We arrived at the Villa on Thursday and are making an effort to stay in, not spend money dining out. Mom and Dad came down on Friday. Last night's dinner was Beef Stroganoff in the crockpot.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Verdict:
I served it over bowtie pasta and it was a hit. I give it a 9.5.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
A simple day at home
Today we stayed home as we do a lot lately. Mom came over around 11:30 and brought McDonald's (big Mac meals - I've obviously not gotten out of the eating whatever I want mode) for lunch. We played and played. Kate didn't take any substantial naps which was a little frustrating, but she's down at 6:30 and hopefully will sleep really well.
Deane was obsessed with colors today and learned black ("back") today. He's cuddling his dad and asking to watch Roary the Racing Car repeatedly (which sounds like "rwee"). He really just wants to hear the song over and over again.
Tonight's dinner was borrowed from "A Year of Slow Cooking" with my variations:
CrockPot Broccoli Beef
Ingredients:
--3/4 lb thin beef
--1/4 cup soy sauce
--2 T apple cider vinegar
--1 T brown sugar
--2 t sesame oil
--2 cloves smashed and chopped garlic
--1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes
--1 bag thawed broccoli florets (to add later)
Directions:
--add the liquid to the crockpot
--chop up your garlic, add to mixture
--stir in spices
--slice meat into thin strips
--toss ( I used my hands. it wasn't gross! )in the liquid and spice mixture to coat thoroughly
--cook on low for 6-8 hours, depending on the cut of meat. Thicker pieces will take longer to tenderize.
--an hour before serving, add entire bag of broccoli, cover and cook on high for another hour or so
--stir gingerly to coat broccoli
serve over steamed rice.
Verdict: I thought it was a bit vinegary. I didn't use the 2T white wine it called for; maybe that would have made a difference. Chris thought it could have been a little sweeter. I'd give it a 5.5/6.
Deane was obsessed with colors today and learned black ("back") today. He's cuddling his dad and asking to watch Roary the Racing Car repeatedly (which sounds like "rwee"). He really just wants to hear the song over and over again.
Tonight's dinner was borrowed from "A Year of Slow Cooking" with my variations:
CrockPot Broccoli Beef
Ingredients:
--3/4 lb thin beef
--1/4 cup soy sauce
--2 T apple cider vinegar
--1 T brown sugar
--2 t sesame oil
--2 cloves smashed and chopped garlic
--1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes
--1 bag thawed broccoli florets (to add later)
Directions:
--add the liquid to the crockpot
--chop up your garlic, add to mixture
--stir in spices
--slice meat into thin strips
--toss ( I used my hands. it wasn't gross! )in the liquid and spice mixture to coat thoroughly
--cook on low for 6-8 hours, depending on the cut of meat. Thicker pieces will take longer to tenderize.
--an hour before serving, add entire bag of broccoli, cover and cook on high for another hour or so
--stir gingerly to coat broccoli
serve over steamed rice.
Verdict: I thought it was a bit vinegary. I didn't use the 2T white wine it called for; maybe that would have made a difference. Chris thought it could have been a little sweeter. I'd give it a 5.5/6.
Crockpot French Dips
I actually made this a week ago today, but I didn't post about it.
Crockpot French Dips
Verdict:
This is not a traditional roast beef french dip in the way that the meat is prepared, but the flavor was very good. We gave it a 7.5.
Crockpot French Dips
Verdict:
This is not a traditional roast beef french dip in the way that the meat is prepared, but the flavor was very good. We gave it a 7.5.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday's Accomplishments
This morning I realized as I was brushing my teeth tat I had been up for 2.5 hours already. Chris had to work so he left about 8 and I proceeded to do two load of laundry, bathe all of three of us, have a little photo shoot of Kate in her Christmas dress that I didn't really capture, feed Deane, feed Kate twice, load the dishwasher, etc. before brushing my teeth.
I also got all of the Christmas decorations moved from the theatre room into the closet which needed to happen for about two weeks.
Tonight's accomplishment was that we had a little night out for $19.27.
First we went to the mall and bought a birthday gift using Chris' Simon gift card. So I ended up paying $2.95.
Then we tried out Los Amigos in Cumberland Square in Bettendorf and used our B1G1 coupon from the Dining Guide. We ended up spending $16 with tip. We were in and out in less than 25 minutes - it is Mexican, but we were also probably hilarious as we sucked down our drinks. I nursed while eating and Deane sat on his own for most of the meal and in a booster for a short time. We both had one free hand to work with . It was quite a sight. The food was decent and it was a cozy little neighborhood place with friendly service - not traditional Mexican.
Then we went to Coldstone for my birthday free ice cream which Chris, Deane and I shared. I had to pay $.32 for it.
Success...kids in bed...margaritas with Cabo Wabo (from last year's trip to Cabo that we hadn't opened).
We were out of the house for about 2.75 hours, so not bad.
And now we're watching Bridges of Madison County. Chris freely admits that he's trying to score some points. I love him.
I also got all of the Christmas decorations moved from the theatre room into the closet which needed to happen for about two weeks.
Tonight's accomplishment was that we had a little night out for $19.27.
First we went to the mall and bought a birthday gift using Chris' Simon gift card. So I ended up paying $2.95.
Then we tried out Los Amigos in Cumberland Square in Bettendorf and used our B1G1 coupon from the Dining Guide. We ended up spending $16 with tip. We were in and out in less than 25 minutes - it is Mexican, but we were also probably hilarious as we sucked down our drinks. I nursed while eating and Deane sat on his own for most of the meal and in a booster for a short time. We both had one free hand to work with . It was quite a sight. The food was decent and it was a cozy little neighborhood place with friendly service - not traditional Mexican.
Then we went to Coldstone for my birthday free ice cream which Chris, Deane and I shared. I had to pay $.32 for it.
Success...kids in bed...margaritas with Cabo Wabo (from last year's trip to Cabo that we hadn't opened).
We were out of the house for about 2.75 hours, so not bad.
And now we're watching Bridges of Madison County. Chris freely admits that he's trying to score some points. I love him.
Friday, January 7, 2011
A Day at Home & yummy dinner
I was fortunate to stay home today. Since I've been back to work for one day, I'm already appreciating it more. It was normal...which was great. Mom came over mid-morning and we went to Hy-Vee. I didn't use a single coupon, but took advantage of the 3 Day Sale at Hy-Vee. Spent $73. How can you not stalk up on 3.99 wine????
Deane took a 3.5 hour nap, ate french fries for lunch and wouldn't eat dinner after having 4 glasses of milk. I discovered the Taylor Swift sog "Never Grow Up" and I want everyday of his to be just like this. He's so cute in his tight little one piece jammies.
Kate is charming at 10 weeks. That's impressive.
Here's what I made for dinner:
Annie's White Pizza with Carmelized Onions
Ingredients:
Pizza dough (Pillsbury)
3/4 Sweet Onion
8 oz. Cream Cheese
2-3 oz. Bleu Cheese
1 T. minced Garlic
Directions:
Add 1 T of minced garlic to 8 oz. cream cheese. Precook dough for a few minutes as package instructs. Carmelize ¾ yellow onion in olive oil, salt & sugar. Spread cream cheese mix across cooled dough. Add onions and bleu cheese. I also put some green olives in one corner.
I cut up a tomato and put olive oil, balsamic vinear and some roasted garlic sea salt on it. I let it sit in the fridge for a couple hours and the salt was yummy.
Verdict:
We really loved the pizza. I think it was a 9. Chris says 8.5/9.
Deane took a 3.5 hour nap, ate french fries for lunch and wouldn't eat dinner after having 4 glasses of milk. I discovered the Taylor Swift sog "Never Grow Up" and I want everyday of his to be just like this. He's so cute in his tight little one piece jammies.
Kate is charming at 10 weeks. That's impressive.
Here's what I made for dinner:
Annie's White Pizza with Carmelized Onions
Ingredients:
Pizza dough (Pillsbury)
3/4 Sweet Onion
8 oz. Cream Cheese
2-3 oz. Bleu Cheese
1 T. minced Garlic
Directions:
Add 1 T of minced garlic to 8 oz. cream cheese. Precook dough for a few minutes as package instructs. Carmelize ¾ yellow onion in olive oil, salt & sugar. Spread cream cheese mix across cooled dough. Add onions and bleu cheese. I also put some green olives in one corner.
I cut up a tomato and put olive oil, balsamic vinear and some roasted garlic sea salt on it. I let it sit in the fridge for a couple hours and the salt was yummy.
Verdict:
We really loved the pizza. I think it was a 9. Chris says 8.5/9.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Sick family & Cauliflower Soup
I've been sick for almost two weeks and Deane has been for about a week. Chris has been sick for about 24 hours and I admit, I do not have a lot of compassion for my sick husband sometimes. Baby Kate is also enjoying a runny nose and little cough - so sad.
I went back to work for the first time and although it was valuable, I had to run home to feed Kate because she was screaming and I think I'd rather have stayed home. We'll see as I work more.
We had to meet with Deacon Chuck tonight about Kate's baptism and while we were there, Mom started dinner for us. We tried Christina Hendricks' (Joan from Mad Men) Cauliflower Soup recipe that she made on the Rachael Ray show. Here it is:
Christina Hendricks' Cauliflower Soup (with my ingredient changes)
Ingredients
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onions, chopped
• 1 ½ cups celery, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 cups cauliflower (2 large heads), chopped in 1’’ pieces
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 bag Mozzerella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Crumbled bacon and fresh herbs for garnish
Yields: Serves 8
Directions
Sauté bacon in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat until golden brown; set aside a few pieces to crumble as garnish.
Add onion, celery and garlic. Cover; cook until veggies are soft, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes.
Add cauliflower, broth, and cheese; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes.
Puree soup in batches in a blender.
Return to pan, add cream; let soup simmer. Thin with more broth if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls; top with cheese shavings, bacon, any fresh herbs (like tarragon), and a tiny drizzle of truffle oil – a little goes a long way.
Verdict: 7.5/8 it was pretty good. It suggests white truffle oil which would be delish, but it's not very budget friendly. She suggeste a 3" block of romano cheese. When I put the cheese in, it just sort of clumped so maybe a different choice would have been better.
I went back to work for the first time and although it was valuable, I had to run home to feed Kate because she was screaming and I think I'd rather have stayed home. We'll see as I work more.
We had to meet with Deacon Chuck tonight about Kate's baptism and while we were there, Mom started dinner for us. We tried Christina Hendricks' (Joan from Mad Men) Cauliflower Soup recipe that she made on the Rachael Ray show. Here it is:
Christina Hendricks' Cauliflower Soup (with my ingredient changes)
Ingredients
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onions, chopped
• 1 ½ cups celery, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 cups cauliflower (2 large heads), chopped in 1’’ pieces
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 bag Mozzerella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Crumbled bacon and fresh herbs for garnish
Yields: Serves 8
Directions
Sauté bacon in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat until golden brown; set aside a few pieces to crumble as garnish.
Add onion, celery and garlic. Cover; cook until veggies are soft, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes.
Add cauliflower, broth, and cheese; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes.
Puree soup in batches in a blender.
Return to pan, add cream; let soup simmer. Thin with more broth if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls; top with cheese shavings, bacon, any fresh herbs (like tarragon), and a tiny drizzle of truffle oil – a little goes a long way.
Verdict: 7.5/8 it was pretty good. It suggests white truffle oil which would be delish, but it's not very budget friendly. She suggeste a 3" block of romano cheese. When I put the cheese in, it just sort of clumped so maybe a different choice would have been better.
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