My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  My Mom.  She is going through a very rough spot right now with her dementia and conversations with her husband are going to have to be had even though he doesn't want to hear it.  He can no longer safely care for her.  Prayers for peace for her and acceptance from him are much appreciated.  

Where I've been: Friday TBG and I went to the grocery store for a few items then headed to the garden center for a few things.  Since when is a bag of grass seed 45.00 on sale?  Sticker shock is real.  I noticed so many things that I haven't bought in a while are at least 50% more expensive and less of the product. 

Where I'm going:  Next Saturday is our anniversary and we're going to Firefly with my brother and his girlfriend to celebrate and I'm excited for that.  Other than that, I'm trying to keep the week appointment and commitment free so I can work on a few things in the afternoons after work.

What I'm watching:  I had Gilmore Girls on a few times this week while I did a few things in the kitchen.  Also watched this week's Master Chef Junior.  Other than that, I've been enjoying the quiet.

What I'm reading:  I picked up various cookbooks this week but that is the extent of really reading this week.

What I'm eating:  

LO beef chili and jalapeno poppers

BIG salad

Chicken fajita and rice with a cilantro and cheddar roll up

Spicey Chicago chicken sausage with a new recipe for rice and pinto beans that I'll share this week.  I'm looking for the perfect for us recipe and I think I finally found it.

Chicken for me, shrimp for TBG with baked potato and salad

Today we're having lamb chops, whipped potatoes, deviled eggs and asparagus with peach hand pies for dessert.

Dessert this week was pineapple cake.  I took half to work for the doctors and they devoured it.  

Who needs a good slap:  Manufacturers.  Tide is still the same price but they went from 2.72 liters to 2.46.  It seems all health and beauty and cleaning products are twice as expensive and less product. I give 3 slaps.

What is making me smile:  I reorganized the freezer and did an updated inventory of meat and butter.  

We have a few months before we will need to do another meat bundle.  There is a lot of meat in those bins.  Veggies, fruits, nuts and pesto are kept in the shelves in the door.  The containers were only 2.00 each from JoAnnes and they work perfect.  

I hope everyone has a beautiful Easter Sunday!!

52 Recipes in 52 Weeks #9 Greek Deviled Eggs

One of my projects for 2024 is to try one new recipe each week for the year.  These will be chosen from all of the flagged pages in cookbooks that I have or from the file of 'need to try' recipes.  I will try new desserts, main dishes, side dishes and breads.

A couple of weeks ago I started searching for a new to me deviled egg recipe to try before I made them for Easter.  We're having lamb so I thought these Greek deviled eggs would be a wonderful accompaniment. 

For years, I subscribed to Food Network magazine.  Every month they had these little recipe books of 50 different variations to popular foods.  I found the recipe in this one.

Boil 6 large eggs.  When peeled and cooled cut in half and place the yolks in a small bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine the following ingredients...

1/2 Cup of Greek yogurt

1 Tablespoon finely diced pickles (I used dill)

2 tsp. chopped dill

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Dash of favorite hot sauce

Season with salt and pepper to taste

Mix the above ingredients and then combine with mashed egg yolks.  Spoon or pipe into egg halves.

These were very delicious.  I've been replacing a lot of mayo and sour cream with Greek yogurt, so this recipe was perfect.  They are going to be delicious with the lamb on Sunday.  

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Friday I was given the green light to announce to the group that April 1 we will have a Medical Director.  To say I am happy is an understatement.  This will make my life SO much easier than it has been for the last 5 months.  I'm really looking forward to a bit of normalcy in my work life again.

Where I've been: I was supposed to meet my friends for dinner one night but that was postponed to this week.  It was a a nice week between work and home with no appointments, commitments or shopping.  I love a slow-paced week.

Where I'm going:  Dinner out on Thursday with my friends.  Monday thru Thursday work.  So far, nothing else planned.  

What I'm watching: Spring Baking Champion has some very talented bakers this year that we've really enjoyed watching.  So many of their desserts are stunning and according to the judges delicious.  Why couldn't I have had a job like that?  One night while cooking I watched The Holiday again.  I have no idea how many times I've watched that W.  I just love it.

What I'm reading:  I read The Four Agreements for probably the fourth time.  I just really love the message of that book and find it a good reminder to stay centered through this crazy world we are living in.

What I'm eating:

Beef chili and jalapeno, cheddar cornbread.

Chicken Fajita, rice and cheese rolls up.

BIG salad x2

Cod, sweet potato fries and asparagus.

Steak for me, garlic butter shrimp for TBG with baked potatoes and salad.

Beef bacon pizza.  Last week we found beef bacon at the butcher shop we go to.  I cooked four pieces in the oven to use on a pizza I was making.  The beef bacon has quite a bit less fat than pork and is not as salty. It is also about twice the size even after cooked.  It's absolutely delicious.  TBG said it's the only bacon he wants to eat now.  Honestly, I can't wait to make a BLT with it this summer.  The pizza had the beef bacon, green peppers, red onion and sliced portabella mushrooms.  It was delicious!! 

Who needs a good slap:  Whoever is responsible for the terrorist attack in Moscow.  My heart goes out to all of the victims' families.  It's just mindboggling to me how anyone could do something like this.  The world is a wonderful place, but it also has a lot of evil lurking.  

What makes me smile:  Finally my body and mind has adjusted to the time change.  It really did a number on me this year and I'm not sure why.  Going to bed early and sneaking in a few naps finally did the trick.

I hope everyone is safe and healthy.  Enjoy your Sunday!!

52 Recipes in 52 Weeks #7 and #8

One of my projects for 2024 is to try one new recipe each week for the year.  These will be chosen from all of the flagged pages in cookbooks that I have or from the file of 'need to try' recipes.  I will try new desserts, main dishes, side dishes and breads.

This is one of my favorite cookbooks that I've had for years.  It is filled with vegetarian and vegan recipes.  We were having beef tips, so I wanted a potato dish and I found Stuffed Baked Potatoes which sounded really good.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes #7

This makes 8 potato boats: serves 4 or 8 (I cut the recipe in half and used 2 potatoes)

"This recipe is very flexible.  If you don't have buttermilk, just use regular milk.  If you prefer a less tangy flavor, use only milk and not yogurt or buttermilk.  If you don't have fresh dill, use 1 teaspoon dried dill seed.  For a slightly smoother flavor, you may want to stir in 1 tablespoon of butter."

4 medium baking potatoes

1/2 Cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

1/2 Cup buttermilk

3 Tablespoons finely chopped green onions

2 Tablespoons fresh dill

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 F, 

Scrub potatoes and bake for 1 hour or until tender.

Cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise.  Leave 1/8 inch in the shell, scoop the potato into a mixing bowl.

Mash with a fork or potato masher, then stir in the remaining ingredients.

Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins.  Return to oven and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until heated through.

These were really good and went really well with the steak tips and asparagus.  I would make these again.

I found the next new to me recipe in this book. (Along with MANY others I can't wait to try).

Green Goddess Dressing #8

1 Cup baby spinach

1 close of garlic (I used two)

1 tsp. onion powder (I used granulated)

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 Tbs. white wine vinegar

1/3 Cup mayo or Greek yogurt

Salt and pepper to taste

1 Cup fresh mixed herbs (I used basil, parsley and a bit of dried oregano)

Mix in the blender until creamy.

We've had GGD many times over the years at friends or restaurants, but I've never made it at home.

This was really delicious over a BIG salad.  I will be making this again when I have more of a variety of fresh herbs later this Spring.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  I had a hard time adjusting to this last time change.  When you have to get up at 4:45 am it's brutal.  Last Sunday I didn't go anywhere so when I got in my Jeep to go to work Monday morning the clock said 4:30 am and it just added salt to the wound.  A few situations came up at work and I had to remind Administration that no I would not talk to the doctors about this as I am not clinical.  Fingers crossed, the Medical Director position will be filled, and he will be starting April 1st.  That will make a huge difference in my stress level at work.  

Where I've been:  I worked all week. Saturday, we took a short road trip to Fairview Heights.  We stopped at the pet store to pick up a new toy for Binx.  He still has SO much energy it's hard to find ways to wear him out.  Then we went to Fresh Market Thyme and picked up some fruits and veggies and a few other items.  They had Florida strawberries which are the only ones I'll buy from a store, and they are delicious.  I actually hit a nice sale at Macy's and found three new pair of pants that I love.  Then we had a nice lunch and stopped by Behrmann's for a few items on the way home.  They have really expanded their retail area.

Where I'm going:  Tuesday thru Friday I'll be working.  Wednesday evening I'm meeting two of my friends for our monthly dinner.  We're going to our favorite Mexican restaurant for the last time since they will be closing at the end of the month.  They said between the rise in costs for the building, wages for employees, food costs and people just not eating out as much, they have to close. I always hate to see a family run business have to close their business.

What I'm watching:  MasterChef Junior, Beat Bobby Flay and some old Gilmore Girls episodes.  I like to listen to TV while I cook.  

What I'm reading:  Nothing this week.

What I'm eating:  

LO lamb meatballs, with veggies wrapped in a Naan with a delicious avocado sauce.

BIG salad x2

Chicken legs, potatoes and salad

Spicy Chicago Chicken sausage, pesto pasta and a small salad

Cheeseburger (with local Farmers Cheese) SO good and 'fries'

Last night we were still pretty full from a big lunch so I made TBG a salad and heated the rest of his meat from lunch.  I couldn't eat a thing.

I still haven't figured out dinner tonight, but it will involve chicken and fried asparagus.

While at Behrmann's I found beef bacon.  I've never tried it before so I'm thinking I'll cook one slice today or tomorrow and try it to get an idea of how to use it.  

Who needs a good slap:  Me!!  I accidentally deleted all of the photos on my phone from last year and this year.  I give myself two slaps.  Some had been downloaded but many had not.

What I'm planning:  I actually have kept up with my new recipe challenge, but I haven't had time to post them. Since I'm off tomorrow I hope to post week 7, 8 and 9 all in one post so I will be caught up.  Unfortunately, the photos I took of them are all gone.  

What is making me smile:  My friend Ann from Ann's Snap Edit Scrap (annssnapeditscrap.blogspot.com) sends me happy mail all the time.  It always feels like a hug when I open the mailbox and find a card from her.  It always brings a smile.

This is the one I received for St. Patrick's Day.

I hope everyone is safe and doing well.  We had a pretty bad line of storms pass through here on Tuesday evening.  There was a brief tornado that hit about 8 miles from our house and destroyed the building that TBG used to work in.  This is the main reason Spring and Summer are not my favorite seasons.  

Have a wonderful Week!!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  I'm not ready for hibernation season to be over with but according to our weather and now the calendar turning to March I'm afraid it is.  I've been getting rid of more things around the house and sprucing areas up to get ready for a deep Spring cleaning.  I want to have it all done by the end of March so I can start cleaning up outside and get ready for planting in April. I did finally find a breadbox that I loved and holds a lot.  I've tried the cloth bags for homemade bread but they really do not keep it fresh at all, so I switched to plastic bags.  However, the cloth bags in the bread box work great.  Plus, it makes the counter look better.  

Where I've been:  I went to TBG's interventional cardiologist appointment with him.  We went to breakfast Saturday morning at Cracker Barrel which is where I found the breadbox.  Our CB is sometimes hit or miss on their breakfast and luckily this week it was a big hit.  We both really enjoyed it.  Other than that, I was at work or home.

Where I'm going:  This week there are no appointments or commitments which is always good to me.  The week is open for wherever we decide to go.

What I'm watching:  Our forsythia trees are all starting to bloom.  It seems like everytime I look at them there are more bright yellow leaves.  This morning, I also filled the birdfeeder for the last time this Winter.  It attracts too many squirrels to our yard and I try to keep them out during this time of year, so they are not around to devour my garden.  I'm not of fan of squirrels and their destructive nature. 

What I'm reading:  The French Don't Diet Plan by Dr. Will Clower.  I put two books in the free little library across the street and found this.  I'm only 1/3 of the way but am enjoying it.  It also has a number of easy recipes in the back that I may try.

What I'm listening to:  Right now I have Practical Magic on TV for a bit of background noise but I find myself really tuning everything out while I'm at home lately, so I'm really not listening to much but the noises in my brain.

What I'm eating:

BIG salad with chicken

Lamb cheeseburgers with 'fries'.  I made a bit of the sauce that I made for the lamb chops and put that on the burgers as they cooked.  It was delicious.

Jalapeno chicken sausage, mac and cheese with red peppers and broccoli

I took the left over 1/2 pound of lamb and made lamb and potato hand pies with a salad.  They were really good and made three extra's for the freezer.

Fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw

LO stuffed shells from the freezer with a salad and garlic bread sticks.  When I make a batch of stuffed shells, lasagna or manicotti I put them together in separate pans freezing one or two before cooking.  It keeps the pasta from getting too mushy when you reheat.  

Our last beef bundle included two, one-pound packages of beef tips so that is slowly cooking in the crock pot as we speak.

Who deserves a fist pump:  Southern Illinois is doing a lot to increase family farms, add meat processing plants and other things to secure local food sources.  I support our local FFA (Future Farmers of America) and have to say it is a thriving chapter filled with young people and their new ideas.  Illinois also has a very good Cottage Law which lets people make and sell from their own farms, homes. It's wonderful to see so much interest in good, local food and farming.

What's making me smile:  We have an accountant, but I still have to get everything sorted and turned in for taxes which I do not enjoy at all.  It is done now and having it done is a relief.  Now to find out how much we owe this year.  We turned in the receipts for our new water heater and HVAC system so hopefully that tax credit will help us out a bit.  We'll see.

Thank you to everyone that sent good wishes, prayers and positive thoughts to TBG.  Good news is he does not have prostrate, or bladder cancer and the urologist said the two symptoms he had were side effects from the Jardiance.  His appointment with the IC was not that great.  His ECHO was exactly the same as three months ago, so he is still at a 25% EF.  anything below 35% is not good.  The doctor said he recommended implanting a defibrillator.  After much discussion, TBG and the doctor agreed that they would do a MUGA scan in three months.  It is much more accurate than an ECHO and gives them a better look at everything that is going on with his heart.  Why they didn't do this instead of a repeat ECHO I do not understand. They officially took him off of Jardiance and added a blood pressure pill.  So we wait again.  I do have to say TBG reports he feels really good.  No shortness of breath, no fatigue and doesn't feel that foggy feeling he was having before.  Just him at least feeling better makes me happy.

Have a wonderful week!!