My Week

Can you believe it is the last day of July?  It's been a busy week here.  I've been dehydrating herbs and veggies all week.  I have to say that the Ninja's dehydrating setting is amazing and saves a huge amount of time.  Along with dehydrating everything I can, I made another large batch of basil pesto, 6 1/2 pint jars of Jalapeno pepper jelly and blueberry jam. I still have so much to do but I see a lot of deliciousness for the fall and winter in my pantry and freezer. 

Our new HVAC system was installed Wednesday without any drama.  It's nice to know we are under warranty for the next 15 years.  We had our airducts cleaned the day before it was installed and oh my goodness the amount of dust that comes out when they do that is unbelievable.  The air quality in the house feels so much better.

I'm almost finished reading The Kitchen Whisperers and am enjoying it.  The author talks about kitchen 'workarounds' that she has found over the years.  It was interesting that three of them are also in my kitchen.  Better Than Bouillon, Rao's pasta sauce and Maya Kaimal's Indian sauces.  She actually knows Maya and has worked with her. Nice to find out she is an actual person and not just a corporations marketing.  One workaround I've never thought of or heard of was to save the water that you soak your beans in as a stock for various soups, stews, etc.  Now why had I never thought of that? I have My Place at the Table to start next.  It's about creating a delicious life in Paris.  It should be a fun summer read.

Meals this week were pretty light and simple. 

BLT with chicken salt oven 'fries'

Chicken Tikka Masala (Maya's brand), rice, naan (I added diced zucchini to the chicken masala, and it was delicious)

BIG salad x2

Sloppy Joes, fried patty pan squash - delicious

Fried chicken, red potatoes, corn on the cob, sliced tomato with basil

Coho salmon, grilled summer squash and zucchini

Tonight, it's loaded chicken nachos for me

The storm door was installed Friday but not without drama.  Monday the installer called and set up an appointment for Thursday between 1 and 3.  At 230 he called and said he had a flat tire and could he reschedule for Friday at the same time.  We agreed.  Friday at 230 no one had shown up yet.  We called the installer and was told he had been by and knocked and no one was there.  NOT TRUE.  He said he would be here by 330.  I called Lowes and they offered to accelerate the issue.  I said no, it's already been accelerated once and that obviously doesn't work.  While on the phone with Lowes the installer showed up. 27 days to get it installed. The door is perfect but needless to say we'll be going to Menards from now on.

The big guy is in Chicago this weekend for his 9th degree promotion.  We didn't yet have Binx when we originally made plans to go together.  After a lot of thought on both of our parts we decided I would stay home with Binx.  Neither of us wanted him to be boarded for 3 days. That is especially hard on cats.  I'm going to facetime to be able to at least see the ceremony and watch him receive his belt so while not like actually being there it is better for Binx to be home.

I have the house to myself again today and hope to be as productive as I was yesterday but also with a bit of relaxation in the mix.

That's about it for my week.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a relaxing week ahead.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: 

Herbs that are going crazy. Today I need to make basil pesto and more arugula pesto.  I will be picking rosemary, mint, basil and oregano to dehydrate.  The rosemary is 4 years old and planted in the yard.  All of the other herbs are growing in large pots.  I'm still planning my raised bed herb garden for next spring.  I know where I want it but I need to really think about how big I want it.  I grow a lot of herbs.

Where I've been: 

I picked up two library books that I had requested. I don't know if other states do this but if you request a book that they do not have, they request it from another library in the system and it is shipped to them, and you'll have it in two or three days.  I think that is amazing. I also stopped by the farmer market which was bursting with goodness.  Other than that, it's been work or home for me.

Where I'm going:

The museum in Springfield has been working on a Generation X exhibition opening in October.  I'm really hoping the Covid, Monkey Pox and any other virus that may pop up is low then because I really want to go.

What I'm watching: 

I haven't watched anything notable this week.

What I'm reading: 

The Kitchen Whisperers by Dorothy Kalins.  I am loving this book so far.

What I'm listening to: 

I'm still striving for peace and quiet every chance I can get.

What I'm eating: 

Banana Pudding!  A wonderful summer dessert.

BIG salad x2

Chicken sausage, veggie pizza

Cheeseburger and zucchini fries

Chicken and veggie egg rolls with rice

Manicotti and garlic cheese biscuits (I shredded a medium zucchini and put it in the ricotta, cheese filling. I have a LOT of zucchinis and it was tasty and add vitamins)

I'm not sure what we're having tonight, but it will include fried patty pan squash.  It's my first time making it and the woman at the market promised we'd love it.  I'll let you know.

Who needs a good slap:

Lowes.  On July 2 we picked the door, which was in stock, and paid the deposit for the installer to come out and measure to make sure it was the right door.  Three days later the installer came out, measured and called Lowes to tell them yes, the door was right.  Lowes called us to come and pay the remainder and it would be installed.  We paid but haven't heard anything since.  We tried to call the store and either got hung up on or were put on hold.  So, Friday afternoon the big guy went to the store.  No one knew where the door was or who the installer was and he was furious.  A store employee that he wasn't even talking to walked by him and gave him a toll-free number to call.  I called and it was the new store manager.  She listened to my concerns, looked at our account and said she would make sure this was taken care of by Tuesday.  She said she is working to get the store up to par and to please give her a chance.  So today I'm giving Lowes two slaps, if I don't have the door by Friday, they will get 5 slaps and I'm going to get our money back and go somewhere else.

What I'm planning:

 I've started my fall planting plan and my list of everything that needs done outside before winter.  Yes, it will be here before we know it.

What's making me smile:

 For the last three or four years we've had yearly trouble with our H Vac system. Wednesday evening I noticed it was leaking.  It was 10 minutes until 5pm so I called our favorite local guy.  He said to turn it off, shop vac the water up and he would be out the next morning.  At 8:30 he was here.  Long story short, he was able to get it working without leaking, but we made the decision to go ahead and replace it. It is a high-end unit that was installed in 2006. Because it does both heat and air he explained you have to double the age because it does double the work.  This is a smile because even though pricey, it was about $3000.00 less than I imagined, it will lower our monthly bill, he charged us nothing for the work he did and it will have a 15-year warranty on everything.  The owner of this company is meticulous with his work and it will be done Wednesday.  So I'm choosing to look at the bright side of this and smile.

I hope everyone stays cool and has a wonderful Sunday!!

Scenes of Summer in my corner of the world

Farmers Market

Cederhurst Thursday night live

Aquatic Park

Freshly mowed fields

Around our yard

Stay cool and enjoy your Saturday!

Things That Make Me Smile

I always find a quote to put in my journal to focus on during the week.  I LOVE this weeks as it is exactly what I've been trying to do.  I do not know where this quote originated.  Happy Thursday!!

"Live in the present and make it so BEAUTIFUL it will be worth remembering."

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:

The days go by so quickly and it is so easy to operate on autopilot and let the day run you instead of you running your day that I want to continue to be a bit more mindful of how I spend each day.  I want to celebrate all the joys, big and small that happen on a regular basis.  I know I've mentioned this before, this is more of a reminder to myself.

Where I've been: 

Monday I took Binx to the vet for his first visit.  He was so good and charmed both the vet tech and the vet with his shiny coat and confident personality.  He received his last initial shot and didn't even flinch but instead just looked at the vet after she gave it like "what are you doing".  Wednesday I went for a much-needed haircut. Saturday was the big guys birthday so we skipped going out of town for our usual biweekly grocery shop.  We have plenty and will stock up next week.  The big guy chose one of the local BBQ places for his Birthday lunch Saturday and it did not disappoint.

Where I'm going:

It is going to be a very busy week at work.  I have two new doctors that I will have to do orientations with so that is two days gone.  I also have to do payroll and everything else that comes up daily so it will be brutal I'm sure.  Saturday we'll head out of town to shop and have lunch.

What I'm watching:

I'm watching Binx grow daily.  He was 3.5 pounds when we brought him home at 12 weeks old.  Now after 6 weeks with us he weighs 6.5.  He is so tall and long, I think he's going to be a big kitty.

What I'm reading:

I didn't have much time for reading this week and am still on the same book as last week.  I will finish hopefully today.

What I'm listening to:

Quiet rumbles of thunder telling me it will be a cloudy, rainy day which I am oddly OK with today.

What I'm eating:

Sunday I grilled a whole chicken so it provided two more meals for this week along with one for my lunch.

LO-Moroccan lamb meatballs, rice and naan

LO chicken, mashed potatoes, tomatoes and arugula

LO BBQ chicken, zucchini tots, tomatoes

BLT's and oven fries

Beef sausage, peppers, onions, mac and cheese

Korean Beef, rice and naan

I baked a chocolate cake with butter cream frosting for the big guy's birthday.  The layers are a bit crooked, but it tastes delicious so that's what really matters.  I don't bake layer cakes very often anymore and I'm obviously out of practice.

Who needs a good slap: 

No one particular comes to mind today.

What I'm planning: 

Nothing at the moment.

What's making me smile: 

Knowing I have an entire day to spend as I want with the Big Guy makes me smile.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoys their Sunday!!

Moroccan Lamb Meatballs

I wrote this recipe down to try it over a year ago and I do not remember where I found it so I can't give credit where credit is due.  I finally made it on Saturday and this is a keeper. I served with Naan and it was a delicious meal. 

If you do not enjoy lamb, I think ground chicken or turkey would also work well.

Meatballs:

1 pound ground lamb

1 grated onion with the juice

1/2 Cup Panko or breadcrumbs

1 Egg

3 cloves of garlic, diced

1 tsp. cumin, coriander, paprika

1/2 tsp. cinnamon, cayenne, salt

1/4 Cup cilantro, leaves and stems finely chopped

1 Tbs. olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Let sit in refrigerator for about an hour if you have time to bring out even more flavor.

Bake in the oven at 350 for 35 minutes or Airfry at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Turning once half way through.

This time I baked them in the oven.

Sauce:

1 Cup plain Greek yogurt

2 cloves of garlic, diced (or use 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder)

Juice from 1/2 of a lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate until using.

Curry rice:

1 1/2 Cup Basmati rice

2 1/4 Cup chicken or veggie stock

2 carrots, grated

1 Cup peas

3 cloves of garlic, diced

2 tsp. ginger, diced

1 small onion, diced

3 tsp. curry

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. corianter

1/2 tsp. cayenne

Rinse the rice well, drain

Add all ingredients and cook for 15 minutes on medium heat.  Cover and turn to low for 5 minutes and then take off the heat and let it rest, covered for 10 minutes.

My Weekly W's

 Good Morning and Happy Sunday!

What's top of my mind:  The garden and the local produce.  It's getting that time of year that I'm pulling something out of the garden daily.  The tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers and herbs are all doing very well.  The squirrels didn't eat all of the arugula like I originally thought.  We've been eating it for a week or two and I actually had enough to make arugula pesto yesterday.  I love that in winter soups, pasta dishes and on pizza so I'm happy.  I'll probably get more this fall also.  I also dehydrated all of the dill yesterday.  Next on the list is oregano.  The basil is going crazy and I'll be making pesto out of it soon.  But first I must make a tomato, basil, motz. pizza.  My favorite. The blueberries and cherry tomatoes are from a friend and so good.

Where I've been:  This week I didn't go anywhere except for a quick trip to the store for milk and bananas and a stop at the farmers market for a couple of large jars of honey.  I try to keep local honey in stock at all times. I use it in place of sugar in a lot of things.

Where I'm going:  Tomorrow Binx has his first visit to the vet.  He had all of his shots and was microchipped when we picked him up but he didn't weigh enough for the rabies shot plus I just want to get him established.  I'm sure he'll do fine.  Wednesday I have a much-needed hair appointment for a trim.  Saturday is the big guys birthday.  Per his request, he did not want a party but wanted to go to Drakes for lunch so that is the plan.  I will be making him a cake and have all the decorations needed. Other than that, it's a full work week.

This was yesterday.  Binx has grown SO much in the last 5 weeks.  He's such a joy.

What I'm watching: I watched Bridemaids again while I was working in the kitchen one night.  It always makes me laugh.  

What I'm reading:  I'm about halfway through Khabaar and am enjoying it.  I need to reserve another book or two this week so I have something when I finish.  I can't be without a good book, especially in the summer.

What I'm listening to:  I'm focusing on my inner voice and the people in my circle.  The outside world may be spinning out of control but I can only control what I do.

What I'm eating:  

Baby back ribs, chicken kabobs, mac salad, stuffed mushrooms and texas toast

Left over wings and steak from Saturday, mac salad and corn on the cob

Left over ribs, chicken kabobs, salad and roasted red potatoes

Beef chili-I don't usually make this in the summer but the big guy requested it.  He had a craving.

BIG salad

Moroccan lamb meatballs with curry rice, naan ( I will post this recipe this week.  It was amazing.)

Tonight, I'm grilling a spatch cocked chicken.  Sides to be determined.

Who needs a good slap:  All of the keyboard warriors.  I don't go on FB very often but it never fails when I do there are so many posts complaining about this company or that person.  I just scroll on but can't help but wonder why they are putting this all on FB.  I just don't get it.  

What is making me smile:  Yesterday we had rain off and, on all day, so I was forced to stay in and do things around the house.  I ticked a lot of things off my to do list which always makes me smile.  Today, it's sunny but cooler so the outside windows are all getting done.  I'm going to fertilize all of the trees and bushes.  Then I'm going to relax in my chair outside and read.  

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!!

BIG salads

I've had a couple people ask what I mean when I write BIG salad on the menu.  We typically have one or two BIG salads a week for dinner with small side salads with other meals.

BIG salads for me change with the seasons.

Above is an example of a summertime version.  This had lettuce and arugula, cucumber and radishes from the garden. Cherry tomatoes from my friend and sliced red onions with a hard-boiled egg and a sliced fried chicken breast between the two of us.

The goal of it is to pack as many veggies on the plate as possible.  

In the winter they will include a lot of carrots, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, Bok choy, cabbage. Any veggie that is tasty raw and in season is used.  

I'm going back to growing sprouts because I love what they add to a salad. 

Sometimes I add cheese sometimes I don't. They do not always include meat but if they do it is typically chicken or on the rare occasion we have ham I will slice it and add.  I always make my own dressing.  We seem to go between creamy Italian, honey mustard and ranch but I love trying new ideas to give a lot of flavors.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Saturday!!

Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

 

I read Kitchen Yarns by Ann Hood a few weeks ago and she had this recipe in the book.  I'd never heard of Jordan Marsh Bakery but the recipe sounded so good I had to try it and it did not disappoint.  I've tried a number of Blueberry Muffin recipes and this is by far my new favorite.

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar, plus 2 teaspoons for the muffins' tops

2 eggs, room temperature

2 cups of flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup milk, room temperature

2 1/2 cups blueberries

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

On low speed, cream the butter with the sugar until it's fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time until blended in.

Sift the dry ingredients, add to the mixture, alternating with the milk.

Mash 1/2 cup of the berries and stir into the mixture by hand.

Add the rest of the berries whole and stir by hand.

Grease 12 muffin tins or use paper liners.

Fill each cup to the top and sprinkle with a bit of sugar.

Bake for 30 minutes.

My Weely W's

What's top of my mind:

  I have been going through all the closets, drawers, etc. for the last couple of months and there is a good amount of stuff that I want to get rid of.  There are a lot of brand-new items, mainly gifts, that would probably bring in a little cash but I've decided time is money and I don't really want to give up an entire Saturday to have a yard sale so it is all going to Good Will Tuesday where hopefully everything will find a new home.

Where I've been: 

Friday I went to pick up a few things at the farmer's market.  Saturday morning, we ran a few errands and stopped at Lowes to get a storm door for the front door. We've never had a storm door on the front because we have a gorgeous red door with a stained-glass window and I've never wanted to take away from the look but I found the perfect one that will still let our front door shine and offer another layer of protection.  It will be installed this week.

Where I'm going: 

It rained all day yesterday which was a nice change of pace but I'm hoping for sunny skies today so I can sit outside and read for a while. 

What I'm watching:

We finished Stranger Things this week.  I always enjoy that blast from my past with all the clothes and hairstyles and scenes from the 80's.  

What I'm reading: 

I'm almost finished with Blood, Bones and Butter.  Next on my list is Khabaar...An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory and Family.

What I'm listening to:

My inner voice which is telling me to focus on what's important to me right now.

What I'm eating:

Jalapeno chicken sausage, peppers and onions, mac and cheese
Beef and cheese roll up with zucchini chips
Chicken tika masala, rice, naan
Veg omelet, potato and toast
Big Salad
BLT zucchini chips

Today I'm making pasta salad, coleslaw and deviled eggs.  Tonight, we're grilling a steak for me and chicken wings for the big guy.  Tomorrow will be chicken kabobs for me and baby back ribs for him.  These sides along with corn on the cob and stuffed portabellas and jalapeno peppers will be perfect for the next two days.

Again I noticed it pays to buy local.  The baby back ribs were 31.00 at the grocery store.  Our local meat place had the same size for 14.00.  BIG difference.

Who needs a good slap: 

Right now there are just too many people to choose from.  Take your pick.

What I'm planning: 

I'm continuing with my project list.  There is nothing quite as satisfying as checking items off.

What's making me smile: 

Sunflowers are my favorite flower and they're all starting to bloom.  How can anyone look at a sunflower and not smile?

I hope everyone has a safe and peaceful Holiday weekend!!

Cherry Hand Pies

I honestly can't believe it is July 1st!  We are halfway through 2022 and I really wish time would slow down a bit.

Sweet Cherry season is over here in our area but I did get to make at least one batch of these delicious pies.  I will make a note to plan better next year and have some to freeze.

Filling:

2 1/2 Cups pitted sweet cherries

1/4 Cup sugar

1 1/2 Tablespoon Corn Starch

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Place all ingredients in a saucepan over medium high heat.  Stir constantly. Six minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool completely

Cut out 8 circles of pie dough and fill each with 3 large Tablespoons of the filling.

Brush with egg wash.

Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.

Let cool and glaze with powdered sugar glaze if desired.