Hookd meets Pink

I finally met a new friend, Su. While my family and I were vacationing in California, I met up with Su in the city by the bay. Had a wonderful day of Peruvian food, window shopping, "stealing" craft ideas for less (crochet bonnet vs paper crown $40...I think not!) Ghirardelli sundaes, and closed the vacationing with a pool party that Su and her dh were able to attend. I had such a great time meeting her and her dh. I will take a photo of the goodies she crocheted for us. Our goodie packages included for me: a journal, two "sachet" flower baskets, a silky soft flower pin, and rose scented bath confetti and for dd: a crocheted Hello Kitty!, a squishy fishy who's eyes bulge out when we squeeze him (many laughs over that one) three plastic bracelets in purple, pink, and blue, in a green basket purse and for step mom-in-law, Maggie, there was more confetti, silky flower pin, and a smaller thread rose pin. I feel like I'm forgetting something, as you can see she was VERY generous and thoughtful! Excellent detail work! I swapped her a set of hot pink potholders in the same pattern that will be published in the 2007 CPAD calendar. She loved them. I'm so thankful I was able to meet you, Su. What a wonderful person you are. My dd connected so well with you too. I hope to see you again.

Foodie Friday - Tarragon Asparagus

Tarragon Asparagus

1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 c pecans (or favorite "cooking" nut) roughly chopped
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cleaned
1/2 Tbsp dried tarragon, crushed
1/4 c water
1/4 c balsamic vinegar

*In small skillet (needs lid), heat oil over low/med heat uncovered.
*Add pecans, saute until aromatic.
*Add asparagus, tarragon, and water. Cover to steam.
*When asparagus is cooked to your liking, add vinegar and just heat through. (If added to early, aspargus will turn "grey-ish.")

Serve immediately.

And this is how hubby started eating asparagus. :)

Foodie Friday - Chicken w/ Sweet Potatoes for 2

This is one of my favorite "Great Cooking for Two" recipes.
The book was published by Better Homes & Gardens in 1992

1/4 c dry white wine
(or substitute apple/white grape juice w/ 1 tsp vinegar for non-alcholic:
if there are others I'd love to hear 'em.)
1/4 c water
1/2 tsp instant chicken bouillon granules
1/4 tsp dried thyme, majoram, or basil - crushed

For sauce, in a small bowl stir together the white wine, water, chicken bouillon granules and herb. Set aside.
****
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (turkey tenderloin steaks can be subbed)
1 medium sweet potatos - peeled and cut into 1/2" slices
2 Tbsp olive oil

Rinse poultry & pat dry. Set aside.
In large skillet, cook the potato slices in hot oil, covered, over med heat 4 minutes, turning once.
Add poultry, cook uncovered turning once 8-10 minutes or until done w/ no pink.
Transfer poultry & potatoes to warm plate. Cover.

***
Carefully add the sauce to the skillet. Stir and scrape all browned bits off bottom. Gently simmer 2 min. or until sauce is reduced by half. Pour sauce over chicken and potatoes.

This is also how my hubby started to like sweet potatoes.

Weird Stuff About Me...

I've been tagged...I've never been tagged...I'm such a blogger virgin! I was tagged by Pink...and I'm so slow at all this. I do apologize for my tardiness. I will have to think of people to tag, because although I read their blogs on occassion...I have no clue if they read mine????

Anyway:

WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME!

*When making a sandwich...mustard goes on the meat side/mayo on the cheese side.
*I would prefer to have all British television.
*No matter where I start in a company, I end up in a management position before I leave.
*I must drive with my lights on...even during the day time.
*I hate shoes and socks...they come off 1 st thing when I get home!
*I eat evaporated milk on corn flakes.
*I prefer dark chocolate.
*Tea and Coffee must be made strong. No brown water for me.
*No matter where I park the car, I put the parking brake on. Visions of "getaway" cars...
*I lock the house doors right after a guest arrives. I am paranoid, yes. I'm sure it's kinda creepy to my guest...It's habit though.

Okay, that's enough "confession" today...I've always been weird.

So, I will try and tag:
Kari
Beth
Lani
Vik
Kelley
Wendy

Foodie Friday - Goulash

1 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained
2 cans stewed tomatos, onion, and celery ***DO NOT DRAIN***
1 c elbow macaroni, cooked and drained per pkg instructions
Italian Seasoning
Garlic
Salt/Pepper
Parmeasan Cheese

*Prepare ground beef in large skillet (I prefer cast iron for added flavor.)
*Prepare macaroni in large sauce pot.
*Drain beef.
*Drain macaroni and add to beef.
*Add veggies to beef & macaroni.
*Season to taste. Top w/ cheese.

It's nothing fancy...but it's quick, filling, and good.
Works well with your favorite lettuce salad and garlic bread.

What's Old is New Again...

My 30 yr old toddler rocking chair...I knitted and crocheted new cushions for it...dd LOVES it!