My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  I can't believe it is the end of October.  I'm reminding myself to live in the moment because it all goes by too quickly and I don't want to miss a thing.

Where I've been: Monday thru Thursday I worked, and it was brutal.  I'm so glad I had scheduled a three-day weekend because I really needed it.  Friday, we went to Garden of the Gods and spent the day walking and eating a delicious lunch.  It was gorgeous even though the trees do not have as much color as usual because of severe drought in the area.  Saturday, we went shopping in our favorite town about 45 minutes west of us and went to Drakes for lunch so I could cure my club craving.  Both days were wonderful spending time together enjoying the Fall weather.

Where I'm going: I have a hair appointment this week and other than work no solid plans yet.

What I'm watching: This week I watched Bettle Juice again and Cruella for the first time which was pretty good.  I also found a new Netflix series Easy Bake Battle and watched a few episodes that I really enjoyed. It is home cooks competing in different challenges.

What I'm reading: I gave up on The Ten Thousand Doors of January.  It kept skipping around and I just found it frustrating.  I started From Scratch by Tembi Locke and am loving it.  It's brought me to happy and sad tears a few times.  I can't wait to watch the Netflix series.

What I'm listening to: We listened to a lot of 80's music on our road trips this weekend.  Nothing like a blast from the past.

What I'm eating: 

Big Salad

Pancakes and Bacon

Fried chicken sandwich and sweet potato 'fries'

Chili, jalapeno poppers (one for each was enough because the peppers were HUGE) and all the typical chili toppings

Coho salmon, big salad

Crackers, cheeses, pickles, dip (we were still pretty full after our lunch)

Who needs a good slap: Fresh Market Thyme which used to be my favorite grocery store has changed to ALL self-checkout and I didn't realize it until we had completed our shopping.  I am all for the self-checkout for those that want to use it but to have that as the only option is not cool to me.  I had a ton of fresh fruit and veggies which all has to be looked up individually.  A worker came up and I asked her when they went to ALL self-checkout, and she said a couple of weeks ago.  I told her that this could not be customer friendly and that I would not be coming back.  Her reply was a very snippy, condescending SORRRRREEE. I looked at her and said no you're not and you can put everything that doesn't have a barcode up because I'm not doing this.  Now I know why the store was not as crowded as it usually is on a Saturday morning. We won't be going back, and I give that wench 5 slaps.

What I'm planning: I made a huge dent in my Fall cleaning last weekend and will be continuing with that. Exciting, I know.

What's making me smile: The weather has been wonderful and that always makes me smile.

I hope everyone is doing well and has a wonderful Sunday.  Happy Halloween to all that celebrate!!

Flashback Friday

Today I'm reposting about an appetizer that I love more and more each time I eat it.  I originally posted about them in 2020 when I first tried them. I was a bit skeptical at first on whether I'd enjoy them or not because honestly, the combo sounds a bit odd.  I've made them many times since and I just love them. So if you're looking for a new appetizer or light snack option this is a good one.  

 https://culinaryadventureswithlori.blogspot.com/2020/08/an-appetizer-and-score-at-farmers-market.html

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Time gets away from most of us.  It's already the last week of October so I'm really focusing on each day and appreciating every moment. My motto has always been "Run the day or the day will run you."  This is the left corner of our backyard showing all of its fall glory.  Today I need to get a photo of our burning bushes that are at their peak.

Where I'm going: Hopefully my new glasses will be ready this week so I can pick them up.  Friday I'm taking the day off so we can go for a hike through Garden of the Gods and see even more Fall beauty.  Saturday we're going out of town to do some shopping, have lunch at Drakes to cure my club craving and pick up our meat order.

What I'm watching: We watched this week's Great British Baking Show. 

What I'm reading: I finished The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches which I really enjoyed.  I'm about halfway through The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow and am also enjoying it. This passage really caught my attention: "If we address stories as archaeological sites, and dust through their layers with meticulous care, we find at some level there is always a doorway. A dividing point between here and there, us and them, mundane and magical.  It is at the moments when the doors open, when things flow between the worlds, that stories happen."   I also bought From Scratch, and it should be here tomorrow.  I want to read it before I watch the Netflix series that just came out. 

What I'm listening to: Right now, I have the patio door open, and I can hear the leaves rustling around from the wind.  It is a comforting sound.

What I'm eating: 

Red beans and rice with cornbread x 2

Beef chili with garlic bread

I made a "pizza" out of two naan's that I had in the freezer, and it was delicious.

Grilled chicken, loaded baked potatoes and corn

Bacon cheeseburgers with fries (the big guy's request)

I'm not sure about tonight yet, but I'm thinking some type of pasta dish with a big salad.

Who needs a good slap: I kept myself pretty sheltered this week without news, FB or any other outside influences, so I'm happy to report no slap this week to anyone. 

What I'm planning: November has a good number of appointments and commitments so I have to keep an eye on my schedule.

What's making me smile: Michael, the dear, from Spo-Reflections | To live is to battle with trolls in the vaults of heart and brain. To write; this is to sit in judgment over one's Self. Henrik Ibsen (wordpress.com) and I have been exchanging Good Morning memes for a couple of years now.  This month we've shared Fall/Halloween inspired messages all month.  Yesterday I scrolled through the month looking at them again and it brought a smile to my face. Thank you Spo!!

Well that's it for today.  I hope you all have a lovely Sunday and a magical week ahead.  Any smiles you want to share? I believe we all need to smile as much as possible.

 

Things That Make Me Smile

 

Red Beans and Rice

1 lb. dry red beans soaked overnight or two cans of red beans...for either, drain and rinse well

2 Tbs. olive or avocado oil

14 oz. sausage I always use a beef or chicken sausage but Andouille would be great

1 yellow onion, diced

1 poblano pepper, diced or you can use green bell pepper

3 ribs celery, diced

4 coves of garlic

2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. garlic

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or smoked cayenne

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

5 Cups water

Over medium heat, sauté the sausage and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté onion, pepper, celery and garlic 

Add the spices and stir

Add the sausage and stir

Add the beans

Add the water and let it come to a boil then turn down to medium.  Let it cook for an hour stirring occasionally.

Serve over white rice and top with diced green onions.

Monday was a cold, windy day so this really hit the spot for dinner.  I served it with cornbread.

My Weekly W's

I can't believe we're already halfway through October.  I feel like I was just getting ready for Fall a minute ago. 

What's top of my mind: Getting ready for winter.  Yesterday we cleared everything out of the garden.  I washed all of the pots and got them put in the shed.  We cleaned up the front porch and the back patio along with the garage.  It actually only took about two hours for the two of us to get it all done so I'm not sure why I've dreaded it but I'm happy it is done before it gets colder this week. The fall foliage is really starting to pop.  I think the peak will be in a week or two.  It's just gorgeous. 

Where I've been: Other than working all week, I had a dentist appointment on Monday. I have to go back in November to fix a filling that is apparently loose. Saturday, we went to the Amish Cafe for a donut and hot chocolate before running to the store for a few things.  

Where I'm going: Hopefully my new glasses will be ready this week and I can pick them up. Wednesday is our monthly date night and we're going to try out a new Mexican place.  I'm hoping it is as good as the one that it replaced. Other than that, and work, we have no plans yet.

What I'm watching: I don't think I've ever mentioned this before but the big guy and I watch/play Jeopardy every afternoon. We've done this for years.  It's a nice 30-minute break in the day for us to use our brains a little and compete against each other.  lol

What I'm reading: I picked up a couple of books from the library last weekend.  The one I'm reading now is The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna.  I haven't read any of her books, but I am really enjoying this one and plan to check out some of her other books.

What I'm listening to: I listened to a few videos by Jackson Galaxy.  Binx is a biter and we have got to get this under control before he gets any bigger. For some reason he only bites me.  We've never had a biter and I really don't know what to do or what I'm doing wrong.  His appointment to get neutered is in November and I am really hoping that is also going to help calm him down.  It's frustrating because other than this, he is a perfect cat. 

What I'm eating:

Sirloin steak, garlic smashed red potatoes, salad and Texas toast

Roasted chicken, mac and cheese, green beans

BLT and zucchini chips (This was the official last one of the year because I used my last fresh tomato.)

White chicken chili and cornbread x 2 with more for the freezer

Pepperoni, green pepper, red onion and mushroom pizza with a small salad.

Who needs a good slap:  No one is coming to mind right now.  I know with everything going on in the world today there are a LOT of people that deserve it but no one specific comes to mind.

What I'm planning: I'm planning on finishing my book and relaxing today along with digging through my recipe/cookbooks for a new to me soup recipe.  Tuesday and Wednesday are both supposed to be pretty chili so that will be a good time for a pot of soup.

What's making me smile:  Years ago I had a small tree and all the decorations for each holiday/season that I used to have out.  I don't remember what made me stop but while trying to decide it I just wanted to get rid of it all or not I decided to do the Fall/Halloween decorations.  I'm really liking having it out again.  It just gives a nod to the season and makes me smile.

I hope everyone stays safe and has a wonderful week!

Soup, Stew and Chili

My love of soup, stew and chili is a relatively new thing.  Growing up I honestly do not remember eating much of the three at all except for an occasional vegetable soup or beef stew and then the next 20 years I spent in SW Florida I really saw no need for any of it except for the occasional pot of chili and the glorious Brunswick Stew that I was introduced to there.

Four or five years ago something changed in me because now when the coolness of Fall rolls in I start thinking about big pots of deliciousness.  One of my self challenges this fall is to cook a pot of soul warming comfort once a week and I will be sharing the recipes.  To know what recipes I've already posted on this blog I went through and was a little surprised I've only shared four.  

https://culinaryadventureswithlori.blogspot.com/2021/01/cold-dark-nights-call-for-soup.html 

https://culinaryadventureswithlori.blogspot.com/2020/10/baked-potato-soup.html

https://culinaryadventureswithlori.blogspot.com/2019/12/thanksgiving-leftovers.html

https://culinaryadventureswithlori.blogspot.com/2019/10/changing-seasons.html

Are you a fan of the three?  What is your favorite?

Stay safe everyone.

My Weekly W's

Happy Sunday!  

What's top of my mind: The weather.  It's been absolutely perfect here.  We haven't had the air or the heat on for weeks.  Cold nights with warmish days keep the house at a comfortable temperature.  It was 29 degrees when I woke up this morning, but it was 67 in the house so not bad at all. I do often wonder why we had a fireplace in Florida but didn't get a house with one here though.

Where I've been: This week I had an eye appointment on Thursday.  I hadn't been in probably 4 years, so I'm not surprised I needed new glasses.  I picked a pair that I think are really cute and added the no glare option so I'm really looking forward to getting them. Friday, I stopped at the Farmers Market for possibly the last time this year and bought fresh veggies for the week. 

Where I'm going: Today I am going to run by the library to return books and pick up a couple new ones to read. Monday I have a dentist appointment for my 6-month cleaning. Saturday we plan to go to the Pumpkin Patch if the weather cooperates and it doesn't rain. So far, that is all that is planned.

What I'm watching: British Bake Off, Practical Magic, and I watched season two of Indian Matchmaking.  Thank you, Judee, (realfoodblogger.com) for mentioning this series, I really enjoyed watching it. 

What I'm reading: I finished The Oysterville Sewing Circle. That is the fourth book of Susan Wiggs that I've read and I really enjoyed them all.  

What I'm listening to: The big guy and Binx are still sleeping so it is very quiet here right now.

What I'm eating: 

Skillet chicken shawarma, rice and naan.  This is one of my favorite meals.

Veggie pasta, salad and garlic knots

Chili (from the freezer) and jalapeno poppers

BIG salad

Ham, cheese and veggie omelets with roasted red potatoes and toast

BLT with zucchini fries (probably the last BLT for the year) 

Tonight, is steak with sides to be determined 

I'm also enjoying my Fall favorite, Brach's candy corn with peanuts.

Who needs a good slap: Anna Sorokin.  In an interview that I watched she had the nerve to act like she was a victim.  I understand that people make mistakes but people that are only sorry because they get caught deserve 5 slaps.   

What I'm planning: I started my Fall cleaning list this week. So far, cleaning the oven has been completed.  I also want to plan a day trip or two for us to take before Christmas.

What's making me smile:  Every day I wake up brings a smile.

I hope everyone has a good day.

Things That Make Me Smile

 

                            

                  My Kitchen Witch that is probably 25 years old.  I love bringing her out every year.

My dining room table with my three favorite pumpkins. The small one is a new addition for this year.  I didn't realize it but I didn't put the fruit back in the baskets before I took this.  lol

       This candle smells so wonderful.  It makes the room smell like fall.  I'm glad I bought three.

We have a chance for frost this weekend, so I stopped by the farmers market yesterday for maybe one last time.  Can you believe all this local produce was only 14.00?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday and that you all find something that makes you smile today.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  This week my mind was focused on my friends in Florida.  We've heard from most of them and they are physically well which is a relief.  September 29th is the day that I lost my Dad 30 years ago and also it would have been Jet's 17th birthday so of course I thought of them a lot this week.  

Where I've been:  Other than work and a trip to the grocery store, we didn't go anywhere which is exactly what I needed.

Where I'm going:  Nothing is planned for the coming week.  I want to go to the Pumpkin Patch to enjoy a nice fall day but I think I want to wait until the 16th when they'll also have carriage rides which would be nice.

What I'm watching: We watched Hocus Pocus and the new Hocus Pocus 2.  I won't spoil anything for those that plan to watch, but we really enjoyed it. 

What I'm reading:  I finished The Apple Orchard and started The Oysterville Sewing Circle yesterday.  

What I'm listening to:  I do yoga and meditation almost daily but since it was a bit of a stressful week I found myself meditating even longer just listening to the silence and my breathing.  It really does help calm my mind.

What I'm eating:

Left over chili with cheese, sour cream and green onions and cornbread

Left over roasted chicken from Sunday with mashed potato patties and salad

Hatch chili chicken sausage and veggie pasta with garlic knots

Meat loaf with mac and cheese, salad and garlic knots

Not sure if you'd call these calzones but I took pizza dough and cut into circles like I would for calzones and stuffed with ham, cheese and red onion slices then brushed with egg wash and baked.  We dipped them in honey mustard and had oven fries.  Pretty tasty and 6 added to the freezer for later.

Chicken veggie egg rolls.  20 added to the freezer for later. The egg roll filling smells so delicious cooking.

Who needs a good slap:  Putin. 

What I'm planning:  October 1st brought the start of my favorite season that I'm planning to really enjoy.

What's making me smile: This made me smile but I would add someone in your family should have taught you how to cook bacon. You can't put all the blame on the education system.

Stay safe everyone and I hope you enjoy your Sunday!!