Eggs...incredible, but not easy...

I love a good egg salad. It sounds gross, but that lovely, creamy, tasty spread on a good piece of bread... Now that's what I'm talking about!

I decided that a good meal for lunch all week would be egg salad. It's easy to make a big batch of egg salad, or so I thought...

First of all, I had to answer the first question in how to prepare egg salad. How in the heck do you boil an egg? Sad I know, but oh so true. Why would I know that? I don't eat hard boiled eggs... I think they are gross when not in egg salad form, but as a stand alone food, no thank you! I of course went to my first source of information, my Mom. She was unable to direct me in a way that uses any form of concrete tasks, so I then turned to the internet. Sorry Erin, you have a gas stove so your directions might differ, or so I thought...

There are many many many answers to this question online. Some I feel are performed in steps that coincide with your nightly TV watching schedule. Boil eggs for 30 mins. Soak in an ice bath for 30 mins. Crack eggs and resoak in ice bath for 30 mins. Seriously? I chose the one that best suited my schedule tonight, of eating dinner and watching 24 at 9! I got the eggs to a boil. Took them off the heat and covered them for 12 mins. I then scooped them into an ice bath. Then annoyed Joe for a few mins, then tackled the worst part of it all. Cracking the eggs AND only taking shell off. Somone needs to make a tool that makes this easier. Seriously. People would buy it in a second. Deviled eggs, would be brillant! Easter eggs would not be dismantled in such a harsh way. If I cared this much about eggs, I'd try to take on this task, but something tells me my mind will wander before I remember this was how I was gonna make the big bucks!

A few eggs less (some didn't survive my cracking ideas!) I then began the part I had been waiting for, the mashing!! This is my favorite tool ever. You get to mash stuff that's it's sole purpose. How fun is that! Then you get to play mad scientist. I added dijon mustard, mayo, salt, pepper, and of course, relish!! It tasted good at the time, but the real test is when it's on that yummy sourdough bread I got to accompany it!!

Can't wait!! And Joe can't wait til the house no longer smells like those incredible edible eggs!

Happy Day and Happy Eating!!

Lisa

My Dinner Kicked Your Dinner's Butt!!

This week was a weird one. We had sandwiches for dinner all week. I jazzed mine up with a little pimento cheese alongside my ham!! DELICIOUS!!! So, tonight I kinda felt like I should make a meal of noteworthy proportions!!

I decided on making Wild Mushroom Ragout (minus the polenta this recipe calls for) with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes tossed in EVOO, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. I got this roasted potato recipe from my good friend Cassie who Wow's me with her culinary skills every time I visit! I felt the best compliment to this dinner would be a nice piece of steak!

I got the quarted Roasted Fingerling Potatoes tossed in the EVOO, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, and onto a sheet pan and in the oven at 375 degrees. This usually takes about an hour, but you know they are done when they start to crisp up! YUM!! I definitely suggest getting Yukon Gold fingerling potatoes if you can. That nutty flavor adds another dimension to the flavor of the potatoes.

I then started on the Wild Mushroom Ragout. I cut the recipe down by about a third (thanks for doing the math for me Erin!) since it was just a side dish and not a main course atop polenta. This has to be one of the easiest ways I have ever prepared mushrooms, and by far the tastiest. I usually cook mushrooms alongside onion and sautee them in either EVOO or lately, butter, with a little bit of Worchestshire sauce and some salt and pepper. NEVER AGAIN! Sorry Joe, but this recipe is way too easy and yummy to pass up! I have also had it made for me served with the polenta and that is also quite the satisfying meal!

Joe, took the reigns on the cooking of the steak. We are kinda lazy when it comes to getting the barbecue out, so he said he'd cook the steaks on the stove. I saw him coat the steaks with some salt and pepper, montreal steak seasoning, and not sure if there was anything else. I also saw him put butter in the pan and a little worchestshire sauce, and then from there, I was more worried about what I was cooking to see how he made the steaks taste like heaven. I always ask for my steak medium rare, and well don't always get that result. Today, I don't know what tricks he pulled on those steaks, but they were perfectly cooked and some of the best tasting steak I've ever had at home! I'm pretty sure next time, I'll have him prepare steak the same way... I don't mind us being lazy if it produces such yummy results!

Can't wait to see what we cook up next!!

Tomorrow, will be a whole new day of CRAFTING!!! I can't wait to share all of my creations!! I saw a new technique (or at least new to me) of faux pleating, and I can't wait to try it on cards and layouts!! I'm thinking tomorrow I might do a one page layout for each of my girls!!! I've got some ideas and I'm ready to put them on paper!

Oh, yeah... More to come on Sophie's crate training... Day one ended in a fat nose, and Day 2 started with a vet appt to address said fat nose!! We can do this!!

Happy Day!!

Lisa

Crate Training 101

First rule in anything is if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again! That is how my day is going today. Sophie has had her last accident in the house today. I can't for the life of me figure out why she is peeing in my house when I'm not home. She goes to the bathroom no less than 2 times before I leave on ANY given day!

When she was new to our house about 4 months ago, we attempted crate training for this very reason. She was reluctant to go in the crate for anyone other than me! That posed a big problem since Joe leaves after me every day and if he can't get her in the crate then it just won't work.

Attempt one may have been flawed for many reasons. She hadn't yet learned to trust Joe. Now she will follow him anywhere. Another issue may have been location. I put the crate up in the downstairs bedroom thinking she could have privacy and not have Kahlua rubbing it in her face that she wasn't in a crate. Sophie freaked out.

Dad mentioned to me, how when Kahlua was in a crate it was always in a central location where she could go in an out of it at anytime when we were home, and actually preferred it at times for naps! For this attempt at crate training it's set-up in the living room which is very central to all parts of our house. I think this might work.

She was first in it when I was home and wandering about, putting the Christmas tree away (yes like 2 weeks after Christmas, I know!!) and cleaning up her mess. She barked at first but eventually laid down and relaxed. I then let her out and immediately took her outside so she understood that when you leave the crate you go right outside and pee!! She did really well and was relatively calm!

I then got Joe to try to get her to go in the crate, and I think with a treat upon entry she will go quite willingly!! I'm thankful for that! Tomorrow will be her first time spent in there with me and Joe gone from the house, so we'll see how that goes. She has been wandering in and out of it most of the night, laying down and getting back up, so hopefully it can become her safe spot!!!

I'll let you know how her first time alone in the crate goes along with how the Chicken and Dumplings recipe I'm super excited to try goes!!

Happy Day!

Lisa

Risotto, my 2nd love!!

It was probably an accident that I first tried Risotto. It doesn't sound like something I would like. It is a main dish with items mixed in. That is a big risk for a non-risk taking eater. I'm ever thankful for that first taste of Risotto. It's creamy, cheesy, wine infused state it by far the most heavenly thing I've ever eaten.



Tonight I tried a new recipe involving... Risotto. I make Drunken Risotto with Sausage and Spinach! This recipe came courtesy of the Rachel Ray magazine! Shocker, but made my year's subscription SUPER worth it!!

I think my hardest part was cooking the sausage. First of all I couldn't find loose sausage, so I had to open regular sausages... Not my idea of fun! That skin is not meant to be removed, nor seen. I also apparently heated the pan too hot because I began being attacked by grease splatters. OUCH!

It was so much fun to cook! I'm really a fan of watching the Risotto grow with each ladle of liquid added. I feel like a real chef! It really an amazing feeling. I think everyone should make at least one Risotto in their life!

The best part about eating it though, it certainly the taste. All of the flavors are finished off in the end with butter and Romano cheese! Wow that is just tastes like heaven!

Joe, my loving husband, was kind enough to try the Risotto I made tonight and unfortunately he was not a fan, though fortunately for me that just means I got to finish off his bowl and I have plenty of leftovers for lunch tomorrow! I'm already counting down the hours til I get to eat lunch tomorrow.

I realize this might make me sound like a crazy person who is in love with a dish that isn't sure if it's Rice or Pasta, but believe me it's such a rewarding dish I can't even explain it! The power you feel making it and the amazing flavors YOU created, THAT's worth talking about!


Happy Day and Happy Eating!


Lisa

Happy New Year!!

It's been awhile I know. I feel bad for not having posted more often, but it's been a wild ride of the end of the year. I had to make all my Christmas cards (pic to follow of my favorite Christmas card made this year) and then my sister came in town for Christmas and every waking minute was spent with her and my parents, that is when I wasn't working!

That pretty much catches us up to today, a most amazing day. Today wasn't a special day, it was a pretty regular day but it was spent alongside a 7 year old friend of mine, Thomas Kennedy. He has been a big part of my life ever since he was born, but lately, I haven't had a ton of time spent with just him, so today was a great day!

We went to IHOP to have lunch with Mom and Dad and he amazed me with his most excellent conversational skills and reading!! I was in shock at how well he was reading!! We then made a stop at the grocery store to prepare for the nights activities. We made a Pizza from Publix pizza dough. Rolled it and topped it with sauce and mozzarella cheese and thick cut pepperoni (that was Thomas' decision and it was perfect!!). We also got sprinkles to go with the cupcake ingredients we had at home to make and ice cupcakes!! He had me cracking up the whole time we were in the grocery store. He has really grown!!

We went home to play the one thing I know he was dying to play. Super Mario Bros for the Wii!!! He is pretty good at it, but his commentary during play is great. I don't think I have ever had that much fun playing a video game!! We then got treated to a fireworks display off my back deck and that was pretty cool!! At one point it was quite a professional looking fireworks show (I think they hit their finale at that moment!!)

I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time. I'm really grateful for the day I got to spend with Thomas. He is growing up to be a great little man! Tomorrow should be fun too! We are making breakfast for Joe!! Pancakes, grits, eggs, bacon, and roasted potatoes!! He is quite the helper too!!

So, my sister who has been a vegetarian for the better part of my life, has started eating meat. Today was her first day ordering a meal that the main course was MEAT! She has been eating bites for the last couple months, but today she ate her first Burger in 18 years from In-N-Out in San Francisco!! Strange, but exciting for her at the same time, cause I know how much fun it is to try something new!! Here's to 2010 Erin!!!

So, in light of this change in my sister I'm going to use that as motivation to start my 2010 off with trying new things. I love cooking but I get stuck in my rut of meals I know, and well love to make, but I'm sure Joe and I really would like to try new things. So I'm going to cook one new recipe a week and also bake one new thing a week!! I really like to do both, and would love to stop eating freezer pizzas (however delicious they might be) and eat food I cooked. I would love to stop eating fast food, and eat delicious leftovers for lunches!! So keep a lookout for recipes and pictures to come!

I'd also like to take one of my days off a week and spend it crafting. I want to make more projects as well as make cards for all the holidays and I most definitely want to finish my wedding scrapbook!! It's started off so lovely, I can't wait to see where it goes from here. Oh and there is the poor honeymoon scrapbook that I have started and have to finish... See I need to make sure I spend that one day a week in that amazing craft room I share with my Mom! So stay tuned for pictures of those as well!!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!!! I hope 2010 brings everyone more good than bad, more fun than boredom and more love and happiness than ever before!!

Happy New Year!

Lisa

Well then...

Hey! It's been awhile since I posted. I have been pretty busy/tired/in a funk, but I'm trying to get back in my groove!

I have been working for the most part, and stressing. I have had my first car trouble in 10 years and it's been quite frustrating. It's come at a time when I'm making considerably less than ever and it just makes life that much more frustrating. I'm over it now, cause, well, it's my first car trouble in 10 years, I should be happy that nothing more has come up sooner. I mean I have had about 5 broken windshields in the last 2 years, but hey, that's what insurance is for! I actually got one coming home tonight! Nationwide, I'll be calling you soon!

I've been watching all these cooking shows and watching them cook delicious food, meanwhile I eat Ramen and frozen pizza! This is something I'm working on. I love cooking, when things go my way and when I understand a recipe. The trouble is, I work a 10 hour day and get home 12 hours after I left, and then making dinner seems to be the last thing on my mind, but that's gonna change. I started tonight. I made Pork Chops (my least favorite dish, but Joe's FAVORITE) with Homemade potato chips (that was an experiment gone ok, but not great) and then my favorite Green Bean Casserole and to finish it off I sauteed some mushrooms and onions! It was delicious! I still have a kitchen to clean, but hey the first step is getting the meal made! My big goal this week is to make Mushroom Risotto!! I LOVE risotto and I LOVE mushrooms, so I can't really see this going bad! I do make a pretty fine risotto too if I don't say so myself!

I've also started the big push to make my Christmas cards! I have a bunch to make and not a ton of time to make them in, but I'm cropping this weekend and I hope to knock out a bunch!! Here is one that I have already made!

Crafting is so fun! Nice and refreshing and relaxing! I can't wait to share more creations!

Let's see, I've also been spending a lot of time with Sophie. She is proving to be quite the challenge, but the sweetest little pumpkin ever. I found it kinda funny today when she wouldn't go near Joe while I was at work! He had to open the back door and move away from it just so Sophie could get up the nerve to run outside. She is quite a girl! I have bought 2 alternatives to leashes to help her stop pulling on her walks, or to keep her from biting another dog! Yesterday she proved the halty was no match for her and ripped off her halty and tried to tear off after a little weiner dog! She made me trip over her and I fell on top of her and we both ended up on the ground on a big heap of each other! That was quite the embarassing moment in front of my neighbors! Thanks Sophie!! I'm hoping I can get her socialized cause I know she would like to go out and about more!

So keep checking back to see what creations I've got going in the kitchen and in the craft room! I wanted to make cookies tonight, but unfortunately I don't have smooth peanut butter and so there goes that fun! Maybe a plan for tomorrow night!!

Happy Day!

Lisa

Walking for a Cure and for a Friend!

Every year since 2007 Team Holbrook has walked in the Race for the Cure to support our friend Beth Ann Holbrook who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April 2007 at age 32! YIKES indeed. After a double mastectomy and chemo and radiation, she is now cancer free and has been for 2 years!! Happiness indeed!! This year the race fell on her 35th birthday!

Friday began the birthday celebration with a Tour of Homes in DT Charleston, the Queen street route to be more specific (last year we did Tradd St!). The homes are amazing! They are huge and most amazingly decorated! Though some houses were a little cluttered and we did get called "sporty" with a bit of a stink eye we had a BLAST! We toured 7 homes and 3 churches. There were two houses that really stood out. One was that of a well known landscape artist in Charleston and the other was no one that we were told was special, I mean they do own a house in DT Charleston that is open for tours so I call that special, and did I mention they had a pool in their backyard along with 4 Piazzas!! My favorite church was the Unitarian Church. The ceiling was a sight to be seen. i just stared at it while the man described all the renovations of the church, but all of it paled in comparison to that ceiling! If you ever get the chance to take one of the homes tours I certainly recommend it. It's amazing and a great way to learn some history about the city we call home!

This was night one of a 3 part series known as BA's birthday weekend! We then all gathered together to walk the Race for the Cure on Daniel Island. Well, they tout the race as a 5K, but this year they tried out parking us further away from the race site and hey here's an idea, made us WALK a good mile or mile and a half to the race starting line!! It was a bit chilly this morning, but there wasn't rain and for that we are grateful. We did the walk last year in the rain, and it was not ideal! So after the walk, we hit up the freebies and got to see some friends we hadn't seen in awhile (always nice!) and then we treked back the 1.5 miles to the car... Fun... So all in all we are thinking we walked a 5 K on Friday night at the tour and then a 10K today so we got some good excercise in for the weekend! I was so tired and in desperate need of caffeine that I headed home to a warm bed and a hot lunch!!

Tomorrow the Birthday weekend will conclude with an 8pm showing of Kathy Grffin at the Performing Arts Center!! We are really excited about this! Should be a BLAST!!

Let me tell you BA is worth a weekend celebration! If everyone could have a BA in their life I think the world would be a better place!

So here is the card I made for her, that I have been waiting to post until I gave it to her!!

Hidden inside is a coupon for a free cupcake at Cupcake!! If you have never been, you need to make it a priority to go. They are amazing cupcakes and have many interesting and delicious choices!! They even havea $30 cupcake that is HUGE!!

This was a great weekend spent with great friends!

I hoep everyone stays warm and has a GREAT rest of their weekend!!

Happy Day!

Lisa