To eggplant or not to eggplant

I love me some eggplant. It's so yummy and full of good for you stuff. I know it's not for everyone. Here is a real easy recipe for those that partake in the oddly shaped and purdy purple veggie!

Ingredients

1 eggplant
fresh basil (I used those frozen chopped herbs you can get from trader joes)
chopped onion ( I used 1/2 of a medium sized onion)
minced garlic-as much as you want
olive oil
balsamic vinegar (3 tablespoons ish)
salt and pepper

Chop up eggplant and onion.  Heat oil in pan and saute eggplant, onion and garlic. Season w/ salt and pepper.  Cook for about 5-7 minutes.  Add in basil and cook another two minutes.  Once it starts to look a little mushy add in balsamic vinegar (eyeball the amount and use more or less depending on your love for the balsamic) and cook another 2-3min.

Serve pretty soon after.  It will be a big hit!  The hubs loved it last night : ).

On another completely random note if you have never tried Brusters key lime pie ice cream....run...go there and try it immediately!! You won't regret it.

Our House is a very, very, fine house!

Ok, first off I have to say that I am having a FIGHT with blogger.  I have written 3 blogs, saved them and then come back to work on them later and they are NOWHERE to be found. SO annoying and time consuming.  UGH! Sorry, had to get that out.

The hubs and I moved back to our house a couple of months ago. We bought the house in 2006 and I love it.  It's not the prettiest, newest, fanciest...but it's just right for us.  We choose to buy an older home and live closer in to the city (10-15min) as opposed to living further out in the 'burbs in a newer home w/ a 45min commute.  Our house is a 70s Spanish Mission Ranch. 

                                            Our house back in 2006 right after we bought it.

Since moving back we have definitely started a "dream list".  This is all of the things we want to do to the house.  When we lived here before we did some minor renovations but now that we aren't going anywhere ANYTIME soon (please, dear God...no more moves...k...thx, Lindsey), we are moving ahead full throttle.  Which is exciting...and depressing at times...b/c you need moola : ).  But we will take it one project at a time. 

One HUGE thing that the hubs did several years ago was completely change the look of our den. The den was one of those wood panelled rooms from the 70s. Now some people paint their wood panel and it looks awesome and brings a unique look to the house.  But our wood panelling was the cheap kind that wouldn't have looked great either way.  So Drew tore it down, sanded the walls, primed and painted them and added crown molding.  It looks SOOO much better.  I'm so thankful for my handy man.  

                                    Here is some of the old wood panelling. Isn't it gorgeous : )

                                                                    
My camera just died so I will have to show the updated pics next post. Another big change he and his dad made was in the master bathroom.  Our bathroom had this strange shower/tub thing that was supposed to be a therapeutic type tub...but it was scary.  Booger green w/ metal panelling on the outside that had a fake wood wallpaper.  It was awful and I wouldn't go near it.  The first 6 months we showered in the guest bathroom.  Drew and his Dad installed a beautiful stand alone shower.  They did such a great job and it looks amazing.  I wish we'd taken pics of the old shower...it was hideous. 

It's amazing what a few changes do to make a place look brand new.  Have you done any renovations at your place? What were the best changes? Were any a big nightmare?

Our list is big but we will tackle it eventually...right now I'm trying to pick out paint for the rooms that aren't painted.  Our next BIG challenge this winter is to attack the jungle that is our backyard...scary! Isn't that little brick fence great too : )

Beverly Hills What a Thrill-Part Three

On Saturday morning of our trip, Drew, Kate and I went on a road trip to Temecula, CA.  Temecula is a BEAUTIFUL area south of LA but north of San Diego and it has it's own wine country.  We had an amazing time full of yummy eats (1st In-and-Out burger ever), wine and yes, even Starbucks.  We visited two vineyards, Callaway and South Coast.  Both were great in different ways.  Callaway had some great wines and we ended up finding a new and unique favorite wine called Mourvedre...it was SO smoky...and D and I both fell in love with it.  South Coast was awesome b/c of the amazing chica that was serving us.  She basically told us the "menu" was bull and to tell her what we liked.  She then took all of the guess work out for us and just served us what she wanted.  It was just what we needed.  We also found a new wine there called Roussanne that we liked, lemon and tea after tones.  Here are some pics of Temecula.

It was a fantastic day trip.  After our stop at Starbucks we headed back to LA.  We then grilled out and chilled on their deck for the evening.  It was so nice getting lots of good friend time in. 

On Sunday we slept in a little longer then we had anticipated.  We were going to head to Laguna beach but b/c of the extra sleep decided to just hit Hermosa and Redondo beach for a bit.  Drew actually took a dip in the Pacific.  I put my toes in.  Michelle joined us on this outing b/c she didn't have any rehearsals.  We were happy to have her!
                                                           Drew heading in the ocean.

                                                              After his dip in the ocean!

That evening we headed to a fun restaurant in Santa Monica called the Library. Fresh, healthy food,  a good variety of beer on draft and cute ambiance. Again, another enjoyable evening in LA. I really liked hanging out in Santa Monica.  Drew definitely wanted to get me back to GA b/c I fell in LOVE w/ the West Coast. 

                                                  On the way to the Library in Santa Monica.

                                              Love this shot of Michelle ; )
Our last full day in LA was pretty lax.  We went for a long walk around Beverly Hills (it was amazing weather).  Then Drew and I headed to the GROVE in W.Hollywood to meet up w/ a childhood friend of his.  The Grove has lots of shopping, a farmer's market and a lot of restaurant choices.  I was glad we got to see it before we left.  Here is Drew w/ the gorgeous Jennipher.  She is an actress from Drew's hometown who has been in LA for a while now.  It was great getting to catch up with her.

 After our visit to the Grove we went back to Kate's place for one final meal and game night.  We were all so tired from dinner that the games didn't really happen.  The roomies did make me sign my name on the Walk of Fame : ). 

Our trip was amazing.  We got to laugh, relax, eat, drink, visit, laugh some more, sleep, and make lots of new memories.  Kate and Michelle were fantastic hosts.  I am so thankful for the time we were able to spend with them.  It was just what the Dr ordered!!  LA...until next time ; ).

Beverly Hills What a Thrill-part 2

I've tried to finish this post 2 times last month and it got deleted and it made me so mad I wouldn't write about it. So now I will attempt to tell you about the rest of our vacay from JULY...yes it was awhile ago and you probably don't care but it's really for me.

On Day 2 Drew and I met went to Warner Brothers studios to visit my friend Patricia.  Patricia and I worked together the summer of 2000 and haven't seen each other since.  We always kept in touch.  It was great to get to visit with her in person.  She was just as fun and beautiful as I remembered : ).  It was so much fun to get to see WB. I especially geeked out when she showed us much of the set from Gilmore Girls.  I was in HEAVEN. So much fun!

                                    Where Miss Patty taught dance : ) (ignore my uber white legs)

After our great visit w/ Patricia we headed back to BH's to grab Kate.  Drew, Kate and I headed to a Dodgers Game.  They played the Mets and we had a great time.  I did get kicked out of a concessions line which was kind of hilarious.

                                                    Kate and Drew @ the Game. On Day 3 we hit Rodeo Drive...and then we walked one street over to Beverly Dr.  It had the stores we could afford : ). Crate and Barrel, Gap, Starbucks...ha!

                  Drew and I outside of the Beverly Wilshire hotel! ps-we didn't plan to match...it just happens.
After Rodeo, we went to Santa Monica and checked out the pier area. I fell in love w/ the beach...I mean I already love it but it was a gorgeous day and I was charmed.  I especially loved the Trapeze artists on the pier...a dream was born...HA!.

We then hit Kate's favorite brick oven pizza place for dinner.  After dinner we went home and got dolled up to meet up w/ some friends.  We all went to a cute place in W. Hollywood and met up w/ buddies from college and my friend Patricia and her beau.  Marc and Karin were a year ahead of us in school and we've always kept in touch. It was so good to see them in their city!

                                                            Kate, Karin and Drew

                                                              Me, Marc and Michelle

Ok, I'm done w/ Beverly Hills for the night.  Tomorrow I will share our wonderful wine country trip and beach day. 

FF-Good Fall recipes

I am SOOO ready for the cooler weather (saving my i love fall post for another day)! What is awesome on a cool day...some awesome and yummy food.  I want to share some of my favorite fall recipes. 

1. Chilli-I mean come on...who doesn't love chilli?? I like to change it up, add different types of beans, veggies, meats etc.  We love traditional ground beef chilli, white chicken chilli, veggie chilli. One of my favorite chilli's we made last fall was a buffalo(bison) chili w/ a kona porter....OMG...amazing! We love adding some sour cream, cilantro and cornbread muffins. I also make a huge pot that we can eat off of for a couple of days.  Here's the recipe:

• 1 1lb Buffalo meat (higher in protein and lower in fat)
• As many cans of beans as you want (I like dark kidney, light kidney and black beans in this recipe)
• 2-3 cans of stewed or diced tomatoes (I like the infused ones w/ garlic, basil etc).
• 1 small can of tomatoe paste
• 1 beer-we used a Kona Porter from Kona Brewing Co. called Pipline (pic below)
• Chili seasonings (you can buy a packet or make your own w/ the spices in your kitchen)
• 1 onion diced
• garlic, salt and pepper

Brown meat and season (I like Lawry's Garlic salt).  In another pan (or same, up to you) add in onions and garlic and sautee in a little olive oil.  Add rest of ingrediants together and simmer for an hr or longer. I like to let it simmer for as long I can but it's fine to serve up sooner. You can also throw in the crockpot. You won't be dissapointed : ).
                                                                    

2. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

This is a staple in our house that I found in real simple.  We actually have never made them w/ pork but I make them w/ chicken or shredded beef.  If you make chicken use 3-5 breasts and beef, I get a roast type cut.  These tacos...are AMAZING!  If you like Mole, they are similar.

 Ingredients

• 2 cups store-bought salsa, plus more for serving (I use Archer Farms organic chipotle and it seems to do the trick)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder ( I use a DARK cocoa powder...it's amazing)
• kosher salt
• 1 2 1/2-pound boneless pork butt or shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 18 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the salsa, chili powder, oregano, cocoa, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the pork and turn to coat. Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. Twenty minutes before serving, heat oven to 350° F. Stack the tortillas, wrap them in foil, and bake until warm, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, using 2 forks, shred the pork and stir into the cooking liquid. Serve with the tortillas, cilantro, sour cream, lime, and extra salsa.

                                                                    

3. Zucchini w/ Quinoa Stuffing

You veggies will love this recipe! Also, if you have never used Quinoa DO IT! It's so good for you, full of protein, fiber and lots of other benefits. This is another Real Simple find.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped (about 2 ounces)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan (3 ounces)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Heat oven to 400° F. In a large saucepan, combine the quinoa and 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Arrange in a large baking dish, cut-side up. Fluff the quinoa and fold in the beans, tomatoes, almonds, garlic, ½ cup of the Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons of the oil. Spoon the mixture into the zucchini. Top with the remaining tablespoon of oil and ¼ cup Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake until the zucchini is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
                                                            
4. Beef & Butternut Squash Stew
Last year we were part of a CSA and I loved it.  I got so many great new recipes b/c of the new veggies we got each week. This was a recipe I tried that was a keeper in our house. It's a Giada recipe.  Love her!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary  (I used dry)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 pounds stew beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 pound butternut squash, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 to 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley  ( I omitted this)
• Crusty bread, for serving

FYI-I actually put mine in a crock pot...it turned out just fine : )

In a large soup pot heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, rosemary, and thyme and saute until the onions are tender, about 2 minutes. Toss the beef cubes in salt and pepper and flour. Turn up the heat to med-high and add the beef to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and golden around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add the Marsala wine. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir up all the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the butternut squash and sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine. Add enough beef broth to just cover the beef and squash. Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread alongside.

 

5. Pumpkin Pie Crumble Cake

I made this last year for a bible study and it was a hit. I go bonkers for anything pumpkin. Sorry I don't have a pic.

 

Recipe from The Cake Doctor
1 pack plain cake mix
1 stick of butter(8tbls) at room temp
4 large eggs
2 cans(15oz) pumpkin
1 can (5oz) evaporated milk
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tspns cinnamon
4 tbls butter chilled
1 cup chopped pecans

1. Place a rack in center of oven and preheat 350. lightly grease 13x9 pan (with solid shortening) and dust with flour. set aside
2. measure out 1 cup of cake mix and reserve for topping.  Place the remaining cake mix, the butterm and 1 egg in a mixing bowl. Blend w/ an electric mixer on low speed until combined.  using finger tips and press batter over botom of pan so that it reaches sides of pan.
3. for the filling-place pumpkin, milk, 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs and cinnamon in same mixing bowl (use same beaters too...recipe says no need to clean). blend on llow sped for 30 seconds. increase speed to medium and beat until mixture lightens in color and texture (1 to 2min) pour filling over crust and spread with spatula.
4. For topping-place remainig 1/4 cup sugar, the chilled butter, and leftover cake mix in a clean bown. Rinse and dry beaters. beat w/ electric mixer on low speed until combined and crumbly. Stop machine and stir in pecans. use your fingers to knead pecans into topping. Distribute evenly over filling mixture.  place pan in oven.
5. Bake the cake until the center no longer jiggles when you shake the pan and pecans have browned 70-75 min(my oven didn't take as long). Remove and let it cool on wire rack for 20 minutes.
6. You can use whipped cream for the top.
ps-you can store for up to a week in the fridge.

 

ENJOY MY FRIENDS!!

Friday Five-Things I'm digging

It's been a long time...so I will do a FF to get me back on a roll.

Things I'm digging at the moment.

1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes- I mean seriously...anything Pumpkin excites me and that will be a whole new post sometime soon. These make me very happy...I've only had one so far this season...but we've only just begun.
                                                               
2. Time w/ my husband-Normally one or both of us is in a show...I cherish these nights together.  Even though we aren't really doing anything special...dinner, movies, board games...it's all a treat~

3. Weekly dinner w/ my brother and sister in law-Now that we are in Atlanta we are 5 minutes away from my brother Dave and his wife Lynn.  We've been doing a weekly trade off w/ dinners. One week they come to our place for a meal and the next week we are at their house.  It's been nice to have time together to check in and hang out.  Also, it's fun to have an evening off on the cooking!

4. My job- I love working with the little kiddos throughout the week.  I am so thankful that I am doing the same thing in ATL.  So blessed! They are cutie patooties.  Here is a pic taken by Crescent Moon Photography:

5. Dish Network-This makes me feel like a BIG ole dork...but I am so happy we made the switch from Comcast cable to Dish Network. We are paying WAY less and getting SO much more.   Who wouldn't like that??  Ok, so I'm going to really like my freak flag fly...I really love that I can also find Beverly Hills 90210 on a channel almost everyday of the week. I'm driving my husband nuts...but it's the little things!