Happy Halloween!
I hope you are enjoying your Halloween with your little devils!
Swedish Limpa Bread
4 hours ago
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Ooo...Scary
I hope you are enjoying your Halloween with your little devils!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday Dinner - 10/23/2010
If you read this weekly post on a regular basis, you know my family is obsessed with tomatoes. I am always looking for new tomato based recipes. This recipe while not new is new to my family. Paul Prudhomme's version of chicken big mamou calls for a lot more butter and cayenne/hot sauce. I reduced the butter for health reasons and because my belly can't handle that much butter. If you don't have small children and/or like it spicy, double the cayenne. I decided to double the tomato sauce and seasonings and freeze it to have for a later date. I'm sure it will be tasty with any meat.
Chicken Big Mamou
Ingredients
Seasonings #1
2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp white pepper
3/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp basil
Seasonings #2
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp white pepper
1.5 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp basil
Other Ingredients
2 lbs boneless chicken, cubed
1 stick of butter
1 cup onion, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
4 whole garlic cloves
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1 cup chicken stock
2 tbsp worcestershire
1 tsp hot sauce
2 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp of honey
Directions
Melt 1/2 the butter in a heavy bottomed pot. Sautee onions, peppers and garlic cloves for 5 minutes.
Mix seasonings #1 in a small bowl and set aside.
Add minced garlic, seasonings #1 stock and worcestershire, simmer for 8 minutes. Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Add hot sauce and honey.
Simmer for a min of 40 minutes.
Melt the other 1/2 of the butter. Mix seasonings #2 in a small bowl. Roll chicken cubes into seasonings #2 then add to the pan.
Cook until done then add to the finished sauce.
Serve over rice.
The girlies still thought it was a little too spicy. But they've got to learn to build up their tolerance for hot and spicy Cajun foods.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Chicken Big Mamou
Ingredients
Seasonings #1
2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp white pepper
3/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp basil
Seasonings #2
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp white pepper
1.5 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp basil
Other Ingredients
2 lbs boneless chicken, cubed
1 stick of butter
1 cup onion, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
4 whole garlic cloves
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1 cup chicken stock
2 tbsp worcestershire
1 tsp hot sauce
2 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp of honey
Directions
Melt 1/2 the butter in a heavy bottomed pot. Sautee onions, peppers and garlic cloves for 5 minutes.
Mix seasonings #1 in a small bowl and set aside.
Add minced garlic, seasonings #1 stock and worcestershire, simmer for 8 minutes. Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Add hot sauce and honey.
Simmer for a min of 40 minutes.
Melt the other 1/2 of the butter. Mix seasonings #2 in a small bowl. Roll chicken cubes into seasonings #2 then add to the pan.
Cook until done then add to the finished sauce.
The girlies still thought it was a little too spicy. But they've got to learn to build up their tolerance for hot and spicy Cajun foods.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday Dinner - 10/17/2010
With so much going on this weekend, I didn't have the energy to decide what to cook. So I went with a quick and easy dish. Turkey Nachos! Everyone loves nachos. But the are unhealthy and fattening. But with a few easy substitutions nachos become a healthy and nutritious. With the black bean & corn salsa, you can add more veg. I promise, you don't notice that the sour cream is fat free or the cheese is low fat.
Black Bean & Corn Salsa
Ingredients
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can rotel, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir well. Allow the flavors to mix for an hour before serving.
Turkey Nachos
Ingredients
1lb ground turkey
1 onion
1 bell pepper
1 tbsp taco seasoning
baked lays
1/2 shredded low-fat cheese
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
black bean & corn salsa
Directions
Slices the bell pepper and onions thinly. Brown in a pan until the veg get a little color. Brown the meat in a separate plan.
Layer the chips, meat, veg, and salsa.
Sprinkle with cheese and add sour cream.
Healthy nachos? Yep. Tasty tasty.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Black Bean & Corn Salsa
Ingredients
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can rotel, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir well. Allow the flavors to mix for an hour before serving.
Turkey Nachos
Ingredients
1lb ground turkey
1 onion
1 bell pepper
1 tbsp taco seasoning
baked lays
1/2 shredded low-fat cheese
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
black bean & corn salsa
Directions
Slices the bell pepper and onions thinly. Brown in a pan until the veg get a little color. Brown the meat in a separate plan.
Layer the chips, meat, veg, and salsa.
Sprinkle with cheese and add sour cream.
Healthy nachos? Yep. Tasty tasty.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Happy Anniversary, Big Man
Today is my six year anniversary with the Big Man.When I think back on the day I got married, what strikes me the most is the fact that I wasn't nervous. By the time we got married, we had been dating for nearly 4 years. But I had known six months in to our relationship that we would get married.
Please excuse the following sentimentality. It is not in my nature to express my feelings, with the exception of anger. But occasionally, I should try.
Like most married couples, the Big Man is my best friend. He gets me. He just does. He understands my quirky sense of humor and can make me laugh like no one else. I feel calm and safe when I am with him. When he is not with me, things are a little less fun.
Of course, our relationship is not perfect. I'll take most of the blame for that. But we work thru the obstacles and come out of the other side stronger.
Tonight we are celebrating by playing tourist in the French Quarter. The Big Man and I going to all the fancy bars we never get to visit because we have kids. I'm looking forward to enjoying rare my alone time with my husband.
Please excuse the following sentimentality. It is not in my nature to express my feelings, with the exception of anger. But occasionally, I should try.
Like most married couples, the Big Man is my best friend. He gets me. He just does. He understands my quirky sense of humor and can make me laugh like no one else. I feel calm and safe when I am with him. When he is not with me, things are a little less fun.
Of course, our relationship is not perfect. I'll take most of the blame for that. But we work thru the obstacles and come out of the other side stronger.
Tonight we are celebrating by playing tourist in the French Quarter. The Big Man and I going to all the fancy bars we never get to visit because we have kids. I'm looking forward to enjoying rare my alone time with my husband.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
SUnday Dinner - 10/10/2010 (Pre-race Dinner Edition)
I'm going apologize up front this post. I'm very tired. This morning I ran the Louisiana Half this morning. I'm sooo sleepy. I'm not sure I can put together a coherent sentence. Today's Sunday Night Dinner post is really pre-race dinner post. The idea of a dinner a night before a reasonable amount of carbs, a lean protein, and fruits/veg. I normally choose my favorites, blackend white fish, potatoes, pasta with pesto, and salad.
Because of the girlies, I backed off the spice from the original recipe. I don't think the flavor suffered. It's still peppery, but not hot. But if you like it spicy, double the cayenne. Also, I think the original Paul Prudhomme recipe, while tasty, has too much butter. The last think you want the night before a big race is a lot of butter in your belly.
Like most people, I'm obsessed with potatoes. Especially baked potatoes. After trial and error and some internet research, I came up with the best (I think) way to bake a potato.
Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
1/2 potato per person
olive oil
course salt
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 400deg. Scrub the potatoes well. Massage the potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Cook in the oven for 45mins to an hour (depending on the size). Potatoes are done when a fork easily yields.
Blackend White Fish
Ingredients
6 fillets of white fish, tilapia, flounder, etc.
2 sticks butter
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne
3/4 tsp white pepper
3/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
Directions
Heat a broiler pan in a 400deg oven for a min of 10mins. Melt the butter in a small pan.
Add the peppers, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Place the fish on a very hot broiler pan. Pour the seasoning-butter mixture over the fish. Coat fish well. Cook for 20 mins. Turn the oven to broil at 400deg. Broil for 5 additional mins.
Carefully, remove the pan. And serve immediately.
I served the fish with a half of a baked potato, pasta with pesto, fruit salad with yogurt and veg salad. This was a hearty, filling meal that is low(ish) in calories.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner? What do you eat the night before a long run?
Because of the girlies, I backed off the spice from the original recipe. I don't think the flavor suffered. It's still peppery, but not hot. But if you like it spicy, double the cayenne. Also, I think the original Paul Prudhomme recipe, while tasty, has too much butter. The last think you want the night before a big race is a lot of butter in your belly.
Like most people, I'm obsessed with potatoes. Especially baked potatoes. After trial and error and some internet research, I came up with the best (I think) way to bake a potato.
Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
1/2 potato per person
olive oil
course salt
Pre-heat oven to 400deg. Scrub the potatoes well. Massage the potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Cook in the oven for 45mins to an hour (depending on the size). Potatoes are done when a fork easily yields.
Blackend White Fish
Ingredients
6 fillets of white fish, tilapia, flounder, etc.
2 sticks butter
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne
3/4 tsp white pepper
3/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
Directions
Heat a broiler pan in a 400deg oven for a min of 10mins. Melt the butter in a small pan.
Place the fish on a very hot broiler pan. Pour the seasoning-butter mixture over the fish. Coat fish well. Cook for 20 mins. Turn the oven to broil at 400deg. Broil for 5 additional mins.
Carefully, remove the pan. And serve immediately.
I served the fish with a half of a baked potato, pasta with pesto, fruit salad with yogurt and veg salad. This was a hearty, filling meal that is low(ish) in calories.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner? What do you eat the night before a long run?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Race Ready
My alarm is set to go off at 3:50AM tomorrow for me to get ready for the Louisiana Half. Of course, I'm super excited. I love race day. So as not to wake the entire house or forget anything, I like to layout all of my gear. That way my brain does not have to immediately jump into action.
I think I've got everything, except my garmin, who is charging. Hold on...let me go add that to my pile. Ok.
Let's see. I have all my favorite gear:
I'm pretty sure I've got it all but my morning peanut butter sandwich. But I just realized I don't have any sunscreen or lip balm. As soon as, I'm done with this post I'm going to pre-set my coffee maker then go to bed early.
Did I miss anything else?
Good luck, to everyone else who is racing. Check back tomorrow for a quick race status and to see what I eat the night before a race.
Let's see. I have all my favorite gear:
- thriv tank
- brooks skirt
- balega socks
- brooks shoes
- chocolate GU
- water bottle (in the freezer)
- bodyglide
- my backup bodyglide
- personalized race bib
- morning meds
- advil, just in cases
- running sunglasses
- headband
- Mardi Gras half hat
- ipod (fully charged)
- zensha compression leg sleeves for after
- change of clothes
- cash & ID
I'm pretty sure I've got it all but my morning peanut butter sandwich. But I just realized I don't have any sunscreen or lip balm. As soon as, I'm done with this post I'm going to pre-set my coffee maker then go to bed early.
Did I miss anything else?
Good luck, to everyone else who is racing. Check back tomorrow for a quick race status and to see what I eat the night before a race.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Pre-race Tradition
Warning, this maybe TMI for some people. So if feet gross you out, stop reading here.
I used to have a pair of very cute, well cared for feet (except for that one wonky toe but that genetic.) Toes always polished and never callused heals. But like most runners, my feet suffer for my sport; half missing toenail, blisters, calluses, scars. I have it all. Running more than, say, 8miles makes my big toenails feel bruised. No matter what I do, the wonky toe gives the one next to it a blister.I seriously doubt my shoes are at fault. Multiple running shoe professionals have sized me and outfitted with many different brands. I used to think because I was heavier than I should be my feet took more of a beating. But I'm less than 10lbs from a "normal" weight for someone my height. Maybe my form needs improvement.
Because of the sad state my feet after half marathon training, I like a pre-race pedicure. There is no way I'd ask an aesthetian to deal with my terrible tootsies. So I do it my self. I do the whole shebang. Remove the polish. Soak in Epsom salt. Trim my nails as short as possible. Trim my cuticles. Buff the dead skin and calluses away. But I don't repolish. Just don't see the point.
My formally pretty feet are reduced to the mangled specimens you see below.
And speaking of feet, last week I read about phantom foot pains during tapering on two separate blogs. This is a new one on me. Then yesterday the ball of my right foot started hurting. Like I stepped on a rock barefoot. I did wear heals yesterday but they were comfy boots not stilettos. Not like I did a lot of walking yesterday. So strange. Apparently, my feet a hypochondriacs. Phantom foot pains! How silly!
I used to have a pair of very cute, well cared for feet (except for that one wonky toe but that genetic.) Toes always polished and never callused heals. But like most runners, my feet suffer for my sport; half missing toenail, blisters, calluses, scars. I have it all. Running more than, say, 8miles makes my big toenails feel bruised. No matter what I do, the wonky toe gives the one next to it a blister.I seriously doubt my shoes are at fault. Multiple running shoe professionals have sized me and outfitted with many different brands. I used to think because I was heavier than I should be my feet took more of a beating. But I'm less than 10lbs from a "normal" weight for someone my height. Maybe my form needs improvement.
Because of the sad state my feet after half marathon training, I like a pre-race pedicure. There is no way I'd ask an aesthetian to deal with my terrible tootsies. So I do it my self. I do the whole shebang. Remove the polish. Soak in Epsom salt. Trim my nails as short as possible. Trim my cuticles. Buff the dead skin and calluses away. But I don't repolish. Just don't see the point.
My formally pretty feet are reduced to the mangled specimens you see below.
before the pedicure - long nails and calluses and all
my tools of choice
after the pedicure - not going to win any contests but they feel better
Hmm...I just realized running has changed how I feel about my feet. They are no longer accessories to make shoes look cuter. But as utilitarian parts of my body. They get me where I need to go. Like 13.1 miles. I wonder if that's how men always think about their feet.
And speaking of feet, last week I read about phantom foot pains during tapering on two separate blogs. This is a new one on me. Then yesterday the ball of my right foot started hurting. Like I stepped on a rock barefoot. I did wear heals yesterday but they were comfy boots not stilettos. Not like I did a lot of walking yesterday. So strange. Apparently, my feet a hypochondriacs. Phantom foot pains! How silly!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
What a difference a year makes
This time last year, I was about to run my very first half marathon. (My race recap from last year) The race was at the end of October and I started getting jittery on October 1st. The week before I barely slept. I stopped drinking alcohol two weeks before and downing water every chance I got to be sure I was sufficiently hydrated. I ran every mile of my training plan. I made a list of all the paraphernalia I needed to bring. Tested my race outfit on two long runs. My playlist was full. Every scenario I could think of, I practiced; without music, on an empty stomach, on a full stomach, tired legs, etc. I knew my goal time and my splits. When I'm nervous, I over-prepare.
As of today, my first half of the fall season is 5 days out. I'm not nearly as prepared as I would like to be. It's not like I slacked on my training. I just cut back to let my ITBand rest. But I got in a few decent length runs. Still, I may have to walk this one. My garmin and ipod have not made it to the charger yet. But I have Gu and my water bottle is in the freezer. Not sure what I'm wearing yet or if 60deg weather warrants a jacket. All this lack of preparation and I'm not freaking out. And, I'm sleeping just fine.
The difference is that I know what to expect. Racing is old hat now. The Louisiana Half on Sunday will be my 4th half. I know I can do it. I know my legs can get me to the end. I know I can push self-doubt into a small corner into my mind and ignore it. And above all, I know I will finish. Plus, there's bling waiting for me.
I guess the difference is that I'm excited not nervous.
As of today, my first half of the fall season is 5 days out. I'm not nearly as prepared as I would like to be. It's not like I slacked on my training. I just cut back to let my ITBand rest. But I got in a few decent length runs. Still, I may have to walk this one. My garmin and ipod have not made it to the charger yet. But I have Gu and my water bottle is in the freezer. Not sure what I'm wearing yet or if 60deg weather warrants a jacket. All this lack of preparation and I'm not freaking out. And, I'm sleeping just fine.
The difference is that I know what to expect. Racing is old hat now. The Louisiana Half on Sunday will be my 4th half. I know I can do it. I know my legs can get me to the end. I know I can push self-doubt into a small corner into my mind and ignore it. And above all, I know I will finish. Plus, there's bling waiting for me.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday Dinner - 10/03/10
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Random Mishmash
Normally, I like to do separate posts for each idea. I'm not good with flow and tying themes together. But I've been a bad blogger lately. I haven't blogged about much of anything as of late. This random mishmash of the things that have been rolling around in my head. Sorry, I know its long.
Running
Race season is almost here! My first race is 10days out. The inaugural Louisiana Half. I'm so excited. I love race day. The excitement, the comradery, the medal, the after party. A few of my friends are running this race too. Plus a bloggy meet up. I should have tons of fun.
This past Sunday, I "ran" my last long run of my training. I put ran in quotes because I didn't run it. Well, I ran 3 miles out of the 10.5mi and walked the rest. My hip/ITband is still bothering me. Running hurts. But walking is fine. The one advantage to being a slow runner is that my running isn't that much faster than walking. So it's not a big hit to my ego. My plan is to walk the first half marathon. Then maybe rest a bit, do all my stretches/strengthening and see if it will ease up. If not, I walk the second one at the end of the month too. I know that I should just rest and not race. But I've signed up, paid, and told people I was racing. So I'm racing.
Weekend Fun
Now that its fall, festival season here in Southeast Louisiana has started again. Last weekend was the beginning of Oktoberfest at the Deutsches Haus. It was a fun way to introduce the girlies to the little bit of German heritage they have mixed in with the Cajun and Irish. What's not to love about this festival. Lots of pork, lots of beer, lots of people, and of course music.
The next day we went to the Alligator Festival in Luling. In reality, we went because it was close to the house. (This isn't a very exciting festival. More like a state fair.) Nothing is ever close to our house. We have to drive at least a half hour to get to the fun (which is fine). But since this was close, we took the girlies to the festival. Of course, we ate lots of alligator food, alligator burgers, alligator sausage, alligator fritters, etc. Then once we loaded up on food, we hit the rides.
Wedding Weekend
My Brother is finally getting married on Saturday. I'm so excited/happy for them. I love my new sister in law, Lindsay. The girlies along with Lindsay's nieces are the bubble girls. I bought gorgeous white eyelet dresses from a seamstress on etsy. Don't you just love etsy?!
We are going to spend a few extra days in Mississippi to make in a mini vaca. I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures to share next week.
Although, I've been a bad blogger, I have been checking in on your blogs. I can do that without having to put together coherent thought. I'll try to stop by over the weekend but no guarantees.
What do y'all have going on this weekend?
Running
Race season is almost here! My first race is 10days out. The inaugural Louisiana Half. I'm so excited. I love race day. The excitement, the comradery, the medal, the after party. A few of my friends are running this race too. Plus a bloggy meet up. I should have tons of fun.
This past Sunday, I "ran" my last long run of my training. I put ran in quotes because I didn't run it. Well, I ran 3 miles out of the 10.5mi and walked the rest. My hip/ITband is still bothering me. Running hurts. But walking is fine. The one advantage to being a slow runner is that my running isn't that much faster than walking. So it's not a big hit to my ego. My plan is to walk the first half marathon. Then maybe rest a bit, do all my stretches/strengthening and see if it will ease up. If not, I walk the second one at the end of the month too. I know that I should just rest and not race. But I've signed up, paid, and told people I was racing. So I'm racing.
Weekend Fun
Now that its fall, festival season here in Southeast Louisiana has started again. Last weekend was the beginning of Oktoberfest at the Deutsches Haus. It was a fun way to introduce the girlies to the little bit of German heritage they have mixed in with the Cajun and Irish. What's not to love about this festival. Lots of pork, lots of beer, lots of people, and of course music.
The Big Man, MM, & Li enjoying the porky goodness
Li dancing with the Big Chicken to (of course) the Chicken Dance
MM being too terified of the Big Chicken to dance with him
MM with me and with her daddy.
Yeah, that's a Road Id. I make them wear them at festivals/Mardi Gras
The next day we went to the Alligator Festival in Luling. In reality, we went because it was close to the house. (This isn't a very exciting festival. More like a state fair.) Nothing is ever close to our house. We have to drive at least a half hour to get to the fun (which is fine). But since this was close, we took the girlies to the festival. Of course, we ate lots of alligator food, alligator burgers, alligator sausage, alligator fritters, etc. Then once we loaded up on food, we hit the rides.
I was trying really hard not to let my engineering self
talk me out of letting my girlies ride these unsafe looking rides. I'm
not scared to ride them but putting my kids on them is a completely different story.
Of course, there was a baby alligator from a local farm to pet
Wedding Weekend
My Brother is finally getting married on Saturday. I'm so excited/happy for them. I love my new sister in law, Lindsay. The girlies along with Lindsay's nieces are the bubble girls. I bought gorgeous white eyelet dresses from a seamstress on etsy. Don't you just love etsy?!
We are going to spend a few extra days in Mississippi to make in a mini vaca. I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures to share next week.
Me with the Bride-to-be at her Shower
Although, I've been a bad blogger, I have been checking in on your blogs. I can do that without having to put together coherent thought. I'll try to stop by over the weekend but no guarantees.
What do y'all have going on this weekend?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday Dinner - 09/26/2010
This morning I ran my last long run prior to race day. (My first half marathon of the season is two weeks away.) I knew I would want to be standing in the kitchen for a long time today. Everyone loves beef stew. Minimal chopping. And lots of veg. Meets all of my requirements. This recipe doubles easily and freezes beautifully.
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
1 lg yellow onion
1 lg red onion
3 lbs beef brisket
2 garlic clove, minced
2 sweet potatoes
2 lbs potatoes
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp table salt 1 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1-2 can(s) beef broth
Directions
Slice beef into 1 inch cubes. Coarsely chop onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, potatoes.
Add meat and veg to slow cooker.
Combine lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, cinnamon and broth. Wisk well.
Pour over meat and veg. Mix well. Cook on low for 8hrs (or high for 4hrs.) Serve when meat is tender and pulls apart easily. Serve over rice, pasta, or as it is.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
1 lg yellow onion
1 lg red onion
3 lbs beef brisket
2 garlic clove, minced
2 sweet potatoes
2 lbs potatoes
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp table salt 1 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1-2 can(s) beef broth
Directions
Slice beef into 1 inch cubes. Coarsely chop onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, potatoes.
Combine lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, cinnamon and broth. Wisk well.
Pour over meat and veg. Mix well. Cook on low for 8hrs (or high for 4hrs.) Serve when meat is tender and pulls apart easily. Serve over rice, pasta, or as it is.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday Dinner - 09/19/2010
Whenever we go to the local farmer's market, I always buy a container of pastalaya (pasta jambalaya) for us to eat at lunch. (Pastalaya is a twist on the traditional Creole dish jambalaya made with pasta instead of rice.) While I'm not a huge fan of jambalaya, I LOVE pastalaya. All the meat, veg and sauce just work so well together. I used meats that are easily found in any NOLA supermarket. You can easily substitute whatever meat you like.
This dish doubles easily and freezes beautiful.You can make it as spicy as you like by how much cayenne or hot sauce you use.
Pastalaya Sauce
Instructions
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups Creole pre chopped veg mix
Or
½ cup onion, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced
½ cup celery, diced
1 tbsp parsley
2 tbsps garlic, minced
½ tsp basil leaves
1 tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp white pepper
½ tsp black pepper
1.5 tsp salt
3 bay leaves
¼ cup green onion
2 (14oz) cans diced tomatoes
2 (14oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (14oz) cans chicken stock
Directions
Heat oil in heavy sauce pot on med heat. Add Creole mix, parsley, garlic, basil, black peppers, cayenne, salt, and bay leaves.
Cook until the bell pepper turns onions start to become transparent. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and stock. Bring to a boil; then simmer for 45mins – 1hr, stir occasionally.
Pastalaya
Instructions
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb andouille sausage (or any smoked sausage)
1 lb chicken breast meat
1 lb diced tasso (can eliminate/substitute w/ other sausage)
1 onion
1 bell pepper
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 cups sauce (below)
2 lbs pasta, cooked
1 cup provolone cheese
1 cup smoked gouda
Directions
Green onion slivers and crushed red pepper for garnish
Heat oil in large pan on med heat. Slice andouille, chicken and tasso thin. Add meat to oil until the chicken is just cooked.
Slice onion, bell pepper, and garlic thin. Add veg to meat in pan. Cook until garlic is done, about 5mins.
Add Creole sauce and bring to a boil. Place pasta into a large bowl and cover with the (2 cups) sauce.
Top the with the cheeses.
I love love love this. But I have made pastalaya in a long time. I'm so glad I made enough for leftovers. Hope y'all enjoy it too.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
This dish doubles easily and freezes beautiful.You can make it as spicy as you like by how much cayenne or hot sauce you use.
Pastalaya Sauce
Instructions
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups Creole pre chopped veg mix
Or
½ cup onion, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced
½ cup celery, diced
1 tbsp parsley
2 tbsps garlic, minced
½ tsp basil leaves
1 tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp white pepper
½ tsp black pepper
1.5 tsp salt
3 bay leaves
¼ cup green onion
2 (14oz) cans diced tomatoes
2 (14oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (14oz) cans chicken stock
Directions
Heat oil in heavy sauce pot on med heat. Add Creole mix, parsley, garlic, basil, black peppers, cayenne, salt, and bay leaves.
Cook until the bell pepper turns onions start to become transparent. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and stock. Bring to a boil; then simmer for 45mins – 1hr, stir occasionally.
Pastalaya
Instructions
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb andouille sausage (or any smoked sausage)
1 lb chicken breast meat
1 lb diced tasso (can eliminate/substitute w/ other sausage)
1 onion
1 bell pepper
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 cups sauce (below)
2 lbs pasta, cooked
1 cup provolone cheese
1 cup smoked gouda
Directions
Green onion slivers and crushed red pepper for garnish
Heat oil in large pan on med heat. Slice andouille, chicken and tasso thin. Add meat to oil until the chicken is just cooked.
Slice onion, bell pepper, and garlic thin. Add veg to meat in pan. Cook until garlic is done, about 5mins.
Add Creole sauce and bring to a boil. Place pasta into a large bowl and cover with the (2 cups) sauce.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Rusty Beauty
As y'all know, running is my first (sport) love. But a close second, is my bike. She fairly new and still shiny. I've only had her for 9mo. I love the feeling of flying I get when I'm out riding. She's light as a feather but sturdy enough to drag 80lbs of kid in a trailer. Here's a picture of my bike (Well, one like it).
I know that my road bike isn't "fancy" per se. But she is my first bike since I was a kid and I've never been that skilled on 2 wheels. When we were looking for a bike for me, I wanted something nice but not too expensive. I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to ride. That I'd fall off too many times and get freaked out. Nope. It really is like riding a bike. You just hop on and go.
Last month, I was bequeathed a work bike from a family friend. (Yes, the facility I work in is large enough that it warrants riding a bike places. Hell, if I were more important I'd have a scooter. It's that big. ) I was sooo happy to get the "new to me" bike. I've been logging lots of miles over the last 7yrs walking thru this factory. Plus, I'm often carrying heavy things place to place.
But this work bike, Rusty Beauty, is not my road bike. First off, my Rusty Beauty spent most of her life outside. Hence, the name. Secondly, the brakes are nearly shot. I can fix that. Just haven't gotten around to it. Third, Rusty Beauty weighs a ton. And all of the weight is in the front end. My road bike probably weighs a svelte 20lbs. I know better than to try to figure out how much Rusty Beauty weighs. I mean, that's just rude. Because of these three things and my natural clumsiness, she and I have been in a few near misses in the past month. I try to stop on her like I would my road bike. Light brake tap and toes down. Doesn't work so well. I've got to get out of this habit or I'm going to have another run in with Safety.
Having said the above, I am so happy to have Rusty Beauty in my life. Makes my day a little easier. Plus, bike riding in a building is just plain fun.
Last month, I was bequeathed a work bike from a family friend. (Yes, the facility I work in is large enough that it warrants riding a bike places. Hell, if I were more important I'd have a scooter. It's that big. ) I was sooo happy to get the "new to me" bike. I've been logging lots of miles over the last 7yrs walking thru this factory. Plus, I'm often carrying heavy things place to place.
But this work bike, Rusty Beauty, is not my road bike. First off, my Rusty Beauty spent most of her life outside. Hence, the name. Secondly, the brakes are nearly shot. I can fix that. Just haven't gotten around to it. Third, Rusty Beauty weighs a ton. And all of the weight is in the front end. My road bike probably weighs a svelte 20lbs. I know better than to try to figure out how much Rusty Beauty weighs. I mean, that's just rude. Because of these three things and my natural clumsiness, she and I have been in a few near misses in the past month. I try to stop on her like I would my road bike. Light brake tap and toes down. Doesn't work so well. I've got to get out of this habit or I'm going to have another run in with Safety.
Having said the above, I am so happy to have Rusty Beauty in my life. Makes my day a little easier. Plus, bike riding in a building is just plain fun.
Rusty Beauty
The cause of Rusty Beauty's weight problem
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What's My Name....Winner
The winner of the Help Me Customize My Race Bib contest is....
Teamarica with Meg's Goin' Bayou! - Chosen because when MM wants to sit next to you on the sofa she says "sit bayou."
Congrats! She won my last CSN giveaway. So hopefully she's got something awesome in mind.
All of the entries were great. So everyone who suggested a name will get a pair of my favorite running socks Balega Hidden Comfort.
Zoe was super fast with her ideas:
Meg Kicks Cancer
LivingInLuling & Rockin' - a very close 2nd. In fact, I flipped a coin.
Hares Don't Scare Me
AM gave me a new kick name which I love:
Gulf Coast'n Megou!
Stephanie's nickname makes me sound awesome! I may legally change to Megerator. Or at least get letterhead with it:
Megerator To The Finish
Megerator Rocks 13.1
Y'all be sure to send me your mailing address to megmehell at yahoo. I'll get your prizes out as soon as I can. Congrats! And thanks for helping me be less lame.
Teamarica with Meg's Goin' Bayou! - Chosen because when MM wants to sit next to you on the sofa she says "sit bayou."
Congrats! She won my last CSN giveaway. So hopefully she's got something awesome in mind.
All of the entries were great. So everyone who suggested a name will get a pair of my favorite running socks Balega Hidden Comfort.
Zoe was super fast with her ideas:
Meg Kicks Cancer
LivingInLuling & Rockin' - a very close 2nd. In fact, I flipped a coin.
Hares Don't Scare Me
AM gave me a new kick name which I love:
Gulf Coast'n Megou!
Stephanie's nickname makes me sound awesome! I may legally change to Megerator. Or at least get letterhead with it:
Megerator To The Finish
Megerator Rocks 13.1
Y'all be sure to send me your mailing address to megmehell at yahoo. I'll get your prizes out as soon as I can. Congrats! And thanks for helping me be less lame.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday Dinner - 09/12/2010
Today we spent the day with the Shuttle Sisters swimming and boating in Lake Pontchartrain. Consequently, we didn't eat a real dinner. Just a plate of food leftover from our pot luck lunch. My contribution to the party was the potato salad below. I like using red potatoes but you can use which ever potatoes rock your world.
Potato Salad
Ingredients
3lbs red potatoes, cut very small
½ cup red onion, diced
½ cup celery, diced
½ cup bell pepper, diced
¼ cup parsley, minced
¼ cup green onion, minced
¾ cup Greek non-fat yogurt
¾ cup low fat sour cream
2tbsp, Dijon mustard/Remoulade sauce
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, about 10min. Drain and set to the side.
Combine red onion, celery, bell pepper, parsley, and green onion. Stir in the Greek yogurt, sour cream, Dijon mustard/Remoulade sauce, salt and pepper.
When the potatoes are cool, mix into the bowl with the veg and dressing.
Served with Mel's pulled pork, chicken and pasta salad and Kristy's mac and cheese this potato salad was crunchy and zesty.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Don't forget to help me choose my race name and enter to win a Giftcard to CSN.
Potato Salad
Ingredients
3lbs red potatoes, cut very small
½ cup red onion, diced
½ cup celery, diced
½ cup bell pepper, diced
¼ cup parsley, minced
¼ cup green onion, minced
¾ cup Greek non-fat yogurt
¾ cup low fat sour cream
2tbsp, Dijon mustard/Remoulade sauce
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Directions
Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, about 10min. Drain and set to the side.
Combine red onion, celery, bell pepper, parsley, and green onion. Stir in the Greek yogurt, sour cream, Dijon mustard/Remoulade sauce, salt and pepper.
When the potatoes are cool, mix into the bowl with the veg and dressing.
If you have any question/comments about this recipe, pls leave me a comment or email at megmehell at yahoo dot com.
I hope you enjoy this dinner as much as I did. What did y'all have for dinner?
Don't forget to help me choose my race name and enter to win a Giftcard to CSN.
Friday, September 10, 2010
What's My Name...Giveaway
In a month from today, I'll be running my first half marathon of the fall race season. This is the part of my training when self-doubt and fear set in. Last month, I was excited about the training and ready to race. But this week, I realized I've only four weeks until the Louisiana Half and it started to freak me out. I do not know know why. I've done this 3 times before. And if the race was tomorrow, I could finish the race. But for some reason I can't seem to make my self run more than 9miles.
But really am excited about this race. It's a new race and the course is in a part of the NOLA metro area I rarely run in. Joe Relaxo (the organizer) promises a rocking after party.
Plus each racer can personalize her bib. I want some thing fun and jazzy. But I'm lame and the best I can come up with is Meg Rocks. Seriously. That's all I've got. I only have until the 15th to send in my "name" so no time to mull it over. That's where y'all come in. A few things I'd maybe like to incorporate
1. my name (Meg/Megan
2. my blog (LivingInLuling)
3. DetermiNation (American Cancer Society)
4. team tortoise (my DetermiNation Team)
But by no means am I married to any of these
Leave your suggestion in a comment and the one I choose will win a $45 giftcard to CSN to spend as you choose. If there is one than one great one the 2nd runner up will win something fun too. (I'll figure what the prize will be. Probably, my fav running socks, body glide, etc.)
The Detes
How to Enter:
1. Be a follower and leave me a comment with your suggestion for my race name (one entry)
2. Post this contest on you blog, tweet about it, facebook it, post it on dailymile - leave me a comment for each way you spread the word (one entry each)
3. Follow me on twitter @LivingInLuling - leave acomment (one entry)
The contest will close at Noon on Sept 14th.
Thanks for helping me be less lame.
But really am excited about this race. It's a new race and the course is in a part of the NOLA metro area I rarely run in. Joe Relaxo (the organizer) promises a rocking after party.
Plus each racer can personalize her bib. I want some thing fun and jazzy. But I'm lame and the best I can come up with is Meg Rocks. Seriously. That's all I've got. I only have until the 15th to send in my "name" so no time to mull it over. That's where y'all come in. A few things I'd maybe like to incorporate
1. my name (Meg/Megan
2. my blog (LivingInLuling)
3. DetermiNation (American Cancer Society)
4. team tortoise (my DetermiNation Team)
But by no means am I married to any of these
Leave your suggestion in a comment and the one I choose will win a $45 giftcard to CSN to spend as you choose. If there is one than one great one the 2nd runner up will win something fun too. (I'll figure what the prize will be. Probably, my fav running socks, body glide, etc.)
The Detes
How to Enter:
1. Be a follower and leave me a comment with your suggestion for my race name (one entry)
2. Post this contest on you blog, tweet about it, facebook it, post it on dailymile - leave me a comment for each way you spread the word (one entry each)
3. Follow me on twitter @LivingInLuling - leave acomment (one entry)
The contest will close at Noon on Sept 14th.
Thanks for helping me be less lame.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Saints are Coming...
This song has been running thru my head all day. Probably, because I've heard it ten times in the last week. They are! In a few hours, the Saints will be whippin' up on the Vikings. All of NOLA is giddy with anticipation. Living in the "City that Care Forgot" my whole life, I've never know every New Orleanian to feel the same way about one thing. I love the festival/party feeling in the air. Now that the humidity has broken and there's a hint of fall, it's a great time to be in NOLA.
Everyone is sporting their gear today. Every business gave their employees permission to wear black and gold. Even Li's school, that has super strict uniform policy, allowed them to wear a Saints shirt over their uniform. Luckily, I bought her a new shirt for this season. But I didn't have any black and gold hair thingies. So I had to improvise. Not to shabby for one night's notice.
And of course, what ever sweet sister is doing MM has to too.
All of downtown is shutting down early. People started tailgating yesterday. Not exaggerating. Even the main Post Office shut down early.
Everyone is sporting their gear today. Every business gave their employees permission to wear black and gold. Even Li's school, that has super strict uniform policy, allowed them to wear a Saints shirt over their uniform. Luckily, I bought her a new shirt for this season. But I didn't have any black and gold hair thingies. So I had to improvise. Not to shabby for one night's notice.
She giving me the peace sign or the British equivalent of the finger. Probably the latter.
All of downtown is shutting down early. People started tailgating yesterday. Not exaggerating. Even the main Post Office shut down early.
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