Tropical Sushi Shrimp Stacks

I was recently back in Alaska visiting my family and friends for a few days before the rainy weather set in.  No such luck.  It rained and rained...and rained.

My friend Felicia made arrangements for us to do Reindeer Yoga one night.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Reindeer Yoga!  Can you even imagine?  Well, unfortunately I am going to have to imagine until next June.  The weather did not cooperate, so we had to cancel.

I decided to make it up to her by making us dinner at her house and enjoy the movie The Lost City (which as a side note, if you have not seen this movie yet...what are you waiting for??)  

At any rate, Felicia is a vegetarian, which I love that it challenges me to look for and try new things.  I thought something shrimp themed would be fun.  Then I thought, let's stack our dinner sky high while we're at it, just to add to the adventure.

Back in the day, "stacked" food was quite the trend and I (of course) had an entire set off difference shape and sizes of stacking templates to make appetizers, dinners, and desserts.  To this day, I have no idea where those templates ended up.

So I found my self literally in the middle of Alaska trying to find stainless steel food molds.  Nothing.  Time was running out and so were my options.

The good thing about remodeling my house these past 4 years is that I know every aisle and product in Lowes, Home Depot, and ACE Hardware.  The bad thing about remodeling my house these past 4 years is that I know every aisle and product in Lowes, Home Depot, and ACE Hardware.

As I was driving from place to place to look for these rings it hit me...!  PVC pipes!!!  I know they come in all heights and diameters.  I also know that the PVC material is non-stick, like stainless steel so the stacks will slide right out.

Lowes was on the way to Felicia's house.  I knew the exact aisle to find them and within 5 minutes I had my shrimp stack "food molds" bagged up and was back on the road.  I love it when a vision and plan comes together.  Don't worry, I washed and scrubbed the PVC pipe prior to use...although their scanning stickers would not come off the outside!

These shrimp stacks were like a sushi roll taken to a new dimension!  I cannot wait to make these again, they were awesome!  I did take a few shortcuts because after all we had Channing Tatum and Brad Pitt waiting for us in our after dinner movie.

 

Tropical "Sushi" Shrimp Stacks 

Makes 2 serving stacks

Maui Wowie Shrimp 

PF Chang's Dynamite Sauce (or make your own Sriracha Mayo sauce)

Guacamole (preferably homemade, or your favorite brand)

Trader Joe's Pineapple Salsa (or Newman's Own Mango Salsa)

7.4 ounce Annie Chun's Sticky Rice

Fresh Gourmet Wonton Strips

4" diameter stainless steel food mold, or PVC pipe

Maui Wowie Shrimp:

1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
1 pinch garlic salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Preheat outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.  (you can also do this on a grill pan over your cooktop)

Thread shrimp onto skewers.  Season both sides of shrimp with garlic salt and black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Generously coat both sides of shrimp with mayonnaise.

Cook shrimp on heated grill until shrimp are bright pink on the outside and opaque on the inside, and the mayonnaise turns golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes on each side.  Squeeze with fresh lemon wedges.  Set aside and let cool.

Make the sticky rice according to package directions.  Set aside and let cool.

While the rice is cooling, give the cooked shrimp a rough chop.

To Assemble Stacks:

Place a food mold on each plate.  Divide the rice evenly and spoon into each mold, pressing down to compact the rice.  Place 1/2 cup of the cooked shrimp on the rice and press down.  Spoon a thin layer of guacamole to completely cover the shrimp.  Using a slotted spoon, add a thin layer of pineapple (or mango) salsa on top of the guacamole, making sure to cover. (I use a slotted spoon, so that I get more of the fruit and less juice, so it doesn't get soggy). Lightly drizzle the Dynamite sauce over the salsa.  Place the wonton strips on top.  Carefully hold the wonton strips to secure the stack as you slide and remove the mold.

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago: Copycat Fuzzy's Fuzzy Peach

Three Years Ago: Peach Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Four Years Ago: No Post

Five Years Ago: Caprese Chicken Lasagna

Six Years Ago: Seniors, Shrimp Skewers with Pesto and Cheddar Polenta

Seven Years Ago: "Eat The Cookie...Buy The Shoes"

Eight Years Ago: Spinach, Chicken, Bacon Pizza...Back To School Shopping

Nine Years Ago: Snickerdoodles At End Of Summer

Mexican Crispy Roasted Potatoes for Cinco de Mayo

 

Cinco de Drinko Mayo is tomorrow!  Lots of wonderful food...some tequila may be involved and then back to more and more food.

I'm looking forward to trying some new items and remaking some favorites.  We love to make our own salsa and guacamole from scratch here with the freshest of veggies, herbs, and spices.

Unfortunately I end up "taste testing" a little too much and then have no room for dinner.  Luckily most everything can be stored up for awesome lunch leftovers.

These Mexican Crispy Roasted Potatoes are unreal!!!  Not only are they great with steak, they also pair beautifully with chicken.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.  Stay safe tomorrow, be well and keep on sparkling!

Mexican Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Courtesy of Isabel Eats

1-1/2 pounds petite red potatoes, washed and quartered

2 Tbl olive oil

1-1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ancho chili powder

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp coriander

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

4 Tbl finely chopped cilantro (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl add the olive oil, salt, chili powder, oregano, coriander, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.  Add potatoes and toss until potatoes are full coated with spices.  Transfer to baking sheet.

Do not overcrowd the potatoes, as they need plenty of room to breathe so they can crisp up.

Sprinkle potatoes with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven, flip over the potatoes and bake for another 20 minutes until crispy.

Sprinkle potatoes with cilantro if desired and more salt, if needed and serve.

One Year Ago:  No Post

Two Years Ago: Maui Wowie Shrimp

Three Years Ago: The Paloma and Cinco De Drinko

Four Years Ago:  Waborita and Cabo Wabo Shrimp Quesadillas

Five Years Ago: Italian Sausage Surprise and Life From Scratch

Six Years Ago: One Pan Sour Cream Enchilada Skillet and Spring

Seven Years Ago:  "Un"Fried Ice Cream in Cinnamon-Sugar Bowl

Eight Years Ago:  Margarita Cupcakes

Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips

Today I was going to share a recent Mascarpone Mixed Berry Cake with you.  However, I have lost the photos.  I mean really lost them.  I have looked in camera, computer, phone.  I cannot find them.  It's just been that kind of a week and the fact that I am on the downward side of 55 years, well let's just say life is getting a little more challenging as the days go by.

So, stay tuned...I will have to make the Berry Cake again and reshoot the photos and share with you on a future date.

In other news, my coworkers have been extremely naughty as of late.  Destructive is more of a better description.  This photo (above) is just a small sample of the crime scenes I have been walking into when I return home from a work errand.

Don't let these cute cuddly faces fool you.  They pretend to be good when I am in the office, but if I step out for 10 minutes...there's no telling what I will come home to. 

Anyone else out there have coworkers like this??

We are in the preparation stages and research for our garden now.  I'm really looking forward to some fresh veggies and herbs to harvest this summer and try out some new dishes.

My new zucchini I know will be perfect for these.  I actually made these muffins last year (it's a miracle I found the old photo in my batch).  They are so delicious and comforting especially when you need to start your day off with a little something sweet to prepare your soul for any misbehaved coworkers.  Enjoy!

Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips

Courtesy of Once Upon A Chef with Jenn Segal

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 medium (9 oz) zucchini, grated (no need to wring dry)

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbl chocolate chips

2/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and set rack in the middle position.  Generously coat a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar.  Add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk to combine.  Stir in the zucchini.

add the dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture and stir until just combined.  Stir in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips and all of the nuts (if using).

Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter into the muffin wells, filling each almost completely.  Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips onto the muffins, pressing them in lightly so they adhere.

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.

Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago: "Cilantro and Lime" with Pineapple Margaritas

Three Years Ago: Apple Pie Pull-Apart Bread and Baby Birds

Four Years Ago: "The" Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad and When In Rome

Five Years Ago: Bundt Pan Chicken and Small Town Feel

Six Years Ago: Alabama White Barbecue Sauce and Gift Baskets

Seven Years Ago: Mayan Chocolate Cookies...and Memorial Model

Eight Years Ago: Pizzette, Soup, Naked and Afraid

Bami Goreng

Perhaps I am still spinning from our Asian fusion dinner from the Masters last week, or perhaps I am just really craving homemade authentic Asian cuisine.  Either way, I got very lucky stumbling (okay I actually was down one of my infamous rabbit holes that I have no idea how it got started) on this dish from Valerie Bertinelli.

Valerie says this is one of Mrs. Van Halen's favorite dishes of her son Eddie.  I must admit, it is now one of my favorites too!  LOVE this dish!!  It has so many levels of flavor that just keep on giving and giving.  Best part...it's even better the next day as leftovers.  I hope you enjoy it too.

P.S.  I recommend doubling the (Ketjap Sambal) sauce!  Yummy!!

Bami Goreng

Courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli

Ketjap Sambal

1 Tbl canola oil

2 tsp minced garlic (1 to 2 cloves)

2 tsp grated fresh ginger (a 1-inch knob)

2 tsp minced seeded jalapeno

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup tamari

1/2 tsp five-spice powder

1/4 cup water

Bami Goreng

1 Tbl canola oil

1 cup thinly sliced red onion (1/2 onion)

2 tsp minced garlic (1 to 2 cloves)

2 ts grated fresh giner (a 1-inch knob)

1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper ( 1 bell pepper)

8 ounces pork tenderloin, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds and halved crosswise (or use chicken thighs)

Kosher salt

2 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage

1 Tbl sambal oelek (fresh ground chili paste) or can substitute with Sriracha

8 ounces thin spaghetti, cooked

Lime wedges for juicing and serving

Roughly chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Fresh bean sprouts, add right before serving on top (optional)

For the Ketjap Sambal:

Heat the canola oil in a small saucepot over medium heat.  Stir in the garlic, ginger, and jalapeno and sauté until fragrant but not yet browned, 2 to 3 minutes.  Add the brown sugar, tamari, five-spice powder and 1/4 cup water.  Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce reduces and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat and set aside.

For the Bami Goreng:

Heat the canola oil in a 12-inch sauté pan over high heat.  Add the red onion garlic and ginger and cook until softened.  Add the red pepper.  Sprinkle the pork tenderloin with salt and add it to the pan; cook until browned on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes total.  Add the cabbage, stir in the sambal oelek, and then deglaze with pan with 1/4 cup water.  Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the water is evaporated.  Finally, add in the cooked spaghetti and half of the ketjap sambal.

Transfer the bami goreng to a large bowl and drizzle with the remaining ketjap.  Add a squeeze of lime and garnish with cilantro and/or bean sprouts.  Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago: Five Star Staycation Breakfast

Three Years Ago: Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Supper and False Spring

Four Years Ago: National Picnic Day with Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Five Years Ago: Bundt Pan Chicken and Small Town Feel

Six Years Ago: Pesto Cheesy Chicken and Playing In Wet Socks

Seven Years Ago: Lemon Orzo Shrimp and Asparagus

Eight Years Ago: Cheese Souffles

7th Annual Masters Champions Dinner and Featuring The Augusta Azalea Cocktail

 

It's spring and around here that only means one thing (other than relentless snow blizzards)...it's golf season and time for The Masters and Champions Dinner.

This is our 7th year hosting the annual event.  If you're new here to this site my husband is an avid golf fan and add to that I love to host themed dinners.  This adds up to the Champions Dinner every year.

Each Masters winner must host a dinner for prior Champions every year during Masters week before the official tournament begins.

This year Hideki Matsuyama hosted a phenomenal dinner as a tribute to his Japanese heritage.  I wait and wait for the big dinner menu to be revealed then it's off to the final planning stages.  

Each couple is assigned a course from the dinner menu.  As hosts, we always take the main dish and take care of all the set up and details...including everyone's commemorative, personalized menu place card.

This year since our lower level is finally complete, we were blessed to have the inaugural event in our new Dining Grotto, which was just so much fun to share with everyone.

As always, the original Masters Champions Dinner portrait makes its return appearance front and center in the new bar area.

Speaking of bars...this Azalea Cocktail is by far my absolute new favorite libation!  I will be enjoying these all summer long.  I hope you enjoy them too.

Augusta's Azalea Cocktail

5 ounces lemonade, fresh-squeezed

1/2 ounce Grenadine

1-1/2 ounces Vodka

1 Maraschino cherry, garnish

1 slice orange, garnish

dried rose petals, optional

Place martini glasses in freezer one hour before serving time.

Combine the lemonade, grenadine, and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Give it a really good shake!

Strain the contents of the shaker into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with Maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.  Add a couple tiny dried pink rose petals for floating on top.

Cheers!

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago: Dole Whip Mimosas with Easter Blessings

Three Years Ago: 4th Annual Masters Champions Dinner...Sweet Corn Creme Brulee

Four Years Ago: 3rd Annual Masters Champions Dinner...Spanish Style

Five Years Ago: Creamy Rosemary Potatoes

Six Years Ago: Torta Rustica and Tax Day Anniversary

Seven Years Ago: Cambozola Platter on the Patio and Meal Planning

Eight Years Ago: The Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Pear, Goat Cheese, and Sausage Pizza...the new Picture Perfect Window Wells

 

We are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel....or at least in our window wells.  During our downstairs build-out/remodel, we decided that the window wells needed some love too.

We went to such lengths with every detail on the interior of the new areas that we just couldn't take the sight of our window wells ruining the views.

My husband obsessive-bee in the bonnet-contractor researched and researched what our options could be in these wells.  He found a company that makes custom window well cover liners and that's all it took to start this train.

After much patience, time, measuring and re-measuring, we were up and running.  I think he had more fun accessorizing the bottoms to coordinate with the decorative liners more than anything.  Needless to say, there were many trips to our local stone yard, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels.  The results were awesome!  

"Before" all the lower level window wells.

The golf themed window (because of course)...and yes that is an actual golf ball we added as accessory.

So perfect for our game and movie room areas.

Up next, the "Aspen Suite".

I actually had to rummage through a local wood yard to find small pieces of Aspen and Birch trees.

And finally, the "Lodge Room".

My favorite piece is the tiny little canoe I purchased for "on the bank" of the creek.

That my friends, is our new window well reveal and we are so thrilled with how all of the windows turned out to coordinate with their rooms.

Since this took more time than we expected, I obviously have needed quick go-to dinners.  This pizza was amazing!  I love how the pear and basil just popped with freshness in every bite.  I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Pear, Goat Cheese, and Sausage Pizza

1 ready made pizza crust (we used Caulipower plain pizza crust)

pinch of ground black pepper

pinch of salt

1 Tbl crushed garlic

1 bartlett pear, thinly sliced

6 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese

3 ounces crumbled goat cheese

6 ounces Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled

Honey (for drizzling)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  

On a large sheet pan, cover with parchment paper.  Place pizza crust on pan.  Brush top of crust evenly with drizzle of olive oil and brush oil to cover.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Layer pears, mozzarella, goat cheese, cooked Italian sausage and crushed garlic over pizza. 

Bake 11-14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.

Remove from oven and drizzle with honey.  Sprinkle basil ribbons over pizza.  Slice and serve warm.

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago: Derby Dip and Dum-Dum

Three Years Ago: Apple Pandowdy and Epic Failures

Four Years Ago: White Trash Cookies

Five Years Ago: "Clinks" Spinach Salad

Six Years Ago: Mastering The Art of Desserts and The Masters

Seven Years Ago: Spicy Sausage Skillet and Home Sweet Home

Eight Years Ago: Mushroom Soup for Momma's Soul

Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach and Bacon...and Chihuly Glass

Ever since I saw my first Dale Chihuly chandelier at Atlantis in the Bahamas, I became an instant fan.  Super fan if I'm being completely honest.

I have been in love with this incredible glass blowing works of art from Chihuly for years and always wanted to see one of his exhibits.

Last month while in Phoenix, I found out he had a show going at the desert gardens there.  Whenever I am on a trip I always look for adventures and expeditions to take during a visit.  This had to be fate that his pieces were there the same time as me.

My brother and I grabbed an Uber and off we went.  The weather was breathtaking and perfect.  As we walked the grounds, the sun was shining on the pieces at the perfect time to really enhance their glorious colors.

They even had a small indoor exhibit as we were leaving the property.  If you ever have the chance to see these pieces, you must treat yourself and take his tours.  I am still in awe!

While flying home, I saw this recipe online and just had to try it out.  Garlic...butter...bacon...there is nothing wrong with that sentence!  Enjoy!

Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

Adapted from eatwell101

6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless (or 3 chicken breasts)***

2 tsp olive oil

2 Tbl butter

3 Tbl minced/crushed garlic

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine)

1/2 cup crispy bacon, chopped

1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream

3 cups baby spinach leaves (stems removed)

Salt and fresh cracked pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Pinch of chili pepper flakes, optional

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbl of water (optional, if you like a thicker sauce)

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper, and sear in the pan for 5-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through  Once cooked, remove chicken from the pan and set aside.  

Melt the butter in the remaining cooking juices leftover in the pan.  Add in the onion and garlic and saute until fragrant (about one minute).  Pour in the chicken stock (or white wine, if using), and allow to reduce down slightly.  Add the crispy bacon and fry for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

Reduce heat to low heat, add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.  Make sure to lower the heat to avoid the sauce to separate.  Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Add in the spinach leaves and allow to wilt in the sauce, and add in the Parmesan cheese.  Allow sauce to simmer for another minute until the cheese melts through the sauce.  For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens.

Add the cooked chicken and it's juices back into the pan; sprinkle with chili pepper flakes (if using), and spoon the sauce over each chicken thigh.

***If using chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs, slice them horizontally to make 2 halves and make the thickness even.  The chicken will cook faster this way.

Serve over gnocchi, pasta, rice, zoodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed veggies.

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago: Aspen Coffee

Three Years Ago: Pecan Crusted Halibut with Peach Beurre Blanc Sauce

Four Years Ago:  No Post

Five Years Ago: Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad and Puppies

Six Years Ago: Bunny Bark and Blizzards

Seven Years Ago: Pear Salad and the CIA

Eight Years Ago: Honey Ham Biscuit Sliders - Wife Of The Year

 

Spaghetti with Black Olives and Orange Zest, and Mini Bar in a Jar

 

In going through my blog drafts que, I found this treasure that I was supposed to publish last year.  However, as reported last week, that just wasn't in the cards due to my "vacation".

If you are practicing Lent, this is a wonderful no meat option.  Super fresh and bright flavors that just scream, don't worry...summer is around the corner, to me.

We are in for another Winter Weather Warning the next 2 days, because of course it was 68 degrees yesterday, so why not throw in a little storm.  Ugh!!  Well our plants and lawn could use some moisture, just as long as the chill goes away by this weekend...please. 

In other news, our daughters' friends recently moved into their first out of college-adult apartment.  I couldn't resist making a "Mini Bar in a Jar" for their place...perfect for a guys housewarming gift.    Honestly, I had way too much fun putting this together.

Spaghetti with Black Olives and Orange Zest

Courtesy of Sammy Hagar's "Are We Having Any Fun Yet!" Cookbook (The Maui Chapter)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

grated zest of one orange

1 cup Italian black olives, chopped (from your deli, not the canned olives)

1/2 pound spaghetti

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat; add the onion and sauté until translucent, then add the garlic, and cook for a little less than a minute, just until it starts to soften.

Add the orange zest and olives and stir them around with the garlic and oil.  Remove the skillet from the heat.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Cook the spaghetti until almost al dente, then drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of cooking water.  "You might not need it.  Then again, you might."

Dump the nearly al dente spaghetti in the skillet with the orange zest, garlic, and olives and finish cooking, over medium-high heat.  If the pasta seems dry, spoon in a tablespoon of pasta water.

Toss the spaghetti in a bowl with a few tablespoons of Parmesan, saving the rest of the grated cheese for the table.  Garnish with basil.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve.

** Side note:  I only used 1/2 of an onion, and substituted the spaghetti with whole wheat thin spaghetti.  It was still amazing!!!

One Year Ago: No Post

Two Years Ago:  Roasted Cornish Game Hens and Headed To The Unknown

Three Years Ago:  Butter Swim Biscuits and Bomb Cyclones

Four Years Ago:  Eating My Words...Part 2...Cheese & Crack

Five Years Ago:  20-Minute Skillet Tuscan Tortellini and Sun Dogs

Six Years Ago:  Portillo's Chopped Salad...Possibilities of Spring

Seven Years Ago:  Luck of The Irish Cupcakes

Eight Years Ago:  Sweet Dreams (Layered Sweetness)

Return to Fork and Cork with Recipe for Irish Cheddar Shepherd's Pie

 

It has been exactly one year since I was here.  It's been a long year, but it's very good to be back.

Hiatus, vacation, decompressing...there are a thousand words to describe the past year and my temporary departure.

It all started in mid-March with a fun bout of identity theft (for the third time in my life) I might add.  I became very frustrated and vulnerable with all my accounts at risk, so I went off the grid.  No social accounts, changed every single password and just kept a much needed, very low profile.

So, what did I do for the past year?  Well, here's a snippet of what's been going on.  There will be more to share and lots of photos in the near future but until then....

March 2021 - Police reports dealing with my identity theft.  Mourning again over the loss after one year of my Grandmother and Sister-In-Law passings.

April 2021 - Our annual Masters Champions Dinner event was a huge success and so much fun once again.

May 2021 - "Baby A" graduates college.  I may have cried...okay a lot!

June 2021 - Complete bedrooms in our new lower level construction/remodel.  Finish our exterior fence and add railroad tie steps to side yard.

July 2021 - Attend family wedding in Southern California...aka huge family reunion for my husband.

August 2021 - Travel to Alaska to check in on family and visit old friends.

September 2021 - Double concert month.  Jonas Brothers at Red Rocks with my daughters and later that month, bucket list of Doobie Brothers concert with husband.  Both events were so much fun and memorable!

October 2021 - Entered our little town's first Bake Off with my GGma's Snickerdoodles.  Finished our lower level new bathroom, which is a beautiful spa feel.  I LOVE this bath.  Attended another bucket list concert with my husband at Little River Band.

November 2021 - Finished our Wine Grotto formal dining room in lower level, with just days to spare for our Thanksgiving family guests from California.  Attended the Van Gogh Immersive Experience, which was amazing to see.

December 2021 - "Baby B" graduates college...yes, more tears were shed.  Husband birthday, Christmas, then follow up with twins' birthday, etc...

January 2022 - Survived an extensive office move that just about did me in.  By the Grace of God, we made it through and successfully.

February 2022 - Traveled to Arizona to spend my birthday weekend with my brother and niece.  Experienced amazing restaurant, The Sicilian Butcher.  Another bucket list check off...visiting Dale Chihuly outdoor exhibit in Phoenix was positively breathtaking.

March 2022 - Well this brings us to today.  I recently returned from Alaska after another visit with family.  Gearing up for Spring projects and some other events coming up in the near future.

And now back to cooking and recipes...  

If you're celebrating any type of St. Patrick's next week, you will love this pie.  One pot beauty that will take the chill off and bring comforting warmth to your home.  Enjoy.

Irish Cheddar Shepherd's Pie

Meat Filling:

2 Tbl olive oil

1 medium chopped yellow onion

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tsp dried parsley leaves

1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves

1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 Tbl Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbl crushed garlic

2 Tbl all-purpose flour

2 Tbl tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

2 cups frozen mixed peas and carrot

3-4 cups prepared mashed potatoes

2 cups shredded Irish white cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large cast iron skillet, add the oil and place it over medium-high heat.  Add the onions.  Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and break apart with wooden spoon.  Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.  Stir well. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic.  Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.

Add the flour.  Stir until the raw flour is cooked off, about 5 minutes.  Add the tomato paste and stir well to incorporate.

Add the broth and frozen peas and carrots.  Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Remove iron skillet from burner.  Spread the prepared mashed potatoes carefully over the meat mixture in an even layer.

Bake for 20 minutes.  Remove skillet from oven and sprinkle the white cheddar cheese over all the mashed potatoes.  Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool about 10 minutes before serving.

One Year Ago: Copycat P.F. Chang's Chili Sauce and Sofas

Two Years Ago: Jordan Marsh's Blueberry Muffins

Three Years Ago: Chicken, Artichoke and Cannellini Bean Spezzatino

Four Years Ago: Eating My Words...Part 1 and Cheesy Country Ham Dip

Five Years Ago: Julie & Julia's Tomato Bruschetta

Six Years Ago: BBQ Glazed Meatloaf and Jack and The Beanstalk

Seven Years Ago: 24 Hour Salad (And To Departure)

Eight Years Ago: Chile-Cheese Egg Bake