Food Meme

To round out the month of November, I thought I would do a meme on food.   I mean, the holiday season is upon us and what we normally do at this time of year?  Eat!  How fitting..

Here goes:

1. Can you cook? If yes, do you like to cook?
IYes.  Yes!
2. When do you eat with your whole family?
Mike and Patrick and I eat dinner together every night.  Whenever I visit my folks in Miami, we eat together.  I grew up eating dinner with my family.
3. What do you eat for breakfast?
A variety of things:  waffles, toast, sausage.  Depends on the day.  Depends on my mood.

4. When, where and how do you eat on weekdays?
I try to eat well all the time, but sometimes, I'm not so good.  I typically eat lots of chicken, veggies, fruit.  Granola bars full of fiber.  That kind of stuff.
5. How often do you eat out (in a restaurant)?
Often enough!
6. How often do you order delivery/take-out?
Lately, once or twice a month.

7. Regarding no. 5 and 6: Say there weren’t financial reasons would you do this more often?
I don't think so.  We eat out often enough, and I really like to cook.  I love to experiement with new recipes, so if money wasn't an issue, I think I would be shopping at high end supermarkets and get some really expensive stuff to cook.
8. Are there any “standard dishes” you serve regularly?
Chicken cooked with garlic and usually reduced with white cooking wine. 

9. Have you ever cooked for more than 6 persons?
Yes, I hosted Thanksgiving dinner a few days ago.

10. Do you cook every day?
Mostly.  Sometimes we have leftovers.
11. Have you ever tried recipes from blogs?
Yes. 
12. Who cooks more frequently at your home?
I do.  Mike and Patrick eat.

13. And who cooks better?
I think I do.  Although Mike has some "specialities" that he whips up sometimes. 
14. Do you cook totally different compared to your mother/parents?
Yes and no.  My style is very much like my mom's, but over the years, I have started to add a lot of my own twists of things. 
15. If yes, do you nevertheless eat at your parents?
Definitely.  I love my mom's cooking.  And my dad's too, for that matter.
16. Are you a vegetarian or could you imagine being one?
Nah, I enjoy chicken and beef entirely too much.
17. What would you like to cook which you haven’t dared to make yet?
Cornish hens.
18. Do you prefer cooking or baking?
I enjoy both.  Cooking is very artistic, I think.  You can invent a lot of cool recipes with different ingredients.  Baking is more precise - lots of measuring. 
19. What is your greatest misery in the kitchen?
Not enough counter space and my sink is too small.
20. What do you dislike?
Liver.  Clams.  And I have a love-hate relationship with mushrooms.  Right now, there's no love.

I'm not tagging anyone, so if you want to do this, let me know in the comment section!

Some Turkey Photos - even though we have none of the table :(

I finally got some photos from my new SIL!

Patrick wonders what kind of trouble he can get into before dinner is served.

Aha! Caught you eating my Cheerios, Uncle Tommy!

We had special visitors: The Incredible Hulk and The Amazing Spiderman.

Yeah, Happy Thanksgiving, see?  Or, and after dinner treat.

Three generations:  Tia, Grandma, Patrick, and Uncle.

The newest member of the family gets inducted.

I Did It!

A few years ago, Mike and I hosted our first Thanksgiving.  There were about 20 of us or so, and we set up tables in our living room, collected chairs from all over the house, and made little packets of silverware wrapped in napkins since we didn't have enough real stuff to go around.

Luckily for us, my parents came to visit and were a huge help in the preparation of everything, from the food to the entire cleaning up process.

This year, however, was different.  To start, Patrick is in our lives now.  And anyone with a 13 month old knows how difficult it is to get anything accomplished with an almost walking toddler.  Another thing: my parents didn't fly up to spend the holidays with us (they have just spent a few weeks with us, plus it's very cold and both my father and mother have been spending a lot of time visiting their various doctors for check ups and diagnosis and suck - not to worry, they are fine.  They just seem to have a lot going on.).  And so, most of the holiday preparations fell upon me.  Mike was a great help, but since he works full-time and doesn't always know his way around the kitchen, I took charge of the planning, shopping, and executing of the day (hey - it's the event planner in me, okay?).

So... on the menu:

Appetizers: Bacon wrapped tenderloin, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken quesadilla trumpets, raw veggies with dip, cheese, pepperoni, crackers, etc.  The usual appetizer starter stuff.

Turkey - duh.  I marinated it with mustard, mojo, and onions.  Yes, a mixture of the three things.  Then I stuff the inside with apples, celery, onion, and carrots.  The result:  a nice, juicy, moist bird

Ham - one of those spiral numbers that only needs to be heated for a few hours.  I put a spin on the glaze and used Coke instead of water.  The result: a delicious, sweet ham with a thick gooey glaze over it.

Mashed potatoes - easy enough.

Roasted sweet potatoes - I left them in the oven for about three hours, which I heated the ham, cooked appetizers, stuffing, etc.  The result: tender sweet potatoes.

Shrimp and andouille sausage served over Texas Toast:  I stole this one from a dinner at my Aunt's house (she says she stole it from Reader's Digest).  Cooked shrimp and sausage with little bits of onion.  I added hot sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic.  The result: best served piping hot - I burned some of the Texas Toast in my frenzy to get everything served.  I'll have to tweak this one for next time.

Sauteed green bean with bits of bacon and shallot - Yummy!

Boiled carrots and parsnips - Delightfully sweet!

Sausage stuffing - Made by my MIL - she told me she is going to teach me how to make it.  The result: delicious!

Gravy and cranberry sauce - Made by my MIL and Ocean Spray.  Both tasty!

Assorted bread

Then, for dessert:

Canolis - Shells and filling bought and then stuffed at home.  I sprinkled them with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

White cupcakes with vanilla frosting and coconut - I presented them on a cupcake display thingee and toped them with a bride and groom since my BIL recently go married (Congrats, Tom and Rhonda!)

Apple and pear galette - Recipe taken from last months's Real Simple.  Basically: a flat pie that can be baked ahead two or three days and then wrapped tightly and can be served at room temperature.  Yummy, wholesome, and representative of Autumn.  Very tasty.

Cookies - chocolate chip and peanut butter.  Enough said.

To drink:

Beer, soda, water, sangria made by me: email me for my secret!

Many thanks to my BIL and his new wife for staying late (and MIL too!) to help with dishes and clean up.  They were excellent - the best dishwashers I've met!

In a very strange fashion, I didn't get a single shot of the day.  Not of the family, not of Patrick, not of the table.  I was busy from 7 in the morning until 8 last night.  I know others took pictures, so as soon I get them, I will try to post them online.

I do, thought, that Patrick had a great day.  He ate turkey and ham (for the first time!) and mashed and sweet potatoes.  He had carrots and stuffing.  He ate a third of a cupcake.  He smiled, he charmed, and fed Cheerios to his family members.  He played with his cousins. 

And even though I have no pictures taken with my camera, I have Patrick.  And, for that, I am truly grateful.

I hope everyone's holiday was as blessed and fun as mine was!

Thankful

So very thankful for everything I have.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

There's always lots of thinking in this head of mine...

It's been a long week - and it's only Wednesday! - and I've had lots on my mind.  Not only Thanksgiving, which I am pleased to do and actually love planning, but other things.

I've been thinking about shutting down this site.  I sometimes feel as if I have to censor what I write or that I have to be very careful about how I phrase things.  It's kind of become less of a journal for me and more of a public outing of my life, which is perfectly fine, except that sometimes I feel as if I can't write about *all* the parts of my life, in fear that someone will read it, make comments to other people, and then I receive an influx of phone calls, or worse, angry phone calls.  I'm not sure what to do - I love blogging on this site.  I have loved it since I started nearly three years ago.  I know I have readers out there that don't comment, that I don't know personally, that have gotten to know me better through this site. 

So, now I am going to ask them - those silent readers - what should I do?  Lurkers, this is the time to comment.  Please.

More NKOTB

I finally got around to watching this weekend's American Music Awards.  I only taped it for one reason:

 

Although, I really loved loved loved watching Annie Lennox.  She is all kinds of awesome.

 

Late at Night

I hate when I get insomnia.  There's something about being awake in the middle of the night and all of your worries crashing down on you.  There's nothing like the middle of the night, with the silence of a house surrounding you, to make all your fears seem so much bigger than they actually are.

Maybe tomorrow will awaken a better day for me.

Husband: I'm too sexy for this diet

For the last few weeks, Mike and I have been watching what we're eating, trying to be healthy.  So far, we've been doing pretty well.  Although, I will admit, some days it's very hard.

Today, we were shopping for some Thanksgiving staples at our local warehouse supplier.  We kept passing people who were kept offering samples: cream puffs, cheesecake, sausage, etc.  We sampled a couple of things and when tempted with cheesecake, Mike politely declined.

He then turned to me, and said: I feel like such a supermodel - I am going to need to start smoking cigarettes and doing coke.

Is this really what supermodels are about?  I thought they were about world peace.

30 Rock

So, yeah, um, I have to admit that until last week, I had never seen an episode of 30 Rock.  I kept saying that I didn't want to become committed to another television show, but I finally saw an episode.  That stuff is hilarious!

So now, I'm hooked.  Oy vay.

I'm Starting to Give Thanks Early

In less than a week, Mike and I will be hosting our second Thanksgiving.  As dorky as it sounds, I think we are pretty excited about it.  All of my in-laws are coming, which should make for some good memories.  :)

And, because of this, instead of having a relaxing weekend, we will be making lists and planning menus and going grocery shopping.  Does anyone want to help?

Trying to Figure Out Dreams

So, last night I dreamt that I was suffocating.  I couldn't breath.

What does it mean?  Anyone?

Month 13

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Uh Oh

My best friend, acb, commented on yesterday's video and proceeded to send me this.  She predicts this will be my son in four months.  It gets really interesting around 2:32.  Be patient.  It's worth it.

 

Keeping Things Contained

We finally had to put up some gates around the house to keep a certain someone contained. 

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Little Bundle of Perfection

Today I met the latest member of our extended family.  Marilyana was born on Thursday, November 13, 2008.  She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Here she is in her blissful sleep:

As soon as I held her, I thought:  I totally want another one.

At Breakfast This Morning

As Mike was eating his whole wheat bread, turkey bacon, egg white sandwich:

"This isn't bad.  The fake bread, fake bacon, fake egg sandwich."

Who Does this Stuff Happen to?

I would really like to know the people who have the opportunity to be guests on Ellen and Oprah.  You know the people I'm talking about:  the ones that write in and have their letters read on the air.  Or the ones who get their homes remodeled by television personalities.

Okay, that's all.  My jealous envious side just came out.  I'm over it now.

As you were.  :)

43

My good friend, Jeanna, sent this over to me and instead of emailing it back out, I thought to post it here.  Don't know why it's 43 facts.  A little odd, no?

1. Do you like blue cheese?  No             
2. Have you ever smoked?  No
3. Do you own a gun?  Yes
4. What flavor Kool Aid is your favorite?  Don't have one
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?  Always, especially the dentist!
6. What do you think of hot dogs?  Good ballgame food
7. Favorite Christmas movie?  It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Story
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Iced tea
9. Can you do push ups?  Yes
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?  My engagement ring
11. Favorite hobby?  Movies
12. Do you have A.D.D.?  No
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself?  My anxiousness
14. Middle name?  Currently Tang, formerly Maria
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment:  I need to cut this hanging cuticle, When is Patrick going to wake up from his nap? and I need to take out the trash and recycling!

16. Penny saver?  Yes
17. Current worry?   Too many to list
21. Where would you like to go?  Back to Hawaii
22. Name three people who will complete this? Don't know, if you do it online, please let me know in the comments so I can check it out!
23. Do you own slippers?  Yes
24 What color shirt are you wearing?  Green
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?  No
26. Can you whistle?  No
27. Favorite color?  Blue
28. Would you be a pirate?   No
29. What songs do you sing in the shower?  Whatever is on the radio

30. Favorite girl's name?  Jane

31. Favorite boy's name?  Jack
32. What's in your pocket right now?  Nothing

33. Last person that made you laugh?  Patrick
34. Best bed sheets as a child?  Holly Hobby, for sure
35 Worst injury you've ever had?  Believe it or not, I've never had a major injury!

36. Do you love where you live?  Yes
37. How many TVs do you have in your house?  Three
39. How many dogs do you have? None
40. Does someone have a crush on you?   I dunno
41. What is your favorite book?  Crime and Punishment (even though I haven't read it in 15 years)
42. What is your favorite candy?   Swedish Fish
43. Favorite Sports Team?  Florida Gators

An Update by Way of Videos

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Welcome, Miss Peyton!

Another little one came into the world a few weeks ago - Miss Peyton was born on October 22, 2008.  Check out her link!  I think you will all agree that she's a cutie!

I've also added her to my blogroll for updates.

These Things Really Happen in my House

The other night, after Mike ran out to buy a humidifier, we set to the task of getting it to work.  Yeah, yeah, it's easy.  But I always get a little freaked out when it comes to water and electricity (a little something about getting shocked, you know), so I carefully read the directions and before heading up to Patrick's bedroom, did a trial run of using it in the kitchen.

Leaned over the kitchen counter, Mike and I waited for it to get started (By the way, he bought a humidifier in the shape of a penguin.  Very cute!).  As the mist started, Mike and I nearly did a dance around the room - we did it!!  No problems getting it started!  Yeah!

Eventually, we stopped out dance of joy and Mike put his face right into the mist.  "This makes me so happy," he says.  "I feel like I'm on a Disney World ride."

I told you guys we were dorks.

I'll Be Dreaming About This for Awhile

I'm no foodie - I don't know anything about how food is supposed to mesh with other foods to create perfect tastes and all that.  But I do know what tastes good and what doesn't. 

A friend of mine is getting married next month and today was her bridal shower.  For dessert, a Smores cake was served.  Chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse, marshmallow icing, and on the side, graham cracker ice cream.  The cake was fine.  But the ice cream - TO DIE FOR.  Seriously.  It was that good.

If you are ever in NYC and happen to be in Times Square, visit the Blue Fin at the W Hotel.  Don't bother with dinner.  Just get dessert.  Then thank me.

Tales of the Rain and Humidifiers

No, they don't go together, but they sum up today.

Mike and I started out with plans to go see Rutgers play Syracuse this afternoon.  Originally, we planned to bring Patrick with us, but because of a forecast of rain, decided to leave him home with Grandma.  We wound up at the game late - we thought the game started at one time and once there (when we arrived, the game had already started), learned the game had been pushed up an hour.  We missed nearly the entire first quarter, which is fine, since Rutgers was down two touchdowns.  We made it through the second quarter, despite the rain that just would not stop, and saw Rutgers tie the score for halftime.  By halftime, many fans were gone - I'm telling you, the rain would not let up.  So cold and ..... wet.  We eventually left close to the end of the third quarter, with Rutgers leading.  Heard the rest of the game on the radio as we drove home - luckily, Rutgers were able to win this one.

Came home to hear Patrick congested.  He had been dealing with the congestion since morning, so it was no surprise to us.  Just called the doc, who thinks it might be a chest cold (duh!).  She advised us to run hot water in the bathroom and create a steam room for him.  And now Mike is out at Target (my favorite store!) buying a humidifier, because I carelessly forgot to get one when I was pregnant.  I honestly didn't think we would need one.  I thought wrong.  Very wrong.

But through it all, we continue forward.  I didn't realize that when Patrick turned one, things would get so much more challenging.  He's only been one for three weeks, and already we've had a stomach virus and now, a chest cold.  What else is there, Mommy readers?

Happy Birthday, Owen!

Today is Little Owen's birthday - he's not so little anymore; he's turning three.  It feels like just yesterday he was born.

Happy birthday, little guy.  May you have all the sausages and bananas you can eat.  We love you!

Chillaxin' Before Bedtime

We just got home from work/baby jail, and after a quick dinner, we though Patrick might want to wind down with DaDa.

I suggest they watch something on Nickelodeon.  DaDa decided on The Simpsons.  Naturally.

History

Whichever way you voted, the outcome is still the same:  history was made.

Wow.

Go Vote. Right Now.

Make your voice heard.  Go vote.

I'm going.

Random Monday Stuff

It's been a long day and an even longer evening, but I just found a minute to breathe.  The little one is fast asleep and the house is quiet.

I feel a little bad for Patrick as we have taken him off the bottle and are only encouraging a sippy cup for milk.  When I picked him up at baby jail today the teacher told me that everytime he saw another kid with a bottle, he stared at it longingly.  I hope he forgets about it in the next few days.  Poor kid!

Also, I took some time this weekend to go to the mall (all alone!) and get fitted for a new bra.  I had read that after pregnancy, sizes change and all.  I didn't realize that I was so uncomfortable until this morning when I put on my new bra.  Wow!!  What a difference. 

That's all for now.

One of the Most Used Words Today

But, still, this little girl makes it cute!

Nablopomo

A few years ago, I committed to doing this and then my router went.  After that, my modem went.  Needless to say, I wasn't able to complete my month. 

But I've committed this month.  Let's see how it goes.

For more information, go to www.nablopomo.com,