.

One Postcrossing Card

2009-03-06T22:23:00.003-06:00

I got this postcard from Latvia today. Its of St Gertrude's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Riga Latvia.

Swap-bot Winter Scene Postcards

2009-03-05T15:29:00.002-06:00

I'm done with winter but I liked being a part of this swap. Winter Scenes via Swap bot.

Swap-bot Postcard Lovers Swap

2009-03-05T15:26:00.002-06:00

Postcards from the Postcard Lovers Swap over on Swapbot.

Swap-bot Postcards Lots of Em Swap

2009-03-05T15:21:00.006-06:00

These are the cards I've received from the Swap-bot Postcards Lots of Em Swap.

Swap-bot Postcards- End of February Swap & Just a Poscard Swap

2009-03-05T15:18:00.005-06:00

Cards from the end of February swap and just a postcard swap.

Swap-bot Postcards-Any Postcard Swap

2009-03-05T15:12:00.005-06:00

Here are some of the swap bot postcards I've been receiving. There are some real creative people over at www.swapbot.com and lots more being swapped than postcards.

Recipe: Creamy Orzo with Porcini

2009-03-05T09:55:00.004-06:00

I was watching Everyday Food on PBS and they made this orzo dish that I thought sounded good. I made it last night for dinner.

Recipe and picture from PBS and Everyday Food

Ingredients

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed in cold water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped coarse salt and ground pepper
11/2 cups orzo
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; add 2 cups warm water. Let soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain in a sieve lined with a paper towel or coffee filter, reserving liquid. Squeeze mushrooms to remove excess liquid; roughly chop.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add orzo; cook, stirring often, until orzo is golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add porcini, reserved liquid, and 21/2 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until orzo has absorbed most liquid and is creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle parsley on top.

Served with crusty rolls and more Parmesan. The kids aren't big mushroom fans so I knew that this wouldn't be a hit with them. But the adults enjoyed it.

Just a Few Postcards.. Ok Really a Handful!

2009-03-02T23:27:00.006-06:00

I haven't been scanning postcards lately. I've been pretty busy with homework so that's my excuse. Here are a few postcrossing postcards I have received. Which is your favorite? I'll add some swap bot cards tomorrow!

Sorry No Posts 10 Things Friday

2009-02-27T23:24:00.004-06:00

Well I have been house sitting but I guess that's no excuse since I could have blogged from there.

Here are 10 things I've done or observations.

1- Using a snow blower can be fun.

2- Went to Mystic Lake Casino. I had no idea it was so big. www.mysticlake.com If you want to check it out for yourself.

3- Was disappointed in this season of Top Chef...Glad Hosea won but I guess I really wanted Carla to win but wasn't as invested as past seasons.

4- Going to set up some informational interviews w/ hotels and CVB groups...anyone have any suggestions ?

5- Been reading too many vampire books lately or paranormal? Is that the word. well I need to get to reading some other types of fiction for a while.

6- Made smores bars tonight to bring to class tomorrow. glad the recipe is so easy.

7- A grill makes a great reciprocal to protect things outside when there's not enough room in the fridge. (especially in winter!)

8- Taking a break from the Guthrie for a while.

9- I'll be done with all but 2 credits for my certificate by May 1.

10- Taking my first online class now and I'm a bit nervous about it since it looks like so much work! Event Promotion....

Cool Video

2009-02-20T16:28:00.000-06:00

3 More Swap Bot Cards

2009-02-20T16:10:00.003-06:00

I got 1 map card, 1 love swap card, and 1 from the lots of em swap.

I think I like the Seattle one best. I'd like to go there sometime.

3 Swap-bot Postcards

2009-02-18T22:52:00.003-06:00

I received these 3 postcard from Swaps on Swap-bot.
1 is from the love postcard exchange.
1 is from state maps exchange
1 is from penpal exchange.

I like how different all the cards I have been getting are. Especially the map cards I'm thinking about trying to collect a full set ;)

3 Postcrossing Postcards

2009-02-18T22:47:00.007-06:00

Received three postcrossing postcards. 1 from Finland, Yeah another Kaj card!

1 from China with one of the Olympic Games Mascot. 1 from Paris at night with some spectacular lightning.

Recipe: Rolo Pretzel Turtles

2009-02-18T22:31:00.005-06:00

Rolo Pretzel Turtle Treats

Ingredients:

Rolo chocolate candies
Mini pretzels (I used the square kind)
Nuts - toasted pecans/almonds/hazelnuts/walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350
>
1. Up wrap your Rolos. Place pretzels on baking sheet lined with parchment. Top with a Rolo.

2. Bake in oven for 3-5 minutes, until the chocolate just begins to melt. The Rolo should be soft but not completely melted.

3. Remove from oven, place on cooling rack and immediately squish the chocolate with a nut. (I only used pecan halves) Watch the caramel ooze out. YUM!

I also put these outside in the grill for 10 minutes to firm up.

Postcards from Friday & Saturday

2009-02-15T09:26:00.006-06:00

I received 2 postcrossing postcards both Moomin cards from Finland and Estonia. I also received one swapbot state postcard. I think I should start collecting state cards I like how they look. Even better if they are vertical!

Postcards Received Yesterday

2009-02-13T15:46:00.003-06:00

I got these two postcards yesterday from fellow postcrossers. I like them both but today the frog one from Australia is speaking to me.

Coke Points Redeemed

2009-02-11T21:20:00.011-06:00

Well I redeemed my coke points because I've heard that they are going to going away soon and the rewards are slowly going away.

I chose the following as my rewards.
1. Food Network Magazine
2. Bon Appetit
3. Good Housekeeping

I'm interested to seeing how the Food Network magazine is since I haven't looked at it before and I see that they have that Sandra Lee on the cover I don't really like her show. She takes mostly store bought things and then "ramps" them up. Anyone see this one before?

One Postcard Today

2009-02-11T21:10:00.001-06:00

One postcard from the love/valentine swapbot postcard.

I'm impressed because the lady I got this from made it. Maybe I should make my own postcards? I had thought to turn a picture I took into a postcard but it would be cheaper to use regular paper and cut it to size so that way I can be sure to only have cards that fit the "postage rate".

Yesterday's Postcards

2009-02-11T11:26:00.001-06:00

More fun cards from Swapbot. Maybe I should really
try to be collecting US State Map cards they are very fun.

Smores Bars from Baked Cookbook

2009-02-10T22:12:00.002-06:00

Well I didn't take pictures while I was making this. But its so easy. Although you should watch the cream more than I did when it is on the stove. ;)

I'll take a picture tomorrow so you can see.

These were excellent. I think the mixture of milk and semi-sweet chocolate along with the salty peanuts and marshmallows with a graham cracker crust was just great. I might have to grab another one.

2 Postcrossing & 4 Swap-bot Postcards

2009-02-09T20:51:00.007-06:00

The two postcrossing cards are from the US and Germany. The US is one from Japan w/ Wallace & Gromit on it. So cool! The Germany one is from a town called Hattingen.

2 swap-bot cards from the Just a postcard swap. One from the love theme postcard swap and 1 from the pen pal swap.

Two Postcards Yesterday

2009-02-08T11:50:00.003-06:00

I got one postcard in return from a postcrosser in Italy. Thank you! As well as one from the state map card swap from swap bot.

Today's Postcrossing Postcards & Swap Bot Cards

2009-02-06T15:26:00.007-06:00

I received two postcrossing postcards one from Wisconsin and one from Germany.

I received a penpal swap bot card and 2 love postcards swap bot cards.

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince

2009-02-06T00:00:00.002-06:00

I'm so looking forward to this movie! Did you see this poster yet! Incredible. Maybe Incredible is too strong but I like it.

2 Swap-bot Postcards

2009-02-05T16:57:00.002-06:00

Trying a different site for postcards swaps.

Here's what I have gotten so far.

3 Postcrossing Postcards

2009-02-05T16:50:00.005-06:00

I received 3 postcrossing postcards.
1 from Finland, Kaj card
1 from Poland, cool architecture
1 from the Ukraine, more great architecture and my first card from the Ukraine.

What do you like best?

6 Postcards Received Yesterday

2009-02-03T17:30:00.006-06:00

1- from a friend in DC
3-from Germany
1-from Finland, Moomin
1-from Japan

What is your favorite?

Obama in Ice at the Winter Carnival Ice Sculpture Pictures

2009-02-01T12:36:00.007-06:00

I got to see the Ice Sculptures in Rice Park before my tour yesterday of RiverCentre for class.

The Ice Sculptures were really amazing. I'm glad I saw them when I did because I'm sure they were puddles by the afternoon yesterday. I'm posting just a few of them here along with a photo of the sculpture of F Scott Fitzgerald.

All of my pictures from yesterday are on my facebook page if you have access to that.

One Postcard from Lithuania Today

2009-01-31T23:32:00.001-06:00

I like this one although it came out darker on my scanner than it is in person.

I wonder what he is contemplating?

One Postcard from Sweden Today

2009-01-30T16:14:00.004-06:00

Here is the postcard I received from Sweden today. Makes me wonder what noise a Moose makes? Moo like a cow? I really don't know. Guess I'll be looking it up on wikipedia after I post this.

They don't sound like cows. If you want to take a listen go to http://www.gomoose.com/moosefacts.php

One postcard from Houston, TX today

2009-01-29T17:55:00.002-06:00

Here's one from Texas.

My parents lived in Houston for a little while. We had Christmas there that year. It was different to be in a place where it was 80 degrees in December. I wish that I was there now.

One Postcard from Germany Today

2009-01-27T15:01:00.002-06:00

Here is the postcard I got from Germany today.

It is a painting by Paula Modersohn-Becker.

Four Postcards Today

2009-01-24T14:41:00.005-06:00

I received four postcards today. Two from the US, one from Canada and one from Finland.

Recipe: Quick Sausage & Potato Dinner

2009-01-24T11:29:00.003-06:00

I've been busy with class so I haven't been posting so much.

I made this for dinner a few nights ago. Its pretty easy to make and it got approval of 3 kids under 9 as well as the adults.

Ingredients:

1 lb link Italian sausage ( I used Sweet)
1 lb potatoes, (small cut in half)
2 green peppers, cut into thin strips
2 small onions, cut in thin wedges
1 can fire roasted tomatoes, w/ garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 TBSP olive oil

Preheat oven to 450

Cut sausages in thirds. Cut potatoes in half I used small white potatoes. Cut up green peppers into thin strips and cut onion into thin wedges.

On a jelly roll pan place first five ingredients. sprinkle with salt, pepper and olive oil and then toss ingredients together with your hands until evenly coated. Put in oven for 30 minutes. You'll need to toss the ingredients once while cooking. Cook until potatoes are fork tender and sausage is a light brown.

Notes: I added the tomato from a recipe I found for this. So you could omit it if its not your thing.

Why did the Armadillo Cross the Road?

2009-01-23T16:45:00.003-06:00

I got two postcards today. One from the US and one from the Netherlands. I think the one from Dallas is a joke waiting to happen. Why did the Armadillo cross the road?

Hello Kitty & Mac Partnership

2009-01-22T21:15:00.004-06:00

I can't wait to see this in person. I think it is so cute.

The collection will include a MAC Hello Kitty Colour Collection and a high end Hello Kitty Kouture Collection. That combo one will make both the young and mature age groups happy.

One Postcard from Finland Today

2009-01-22T15:58:00.002-06:00

I received this Moomin postcard today from Finland. I like these too! They are fun postcards.

Two Postcards from Germany Today

2009-01-20T16:46:00.002-06:00

I got two postcards from Germany today. They are quite different though. One is of a popular summer vacation spot and the other is of the German Parliament Bldg in Berlin.

Two Postcards Today

2009-01-16T12:46:00.003-06:00

I received two postcards today. One from Idaho and the other from Finland. Not a Kaj card but I like this one too. Wonder who the artist is?

I start class tonight. I'm still going over the reading.

Four Postcards Today

2009-01-12T17:14:00.005-06:00

I received four postcards today. One from the US, two from Germany and one from Taiwan. Which is your favorite? I'm torn between the Dresden one and the Taiwan the other vertical postcard.

One Postcard from Italy

2009-01-10T23:09:00.003-06:00

Here is the postcard I got from Italy today. It is of the Svvevo's castle. I think it is in Mesagne, which is in the southeastern part of Italy. Hope you like it.

Office Chandelier

2009-01-08T22:09:00.003-06:00

Thought I would post a picture of my office chandelier. Maybe I'll take better pictures of the postcards hanging too.

If you want one for yourself go to http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Getting Ready for Classes to Start: New Chair

2009-01-08T20:50:00.008-06:00

I got my books today for the three classes I'm taking this semester. I also went to IKEA and got a proper or more proper desk/computer chair. Here's a picture of the chair.. its called "Snille" wonder what that means in Swedish? I have to say that this is the first item I have ever bought from Ikea and was able to put together myself. Go Me!

Go to http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99842530 if you want to see the options. I thought white was too boring and the pink well it was too pink for my office.

I got it in the blue green color. My office is mostly lavender and brown. With some turquoise, blue and silver. I have a cool chandelier too. I got it last year for Christmas.

Just One Today

2009-01-06T23:24:00.003-06:00

Just one postcard today. From France. Actually it had a collection of pictures inside but hard to scan just those and not the writing... So here's the one from the back.

Six Postcards Today

2009-01-05T15:26:00.007-06:00

Wow... a bonanza of postcards today. SIX!

One Postcard from Saturday

2009-01-04T21:23:00.001-06:00

Didn't get the mail until today. So I didn't know that I had gotten a postcard. I like the buildings in this one from Germany. What do you think?

4 Postcards Today & Happy New Year

2009-01-02T18:02:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year!

I got 4 postcards today. I got them from two countries I have received postcards before (Taiwan & Latvia) and two that I hadn't.(Bolivia & Belarus).

5 Postcards Today

2008-12-30T15:50:00.008-06:00

I got five postcards today. Three from Finland, including one Kaj card. One postcard from the Philippines and one from Taiwan.

On a snowy day like today I would love to be on a beach like the one pictured on the card from the Philippines.

Today's Postcards

2008-12-27T21:03:00.003-06:00

I received two postcards today. I got one from a postcrossing/facebook friend Prittia and another from a fellow postcrosser in the US.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T23:31:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas! I probably won't post for a few days so have yourself a wonderful Christmas and I'll be back soon.

Recipe: Cake Doughnut Bread Pudding

2008-12-23T23:27:00.002-06:00

I've made this for the past few years now for our Christmas Eve dessert. Its a big hit and the only changes I make are no raisins and we don't do the rum sauce since there are a few kids and some people who don't drink.

This recipe is from the food network and Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello specifically.

Cake Doughnut Bread Pudding

Prep Time:
15 min
Inactive Prep Time:
10 min
Cook Time:
45 min

Level:
Easy

Serves:
8 to 10 servings

Bread pudding:
1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
16 cake doughnuts

Rum sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound confectioners' sugar
Dark rum, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a food processor, combine butter and sugar briefly, just until it forms into a ball. Add eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla, and process until blended.

Lightly butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Break up the doughnuts into 1-inch pieces and layer in the pan. Scatter the raisins over the top. Pour the egg mixture over the doughnuts; soak for 5 to 10 minutes. You will need to push doughnut pieces down during this time to ensure even coverage by egg mixture.

Cover with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 10 minutes to brown the top. The doughnut bread pudding is done when the custard is set, but still soft.

Make the rum sauce: melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan, and take off the heat. Add confectioners' sugar to the melted butter and whisk to blend. Add rum, to taste. Pour the sauce over the bread pudding and allow to soak in.

One Today from Estonia

2008-12-23T14:17:00.003-06:00

I received one card today from Estonia. I actually looked up Estonia on Wikipedia today because its one of the countries that I don't know too much about. Did you know this? Estonia /ɛsˈtoʊniə/ (help·info), officially the Republic of Estonia (Estonian: Eesti or Eesti Vabariik) is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Finland across the Gulf of Finland, to the west by Sweden across the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia (343 km), and to the east by the Russian Federation (338,6 km).[6] The territory of Estonia covers 45,227 km² and is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate.

The Estonians are a Finnic people closely related to the Finns, with the Estonian language sharing many similarities to Finnish. The modern name of Estonia is thought to originate from the Roman historian Tacitus, who in his book Germania (ca. AD 98) described a people called the Aestii. Similarly, ancient Scandinavian sagas refer to a land called Eistland, close to the German term Estland for the country. Early Latin and other ancient versions of the name are Estia and Hestia. Until the late 1930s, the name was often written as Esthonia in most English speaking countries.

Estonia is a democratic parliamentary republic and is divided into fifteen counties. The capital and largest city is Tallinn. Estonia was a member of the League of Nations from 22 September 1921,[7] has been a member of the United Nations since 17 September 1991,[8] of the European Union since 1 May 2004[9] and of NATO since 29 March 2004.[10] Estonia has also signed the Kyoto protocol. With only 1.4 million inhabitants, it comprises one of the smallest populations of the European Union countries.

The settlement of modern day Estonia began around 8500 BC, immediately after the Ice Age. Over the centuries, the Estonians were subjected to Danish, Teutonic, Swedish and Russian rule. Foreign rule in Estonia began in 1227, when as a consequence of the Northern Crusades the area was conquered by Danes and Germans. From 1228–1562, parts or most of Estonia were incorporated into the loosely organized Livonian Confederation of Teutonic Knights, during which time economic activity centered around the Hanseatic League. In the 1500s Estonia passed to Swedish rule, under which it remained until 1721, when it was ceded to the Russian Empire. The Estophile Enlightenment Period (1750-1840) led to a national awakening in the mid-19th century. In 1918 the Estonian Declaration of Independence was issued, to be followed by the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920), which resulted in the Tartu Peace Treaty recognizing Estonian independence in perpetuity. During World War II, Estonia was occupied and annexed first by the Soviet Union[11][12][13] and subsequently by the Third Reich, only to be re-occupied by the Soviet Union in 1944.

Estonia regained its independence on 20 August 1991. It has since embarked on a rapid program of social and economic reform. Today, the country has gained recognition for its economic freedom,[14] its adaptation of new technologies[15] and as one of the world's fastest growing economies.[16]

Today's Postcards

2008-12-22T21:49:00.002-06:00

I got 2 today. One has a Christmas Theme the other shows both old and new Hong Kong. Pretty cool!

Yesterday's Postcards

2008-12-21T16:19:00.004-06:00

Here are the postcards I received yesterday; 1 from Finland, 1 from Switzerland and 1 from the US.

Postcards from Yesterday and Today

2008-12-19T12:41:00.003-06:00

Here are some postcards. From Finland, Hungary and Portugal. The One from Portugal I got in return to a postcrossing card. My second :)

Enjoy

East Coast to Midwest

Turkey Salad that I have to share

Reporting Back

New Beginnings

Holy Cow

Long Time No Post

Postcrossing Postcards from the last week or two

Recipe: Buttermilk Bacon Corn Salad

Long time no post

Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day

Franconia Scuplture Park & Pot Holes

Postcrossing Postcards from the Past Month

Looking to Use Public Space for an Event?

Thinking about a New Collection

Recipe: Pasta Puttanesca

Lemon Meringue Pie

Postcrossing Postcards Received

New Purse

Mini Greek Lamb Burgers

Ingredients

Directions

Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie w/ Whipped Cream

Recipe: Salmon with Roasted Asparagus & Lemon Caper Sauce

Nearly Done with Classes

Recipe: Potato Leek Soup and Herb Garlic Bread

Roasted Potato Leek Soup

Ingredients

Directions

Herb Garlic Bread

Ingredients

Directions

Swap Bot Postcards from the past week

Postcrossing Postcards

Diorama Part 2 with Lights

Diorama Part 1

Happy Easter

Postcards From Earlier This Week

New State Map Cards

Swap bot cards and one from a friend

Postcrossing Cards

Postcards I've received over the last week

Where I'd Like to Be Right Now

Happy St Patrick's Day

New Wisconsin Map Card

3 Postcrossing Cards & 2 Swapbot cards

Two Postcrossing Cards & 1 State Map Swap Card

Recipe: Chicken with Artichokes & Angel Hair

Just One Postcrossing Card Today

One Postcrossing Card & 2 Swap bot Cards

Postcrossing Cards

Swap Bot Cards

Recipe: Easy Chili Chicken Tacos

One Postcrossing Card

Swap-bot Winter Scene Postcards

Swap-bot Postcard Lovers Swap

Swap-bot Postcards Lots of Em Swap

Swap-bot Postcards- End of February Swap & Just a Poscard Swap

Swap-bot Postcards-Any Postcard Swap

Recipe: Creamy Orzo with Porcini

More Postcrossing Postcards

Just a Few Postcards.. Ok Really a Handful!

Sorry No Posts 10 Things Friday

Cool Video

3 More Swap Bot Cards

3 Swap-bot Postcards

3 Postcrossing Postcards

Recipe: Rolo Pretzel Turtles

Postcards from Friday & Saturday

Postcards Received Yesterday

Coke Points Redeemed

One Postcard Today

Yesterday's Postcards

Smores Bars from Baked Cookbook

2 Postcrossing & 4 Swap-bot Postcards

Two Postcards Yesterday

Today's Postcrossing Postcards & Swap Bot Cards

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince

2 Swap-bot Postcards

3 Postcrossing Postcards