Good-Bye Angus

This week we had to say good-bye to our chocolate Labrador retriever, Angus.  Our hearts are so heavy and unbearable at times.  It is a loss that we knew was coming, but you're still never prepared for it and never makes it any easier.

God brought Angus into our lives when he was two years old.  He came to us from a family that just had their first baby and wanted him to be in a home that could give him the full attention and love that he deserved.  He was brought to the perfect home.  

He was an angel sent to us and such a love.  He enjoyed his patio time with us, an afternoon at his spa with the full royal treatment and more than anything, just being with his family.

I  pray that he knew how much he was loved and missed!  He was the size of a brown bear, and had an even bigger heart.

Good-bye sweet boy...see you in Heaven.

Strawberry Tiramisu Bites For The Love of Your Life

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  A day of chocolates, cards, flowers...and strawberries!

One of my all time favorite love-rom-com movies is Sleepless In Seattle.  One of the classic scenes is known as "The Tiramisu Talk".  Here's how it all goes down...

(1993) follows widow Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) as he begrudgingly attempts to re-enter the dating world a year after losing his wife.  It's been a long time since he had to date anyone, so he consults his pal Jay (Rob Reiner) for advice.  Jay explains the way dating dynamics have changed since Sam was last on the scene (Jimmy Carter, 1978) - women ask men out, they have to be friends first, they split the check, and having a cute butt is a requirement.

"I don't think I could let a woman pay for dinner, " Sam says.

"Great, they'll throw a parade in your honor.  You'll be man of the year in Seattle Magazine", Jay replies.

Then, they engage in a discussion about tiramisu....

"Tiramisu," Jay says, randomly.

"What is tiramisu?" Sam asks.

"You'll find out." Jay responds.

"Well, what is it?" Sam questions.

"You'll see!"  Jay says.

"Some woman is gonna want me to do it to her and I'm not gonna know what it is!"  Sam exclaims.

"You'll love it." Jay announces.

If you are planning on staying in tomorrow night, such as ourselves, these are the perfect little sweet treat bite.  If I was being completely honest, I could just eat this mascarpone filling with a spoon right out of the entire bowl, and not apologize for it!

Strawberry Tiramisu Bites
Adapted from Paula Deen

1/2 cup strawberry preserves, at room temperature
1 1/2 (6.3 ounce) packages miniature bite-sized phyllo tart shells
1 (8-ounce) package mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup lemonade
2 Tbl fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. lemon extract
2 quarts fresh strawberries, halved (or quartered, depending on size)

Place about 1/2 teaspoon strawberry preserves in bottom of each tart shell; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, lemonade and lemon juice.  Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.

In a medium bowl combine cream, sugar and lemon extract.  Beat at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until medium peaks form.  Fold into mascarpone mixture, stirring until combined.

Spoon about 1 Tbl mascarpone mixture into each tart shell.  Top each with a strawberry half.

One Year Ago: Creamy Penne Pesto Chicken
Two Years Ago: I'm Back
Three Years Ago: The Flirtini
Four Years Ago: Raspberry-Lemon Dump Cake
Five Years Ago: Chocolate Layered Pudding

Chocolate Caramel Cracker Bars and The Cool Parents

When I was in high school, I wasn't one of the "cool kids".  I didn't play sports (I was however, manager of the swim team), I wasn't in band (had to give up the clarinet in jr. high, when I got braces...way too painful), however, many of my friends were the cool kids, so I lived vicariously through them.

Growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska, there were not many clothing store options.  There was Nordstrom and Fred Meyer and not much else in between.  Many of my friends got to do their clothes shopping in Anchorage or even Seattle and they always came back with the coolest clothes!

Recently I was visiting my colorist to get my "highlights" fixed (a.k.a. taking care of my grays).  She had the cutest Adidas tennis shoes on.  Of course, she is in her mid-twenties and she looked absolutely adorable in them...and I couldn't get those stupid shoes out of my mind.

When my husband and I went Christmas shopping for the girls we went into a skate/surf shop to find a pair of Vans that one of our girls had on her wish list.

My husband walked over to the wall and saw a pair of men's Adidas with the navy blue stripes.  He said, "Wow, I used to have a pair of these in high school, I loved those shoes".  I'm thinking....of course, you were one of those cool kids!!!  I then turned around and saw my colorist's same Adidas.  They were on clearance.  I tried them on.  I fell in love.  I made my husband "surprise" me with them for Christmas.  I then in turn "surprised" him with his favorite high school shoes for his Christmas present.

We wore our new cool shoes that weekend.  Our daughters both said how adorable we looked and that we were such cool parents.  After all these years, my time had finally come...I've arrived!  Mama's still got it going on!!

Speaking of cool...I could kiss whoever thought to make ready-to-go graham cracker crumbs for sale!!  It's not that I'm lazy, it's just every time I buy a box of graham crackers to crush for a recipe, the rest of the box goes stale.

These chocolate caramel bars are perfect for upcoming Valentine's Day, or if you want to be the cool co-worker!  I love how quickly they come together and taste unbelievable!  It's that beautiful salt/sweet addiction all in one bite.

Chocolate Caramel Cracker Bars

Adapted from Pillsbury.com

54 - Club crackers (or any buttery, flaky rectangular crackers)

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup milk

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

2 Tbl milk

1 cup peanut butter

2 cups pecan pieces

Greast 13x9 glass baking dish.  Place half of the crackers in bottom of greased pan.

In medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter and 1/4 cup milk.  Cook over low heat until butter is melted, stirring frequently.  Increase heat to medium-high; bring to boil.  Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Stir graham cracker crumbs into caramel mixture.

Pour half of caramel mixture over crackers in pan.  Arrange remaining crackers over caramel.  Top with remaining caramel mixture.

In small saucepan, heat chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons milk over low heat until chocolate is smooth, stirring frequently.  Stir in peanut butter.  Spread over bars.  Sprinkle pecan pieces over chocolate.  Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set.  Cut into bars.

One Year Ago: Apple-Cinnamon Money Bread

Two Years Ago: I'm Back

Three Years Ago: Mexican Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad

Four Years Ago: Sweet Dreams Cake

Five Years Ago: Mediterranean Chicken & Sausage

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins and Making Decisions

In our ever changing "new home", we are at it again remodeling.  I have figured we have no less than 6 projects going on at any given time right now...for the next 5 years I am guestimating!

During my latest Pinterest binging episode, I came across all these laundry room re-dos and makeovers.  I am in awe at all these talented people and beautiful spaces...for dirty clothes.  I found one that I really, really, liked.  I casually showed it to my husband and he loved the idea!  He pulled out the tape measure and immediately started measuring and ripping out the shelves.  (make that 7 projects now)

The most difficult part is choosing the "right" paint color.  We hit Lowes and I stocked up on every paint swatch I could fit in my hand.  The final contenders are hanging in the laundry room now, as we are trying to find the "perfect" color.

After 21 years of marriage, I have learned that it's not money or infidelity that can cause a divorce...it's remodeling!  If your marriage can survive hanging curtain rods together, installing your own sprinkler system and laying sod or agree on selecting light fixtures, you can survive anything that life throws at you.

Check back on this post later in February to see our finished product...

My "Pinsperational" Laundry Room Vignette

In the meantime, while we sit and stare at our laundry room paint colors (which we can see from our kitchen island), we need a good energy boosting breakfast to go.  These are absolutely delicious, portable and full of all that is good!

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

Adapted from King Soopers' My Magazine

1/2 cup shredded coconut

3 ripe bananas

3 cups old-fashioned oats

1-1/2 cups milk, any kind

2 large eggs, whisked

3 Tbl packed brown sugar

2 Tbl vegetable oil

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup Craisins

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I used butterscotch chips, since I had some on hand)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat 12-count muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine bananas, oats, milk, eggs, brown sugar, oil, baking powder, vanilla and salt.  Stir using a wooden spoon or spatula until mixed evenly.  Then stir in the pecans, chocolate (or butterscotch) chips, Craisins and coconut.

Scoop mixture into 12 muffin cups, filling to the top.  Bake 30-35 minutes, until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.  

Cool 5 minutes, then remove from muffin tin with butter knife or small spatula.  Serve, storing any leftovers in an airtight container.

One Year Ago: Crockpot Breakfast

Two Years Ago: No Post 

Three Years Ago: No Post 

Four Years Ago: Sweet 16

Five Years Ago: Hungarian Goulash

Pan-Seared Strip Steak with Red-Wine Pan Sauce and Pink-Peppercorn Butter

I recently attended my January Bunco night.  I had missed the past couple months and was happy to see all the ladies again.  We had some that couldn't attend, so my girls got to be subs.  I love it when they get to come, because I get to spend an evening with them...and take their money!

I actually won the pot that night, which had been almost a year since that happened.  I was so excited!

I was also excited to find out that it was going to be 55 degrees on Saturday and my husband would be gone most of the day golfing...until he said, "Do you have any cash for range balls?"  Well, it was nice to enjoy some cash in my purse for a couple of days!

I took advantage of my husband being gone to take on a new menu and try out some other recipes.  WOW!  I am so glad I did.  If you are looking to impress a special person or with Valentine's Day here soon, I highly recommend this menu, especially the steak.  I cannot rave enough about this, so quick to put together, flavorful and easily would have been $100 a plate at a high end steakhouse!

Tonight's Menu:
Pan-Seared Strip Steak with Red-Wine Pan Sauce and Pink-Peppercorn Butter
Potato Gnocchi with Basil Pesto
Mixed Euro Greens with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette
Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato

Pan-Seared Strip Steak with Red-Wine Pan Sauce and Pink-Peppercorn Butter

Courtesy of BonAppetit

Pink-Peppercorn Butter:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 tsp finely chopped thyme

1 tsp honey

1 tsp whole pink peppercorns

coarse kosher salt

Combine first 4 ingredients in small bowl; mix with fork until peppercorns are slightly crushed.  Season with coarse salt and black pepper.  Place small sheet of plastic wrap on work surface; place butter mixture stop plastic.  Using plastic wrap as aid, form butter mixture into 1-1/2" diameter cylinder; wrap tightly and chill.

Steak:

1 (10-ounce) New York strip steak (about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches thick)

2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 tsp minced fresh thyme

coarse kosher salt

1/4 cup thinly sliced shallot

1 cup dry red wine (select one that you would drink)

1/2 cup low-salt beef broth or low-salt chicken broth

Rub steak with 1 teaspoon oil; sprinkle both sides with thyme, then coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.  Let steak stand at room temperature 30 minutes. 

Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add steak; cook to desired doneness, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.  Transfer steak to plate; tent with foil  Add 1 teaspoon oil to skillet; add shallot and saute until slightly softened, scraping up browned bits.  Add wine; boil until liquid is reduced by half, stirring often, about 1 minute.  Add broth; boil until sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes.  Whisk in 3 tablespoons pink-peppercorn butter.  Season sauce with coarse salt and pepper.

Cut steak again grain into 1/3-inch thick slices.  Top with sauce.

Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Courtesy of Geniuskitchen.com

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

2 Tbl white wine vinegar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 Tbl sugar

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Whisk all ingredients except for oil until well combined.

Slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking constantly until the mixture is combined.

Store dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

One Year Ago: Crock Pot Breakfast

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago: Sweet 16

Five Years Ago: Hungarian Goulash

Fold-Over Tortilla Bake and Meal Prepping

My husband and I have now been living on our own for six months without our girls at home.  I have to say the #1 difficulty and challenge has been meal planning and preparing dinners for just two people.  Turns out our girls have been experiencing the same issue.

We came to a perfect solution...

Every Sunday the girls come over to do homework, spend time with us, do their laundry, and have Sunday family dinner.  That was the one stipulation that they had to agree to before I let them move out...they must be home every Sunday with us for family dinner.  No exceptions!

Every few weeks, we plan, shop for and make about 7 dinners on a Sunday afternoon.  Before the girls go back to their place, we divide up all the meals for each home.  It works out great because my husband and I will have just enough for either work lunches or dinner at home...while the girls have quick go-to dinners for when they are working or coaching at night.

Princess Brinkley loves it when we are dinner prepping on Sundays too!  She is an expert at crumb catching.

This Mexican bake (casserole) is wonderful for meal prepping and dividing up.  Makes great leftovers!

Fold-Over Tortilla Bake

Courtesy of Taste of Home

1 pound ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes

1 cup enchilada (red) sauce

1 to 2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

12 flour or corn tortillas (6 inches)

6 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink; drain.  Stir in the tomatoes, enchilada sauce and seasonings.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.  Pour half of the meat sauce into a 13x9 baking dish.  Set aside.

Wrap the stack of tortillas in foil; warm at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.  Spread warm tortillas with cream cheese and top with chiles.  Fold tortillas in half.  Arrange folded tortillas over meat sauce; pour remaining sauce over top.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  Sprinkle with cheese; bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer.

Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, rice and beans.

One Year Ago: Crock Pot Breakfast

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: No Post 

Four Years Ago: Antipasto Salad with Bacon Wrapped Artichoke Hearts

Five Years Ago: Grilled Shrimp with Bacon, Tomato and Scallion Vinaigrette

This is how I meal prepped for the girls' Thanksgiving take home leftovers...it looks like a giant Swanson "TV Dinner" (if you're old enough to remember what those were).

There's also a lot of "laundry prepping" on Sundays.  I knew if I refused to buy them a washer and dryer, they would definitely need to come home one day a week....my wicked plan is working!

Pan-Seared Scallops with Prosecco Butter Sauce and Sur La Table Saturdays

As I mentioned last week, I have started to challenge myself with Sur La Table Saturdays...and you're wondering what in the world is that?!

So here is how it all transpired...

A couple weeks ago, my daughters called me and said they had to tell me my birthday present early, because they had to make a reservation.  I said, "Ok".  They explained that they wanted to take a cooking class with me at Sur La Table.  I was so excited and touched that a).  they thought of something that would really mean something to me and b).  they still love taking time out of their busy schedules to spend an afternoon with me that doesn't involve Sunday laundry or college projects.

We went through all of Sur la Table classes for February that would coincide with all three of our schedules.  Since we were on the phone and they had the classes in front of them, I just let them read the menus off to me.  Every time they read one we were all in agreement...and we all kept saying "but you always make that for dinner, that wouldn't be anything new for you".

So, we all decided on their Girls Night Out: Galentine's Day Fondue Party!  We are so excited!! 

Later in the week, I went back to their website, after reading all of the upcoming class menus, I saw that there were actually some recipes that I had not tried before.  I have taken 2 of their classes previously and had so much fun.  I highly recommend taking one (or more) if you can.  As much as I would absolutely love to take all of their classes, it just isn't in my budget right now.   That being said...I know how to Google search and I know how to read, so I know I can learn some new menus!  I have chosen Saturdays to do these, because there is some time and planning involved and there is no way that I knock one of these out on a Thursday after work.

First one up that I tackled, was their "Date Night: Cooking with Wine"

• Seared Scallops with Prosecco Butter Sauce
• Chardonnay and Pecorino Risotto
• Classic Haricots Verts with White Wine and Shallots
• Chocolate Cake with Port and Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise

My husband LOVED this dinner.  He even put a rating on our command central menu board (which I am now regretting ever hanging).

Seared Scallops with Prosecco Butter Sauce
Compliments of Sur la Table

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil 
1-½ pounds sea scallops, tough ligament removed from the side 
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 
1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed 
1 small shallot, minced 
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1 cup Prosecco
¼ cup whipping cream 
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 
1 tablespoon lemon juice 
2 tablespoons chopped chives

* For even cooking with a crisp exterior, it is suggested that the exterior of the
scallops are patted dry prior to cooking, seasoned and allowed to reach room temperature before
being placed into a hot pan.

Remove the scallops from the refrigerator and season with salt and pepper. Allow to reach room temperature. 

To cook scallops: Place a large non-stick skillet over a high heat; add canola oil and heat until the oil starts to shimmer. Carefully add the seasoned scallops to the skillet, sear until browned on both sides and just opaque in the center—about 2 to 3 minutes per side, depending on the size. Using tongs, transfer the scallops to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. 

To prepare the sauce: Return the skillet to the stove over a moderate heat, and add the olive oil if the pan is dry. When the oil is shimmering, add the shallots and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Prosecco; bring the liquid to a boil and cook, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a silicone spatula. Pour in the cream and continue to cook until the mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter a little at a time. Stir in the lemon juice and chives, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. 

To serve: Divide the scallops between 4 warmed serving plates, ladle the sauce over the top

One Year Ago: Slow Cooker Pork Loin

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago: Blue Cheese Buffalo Bites and Kamikazes

Five Years Ago: Prosciutto Paninis