Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Chutney

chut·ney [ chĂștnee ]
noun
Definition:
1. spicy relish: a sweet and spicy relish made from fruit, spices, sugar, and vinegar
The fruit of choice: RHUBARB... I remember eating rhubarb as a kid. We would just sit on the grass, near the garden with a salt shaker and peel the red outside skin off and shake it with lots of salt and eat it. I loved it. I was at the grocery store the other day and saw these big beautiful stocks of it and couldn't resist. So, I brought them home and peeled them and shook them with salt... and ....ewwwww.... man it was sour and almost pucker-y? So, I had to come up with something. I like relish with Ham or Pork Chops and thought... CHUTNEY! It was really good with grilled pork chops and I'm sure it would be even better with ham. So, here it is...
Rhubarb Chutney:
courtesy of Marth Stewart every day food
Ingredients
Makes 2 cups
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 pound rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 tablespoon peeled minced fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
Directions
In a saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook until softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
Add rhubarb, raisins, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon stick. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb begins to break down, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and stir in vinegar. (To store, refrigerate, up to 5 days.) Serve with ham or pork and cornichons.
**I didn't have a cinnamon stick, and I think I might have added too much cinnamon... I just shook some in, so if that is the case for you... be careful not to add too much... go ahead, try it!

Monday, May 11, 2009

"sports mother therapy"


Anyone familiar with any books written that are therapy for mothers with kids in sports? Seriously... I need it. I do NOT handle sports well. I get so hot and bothered that I have to pace in order to calm myself down. I try and be upbeat and supportive and compliment my kids on a good job. I cheer and yell for not only them but their team-mates too. I try and smile at the coaches and their wives. I try and teach at home when I get the chance. But still after the game, I get in the car and pssssssssssssssssssss...... let off the steam. I GET SO FRUSTERATED! mostly with the things I can do nothing about. I know kids have potential and all it takes is practice.. so that part doesn't bug me as much as "in the moment" they should have some coaching and teaching and lights on, kick myself in the butt, aha, oh I get it, try something different next time... bells ringing SOMETHING that would result in improvement. No more excuses... I can't candy coat things... "nice try... good swing...it's o.k." kind of thing when I think they COULD DO BETTER. See.... I need a therapy book. I love my kids and I know they try and I want to and DO SUPPORT them. I just want them to be successful. I don't care if they are the star athelete on scholarship...or even if they WIN every game... I know they are CAPABLE HUMAN BEINGS!

WOW! There's a glance inside of me for you.... :) The summer is coming and baseball season will be in full swing... I must prepare myself! So, if you have any great words of wisdom.... do share. And don't "candy coat it" just kidding!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

sometimes life is a little "hairy"

Life has been a little "HAIRY" for Andy these days. He got the cold that seems to be circulating in our family... not lucky for him.... it turned into much more than just runny nose and cough... so we took him to the Dr. and he sent us home with a breathing machine, antibiotics, and a sympathetic pat on the back. Andy's not real sure about sitting still for 6 minutes with the mask on...this picture doesn't do the hair justice.. but it is wacko! today!

He slept forever this morning which made for some crazy hair and cute smiles.
Nick even got to take a chug on the peace pipe.
he's practicing... and finally got the mask the right way

All in all he's feeling a bit better, sleeping, and deep breathing some good fog...

Monday, May 4, 2009

fruit flowers

the Fruit Flower Arrangement for the shower turned out grand. I especially loved the apple star flowers with green centers and the limes. I think everything needs a touch of green. The food was delicious and the party was very fun. Haley just seems to fit right in. Dallas is a lucky guy and Haley is a lucky girl. Next big event.... Aubri's wedding!!!




Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My How To... for the day

I can't resist embellishing... I found this cute photo album at Hobby Lobby and decided it would make a cute recipe book. So with the help from a little cream colored ric-rac, a cheap flower torn apart, a flat glass bead, some polka dot scrap paper with the word RECIPES printed on it from the computer...this once plain photo album has a purpose...No peaking Haley! It's a shower gift! Can't wait for another fun partying weekend.

Beautiful Spring Morning...

our on-going back yard project...

my favorite color right now is GREEN!!!



Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Book Club

I'm so excited for Book Club a.k.a. "Treats and a Good Book" tonight... we are discussing the book Lemon Tart.

I decided to make my version of gingerbread.
chocolate swirl gingerbread
1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cloves
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. molasses
1 egg
2 oz. melted semi sweet chocolate

1. preheat oven 325. Butter 8" square dish. combine dry ingredients.
2. melt butter and water in saucepan. stir into dry ingredients. add molasses and egg
3. pour half of batter into dish. drizzle half of chocolate over batter. add remaning batter and drizzle remaining batter in zig zag pattern over top.
4. run a knife through the lines of chocolate, alternating the direction each time.
5. bake until toothpick comes out clean. about 30 minutes.

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