My Week and a Mexican Beef recipe

Happy Sunday!  This was an odd week for me.  It neither flew by nor drug on but as I was thinking back over it, it seemed a blur.

The big guy's second surgery seems to have gone well.  He has his follow up tomorrow afternoon and then all that's left is to finish all of the eye drops.  I'm so thankful it went well and he is amazed at how much better he can see now.

The weather was pretty mild all week even as the Summer Solstice arrived.  I know many love summer but this fall and winter loving woman is thrilled that the days are now slowly getting shorter.  Yesterday was warm but the humidity was low.  Today it is brutal outside with temps feeling like 105 with high humidity. We're supposed to have storms later and hopefully they will not be too bad but bring us some much-needed rain. 

I finished reading While Time Remains by Yeonmi Park and I can't recommend it enough.  It is a very thought-provoking book.  The insight she has from her personal experience with North Korea, China, South Korea and the US is gripping to say the least.

What we ate this week:

I used the left over Mexican beef to make beef and cheese taquitos.

Arugula pesto and garlic pasta with a salad

Fried chicken breast, smashed garlic potatoes and salad

BIG salad

Joes Wings and a Joe Boli-delivered with a salad

Tonight, I'm making sloppy joes and zucchini fries

In our last beef box we received two one-pound packages of beef stew meat.  The first one I used about a month and a half ago to make a hearty chili.  It's a bit too hot now for chili or even beef stew so I decided to try something different.  It also gave me a reason to pull my Crock pot out that I haven't used in forever.

1 pound beef stew meat

1 onion peeled and sliced in four

5 or 6 large heads of garlic, peeled

2 poblano peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/2 inch strip

2 Cups of Beef Bone broth

1 Tablespoon smoked paprika.

1 Tablespoon smoked cayenne

1 Tablespoon cumin

1/2 tsp. coriander

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. cracked black peppercorns.

Sautee the beef, onion and peppers in a cast iron skillet for about 10 minutes.

Put beef mixture and all the remaining ingredients in the Crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

The first night we had the beef with spicy rice and warm tortillas with a lime, avocado, sour cream sauce.  The next meal I used the beef to make beef and cheese taquitos and I used the left-over broth to make the rice in.  This time I served with some of my home-made taco sauce.  Culinary Adventures with Lori: Random Thoughts and Taco Sauce

We enjoyed both meals a lot and I'm already thinking what else I could use this for.  I'm definitely thinking nachos, quesadillas or beef hand pies would be amazing.

Other than work and stopping at the farmers market, we do not have anything planned. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a great week ahead.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  The big guy's cataract surgery went well.  This week he has the second one and we're hoping it goes just as well.  I'm a bit surprised that they don't let much of the anesthesia wear off before sending you home.  The big guy is 6 feet, 230 pounds and I'm 5'4, 130 pounds and it was a challenge keeping him from hurting himself.  He was SO loopy.  Luckily, he slept off and on for 4 or 5 hours and he could finally walk by himself.  At least now we both know what to expect which always makes things easier.

Where I've been:  I've made a few trips to the Farmers Market and stocked up on Spring produce. I was able to pick up more strawberries.  B said the season was really long this year.  I'm guessing it's because we've been cooler than normal. I stopped by the library to pick up a couple of books that I requested.  I've also spent a lot of time in the backyard with the garden.  We are up to our ears in arugula and have been eating it all week.  I think I am going to make a pesto out of some today to put in the freezer. The Japanese Wasabi radishes are ready to pick.  I'm excited to see what they taste like.  Everything else is growing well. 

Where I'm going:  Wednesday we'll be going to the eye surgery center and if the big guy is feeling OK on Saturday we're going to a BBQ. Other than that I'll be at work as usual.

What I'm watching:  I watched the latest season of Never Have I Ever and really enjoyed it.  I also watched XO Kitty which is a Spin off series of To All The Boys I Loved Before.  Both were funny, feel good series.

What I'm reading:  I finished Spoon Fed-How eight cooks saved my life and Food Americana.  I really enjoyed both books. Today I am starting In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom.  According to the cover, "One of the most harrowing stories I have ever heard and one of the most inspiring.  She has a new book coming out this Fall and I want to read this first book before it does.

What I've been eating: 

BIG salad X2

Wings for the big guy, steak for me with baked potatoes and asparagus

Dinner out with a couple of friends.  I made grits and egg for the big guy.

Pizza with left over steak sliced thin, portabella mushrooms, poblano and red onion.  It was delicious.

Air fried chicken breast with a salad and asparagus.

Last night I made a Mexican Beef and served with rice and flour tortias.  I'm so glad I wrote down what I did because it turned out amazing.  I promise to share this week.

I made a batch of Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins and 10 pints of strawberry jam.  And today we are having our first BLT of the season for brunch and I can't wait.  You can see the muffin recipe I use here. Culinary Adventures with Lori: Search results for jordan marsh blueberry muffins

The local berries this year have been amazing.

I hope everyone is enjoying Spring and staying safe and healthy.  Have a fabulous Sunday!!

My Weekly W's- I can't believe it's June

What's top of my mind:  Friday the big guy is having cataract surgery.  I'm hoping everything goes well.  Everyone tells me this a routine procedure but it's the big guy and I'm a bit protective. 

Where I've been:

Other than work, I stopped by the library to pick up a couple of books.  Saturday we went out to breakfast and stopped by the garden center for a new rosemary plant.  Then I spent the entire afternoon outside reading. I ordered a new set of glass food containers.  These have three divided areas and are really heavy.  I love them.  They will be perfect for lunches or road trips and storing things in the fridge.

Where I'm going:

No plans other than Friday morning making a stock up shop at the store.  The rest of the weekend we'll be at home. 

What I'm watching:

Tonight is the final episode of Chao House.  I didn't really care for the show as much as I thought I would but I have to finish it out and see who wins.  

What I'm reading:

I read Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber and loved it.  It's the first book in awhile that I finished in less than 24 hours.  Yes, I liked it that much.

Tomorrow I will start The House of Eve.

What I'm listening to:  I've been opening the patio door early in the morning before it gets hot so Binx can get a bit of fresh air and hear the birds.  It is a peaceful way to start the day.

What I'm eating:

Chicken kabobs, grilled potato and deviled eggs

LO Chili with cheese, sour cream, green onion and oyster crackers

LO pasta, salad and garlic bread

Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, salad

Chicken and Waffles

BIG salad

Who needs a good slap:

People that litter.  I mean is it really hard to hold onto your trash and throw it away instead of just dropping it where you are?  

What's making me smile:

Today is Binx 1 year Gotcha Day.  I can't believe it has been a year since we picked up that sweet 3.5 pound bundle of pure energy and curiosity.  He has brought a lot of love and laughter to our house.

This is the picture that introduced us to Binx who was originally name King Cole but we changed it to Binx and it fits perfect.

I hope everyone is safe and well.  Have a great week!

My Week-Beginning of Chapter 56

It was another week of beautiful Spring weather.  Lows in the 40's, highs in the 70's and very little humidity.  Just perfect weather.  This week I see highs in the 80's and even 90 so summer weather is coming.  All of my perennials have come back twice as big as last year and the herbs and veggies are starting to grow which always makes me happy.  I stopped at the Farmers Market and picked up honey, strawberries, cucumbers and a gorgeous head of red leaf lettuce.  It was nice to see the farmer that I hadn't seen since late last Fall.  He reminded me it's close to cherry picking season so I will be sure and get there for them.  

Thursday I celebrated my Birthday at my favorite place with my favorite person.  Lunch was amazing as always and I could look at that view for hours.  I received so many texts and phone calls from friends.  My best friend of 30+ years called and we talked for hours.  There is something so special about a lifelong friend who knows you sometimes better than you know yourself.  

The big guy baked my favorite cake and it turned out so pretty and delicious.  Gotta love a guy that doesn't cook much surprising you with a birthday cake.

We eat Oui yogurt from time to time and I always save the glass jars.  They are perfect for holding small items in drawers.  I was super excited to find out someone had come up with the wonderful idea of making lids for them.

I used some for my spice overflow.

I'm excited I still have two days left of my mini vacation.  I plan on relaxing, reading a bit outside and cooking up some good food before I'm back in reality on Tuesday morning.

Binx just gets cuter by the day.  June 4th is his gotcha day and I can't believe it's been a year already.

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday and have a lovely Memorial Day!

My Week

We had perfect weather last week and it is forecast to be the same this week and I couldn't be happier.  It had gotten pretty warm and humid before a cool front came in.  I love the cooler nights and sunny days with little humidity.  It was 42 degrees this morning when I got up which is probably why I slept SO good.

In February we ordered a new garage door that was supposed to take 4-6 weeks to be delivered.  Well with all of the shipping issues that took quite a bit longer.  It finally arrived this week and they came out to install it.  The old door was working and looked good but was installed in 1992 so we knew we should replace it before something went wrong. The two young guys that came out did a wonderful job and they were so polite and professional.  They checked our track and told us it was in really good condition and asked if we wanted it replaced or just keep it.  The quality of the 1992 metal track is actually better quality than what they make now.  We decided to keep it which saved us 500.00 on the price we had been told.  That was a nice surprise. 

This week I watched the new season of Queer Eye and loved every single episode.  Every episode brought happy tears.  It may be a reality show but seeing the persons face light up when they realize life can be better is priceless.  I think a little kindness and beauty in our lives always makes things a little better.

What we ate:

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and salad

Bacon, egg and cheese English muffins and grits

Pasta, salad and garlic bread knots

Beef and pinto bean quesadillas with rice

BIG salad x2

It is grilling season so today we're having wings, steak, and potatoes cooked on the grill with deviled eggs and slaw to go with it.  

The big guy bought us a new patio table for our Anniversary in April.  It is a dark gray metal that can go from 6 foot long to 10 foot long.  I love it.  We don't have any plans for a large get together but it's still nice to know we have the outside space if we decide to. We love eating outside this time of year so it's already been used quite a bit.

Last Summer I started reading Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies and for some reason I read about half and put it down.  I started over this week and am enjoying it.  "So begins an unlikely friendship between two lonely and stubborn souls-one at the end of her life, one stuck in the middle-who discover one big life lesson: never be ashamed to ask for more."

I'm excited to only be working Monday-Wednesday making a much needed 5-day weekend for myself.  

I am looking forward to a day trip with the big guy, finishing a few projects around the house, reading and of course a bit of gardening.  I'm sad to say the 6-year-old rosemary bush that we planted outside two years ago didn't make it since we had an unusually cold winter.  So I need to pick up a new rosemary plant and something to plant where the rosemary was.  Our trees and bushes are looking so good this year.  Three years ago we started using Dr. JimZ fertilizer and I highly recommend it.  

Things that make me smile:

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a peaceful week ahead.  I'm trying a new recipe for Afghan Mantoo this week and I'll let you know how it turns out.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  

As usual, we have had a very short period of time of Spring like weather and we jumped straight to Summer.  It has been in the 80's and SO humid.  A storm is supposed to pass through later this afternoon which is predicted to cool it off a bit for a couple of days.  Luckily, last Monday the AC guy did come out and all we needed was the braker switch on the electrical panel replaced.  Even though it was technically our AC not working, the guy changed it and didn't even charge us.

What I'm watching:

We finished Spring Baking Championship and caught up on Chao House.  Other than that, I really didn't watch any movies or TV shows.

What I'm reading:

Again, I did not pick up a book all week.  I think I'm in a bit of a reading rut.  

What I'm listening to:

There is a podcast, Table Manners that I listed to a bit this week.  It is hosted by a Mother, Daughter duo and is an interesting program. 

What I'm eating:

                                                

Lamb burgers with oven fries. I made another batch of buns for these and they turned out amazing.

BIG Salad

Pasta, salad and garlic toast

Chicken Tikka Masala, rice and Naan.  This week I need to make another batch of Naan for the freezer.  It really does freeze well.

Roasted veggie and rice bowls.

Pizza and salad

Who needs a good slap:

The US government for the situation at the borders that has been a problem for decades with no solid laws and policy.  It was sometime in the early 90's while living in Florida that I met various people that came here from other countries.  One woman was a doctor in Venezuela who left everything behind and came here to start a better life.  She didn't qualify as a doctor here so had to find various jobs while learning English and going through the paperwork and creating a new life with no one here that she knew.  I realized then just how bad it must be in some Countries that you are willing to leave everything and everyone behind and go to a country where you had nothing but hope.  I don't know what the solution is and I know we can't take care of our own citizens let alone millions of others.  I have no idea how to fix this, I just know we need to do better.  

What I'm planning:

This week and coming weekend I will be spending a lot of time outside working on the gardens.  I had a pot of mint growing on a steppingstone close to one of the flower beds and somehow it found its way in.  I have about 4x4 feet of mint growing.  I pulled a lot yesterday and dehydrated it and am giving it away.  There is so much mint.  I guess I should also give myself a few slaps for letting this happen.

What's making me smile:

Last week was hospital week and one of the events was they had various cards you could pick up to send to coworkers that said things like You're a Joy to work with and had an almond joy bar attached They were all delivered Friday. It was fun to send them out to all of the people that help make my job easier and to receive them from others but the best thing I found was getting an email from someone that I sent one too telling me it made her feel so good to get that as it had been a brutal work week.  That was the best smile of the week for me.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a great week ahead.  

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: 

It really wasn't what I would consider a BAD week, but I had the blahs and absolutely zero motivation until Friday.  I had taken Friday off because I had a dentist appointment and wanted to get my personal errands out of the way. I had everything accomplished by 11 am and the big guy offered to take me out to lunch.  No argument with that.  Then I did something I never do...I came home and took a two-hour nap. Saturday was a bit better, and I did a lot around the house but then I woke up hot in the middle of the night and realized that our not even 1 year old air conditioner isn't working.  So I'll have to call them in the morning.  Good thing is it's under a 10-year warrantee.

Where I've been:

Other than work and the dentist, I filled up the Jeep, picked up groceries and went to out to lunch.  I also stopped by sister A.'s house to give her a donation for a fellow coworker that lost her house and car in the tornado that hit just north of us a couple of weeks ago.  That really put things in perspective for me.  There are so many with much larger problems than me having the blahs for a week.

Where I'm going:

No plans so far other than work and the library.

What I'm watching:

We watched A Man Named Otto today and I loved it.  It's the type of movie that tugs at your emotions.  I also caught up on this season of RHWONJ.  It's crazy and over dramatic but I just have to see what's going on.  

What I'm reading:

I don't think I picked up a book all week.

What I'm eating:

Chicken and waffles 

BIG salad

Club sandwich and oven fries

Chicken Tika Masala, rice and Naan

Tacos for Cinco De Mio

Big Salad again because of the chili incident.

Tonight, cheeseburgers and oven fries because I have a craving.  

Who needs a good slap:

I usually do not label the jars of soup, stew or pasta that I put in the freezer because I am really good about using them up for dinners or lunches quickly.  I took what I thought was a container of chili out for dinner.  I heated it up and made a side plate of diced onion, shredded up some cheese and sour cream and served it with oyster crackers.  We were a full two or three bites in when the big guy asked why there was sausage in there.  I immediately started looking at the chili and realized there were no beans or ground beef.  We were eating pasta sauce.  Two slaps to myself, and yes, I will be labeling from now on.  Lesson learned.  

What is making me smile:

Every day that I wake up I smile.

I hope everyone is doing well and has a healthy, safe week.  Happy May!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:

From what I read 414 false 'swatting' calls have happened here in the US since the beginning of the year.  Two of our areas high schools have had this happen and it is so frightening.  The stress on the parents, the students, the staff and law enforcement is huge. Apparently, people are using AI to generate these calls, so it is close to impossible to find out who originated them. I just can't wrap my head around this and why anyone would do such a thing. 

Where I've been:

Much of the same.  Work, home, Saturday breakfast and a bit of food shopping. I did go to a movie theater for the first time since Covid and saw God, it's me Margaret which was a really good movie.

Where I'm going:

Probably more of the same with the addition of a dentist visit on Friday.

What I'm watching:

We watched the first two episodes of Chao House on Food Network.  It's a cooking competition in Italy and the scenery is gorgeous.  The kitchen is too.  I'm a slow cook so seeing people put together amazing meals in less than 45 minutes is mind blowing.

What I'm reading:

I finished Rebel Homemaker by Drew Barrymore and I did enjoy it.  There are a couple of recipes I want to try.  Now to finish The Paris Wife this week.  I need to step up my reading because the list of books I want to read is LONG.

What I'm listening to:

My inner voice is telling me to get my project list done.  We're already heading into the 5th month of the year.  Where did the first four months go?

What I'm eating:

Pasta, salad and garlic bread

Chili and crackers

BIG salad

Lamb burgers and fries

Pizza-I used the remaining ground lamb, sauteed green peppers, red onion and portobello mushrooms with Greek oregano, red pepper flakes and motz and it was delicious.  

Coho salmon, rice and asparagus

Tonight, I'm making wings for the big guy, steak for me, baked potatoes and coleslaw with Texas toast. 

I made a Cinnamon, Coffee bundt cake last week.  It was good, smelled delicious but it wasn't a favorite for either of us so I won't be making it again.  Not sure what I'll bake today.  I have a few bananas that need used to probably banana bread. 

Who needs a good slap:

The 'mom influencer' that falsely accused a couple of trying to kidnap her children.  It appears she did it for story content and clicks.  That is crazy to me and I really hope she gets the help she needs.

What's making me smile:

We hit the 18th anniversary of moving here to Southern Illinois this past week.  Neither of us had ever lived in small town before and it was a bit of culture shock in the beginning.  But we've made a few friends, the big guy has built a successful business, we have access to local farmers for eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables which has been a huge benefit and many other positives so all and all, moving here has been great. 

I hope you all have a relaxing Sunday and a wonderful week.

Things That Make Me Smile

I think what makes me smile the most about this picture is that less than two feet away is his cat tree in front of the other half of this window.  I guess that would be too easy.  His little paws on the baseboard just crack me up.  Have a wonderful Saturday!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: 

Another item off my project list.  I started this last summer and I have finally completed my recipe binder that includes all of my favorite recipes, hand -written recipes from family and friends and a few other things, all organized and labeled.  I picked a really pretty Tiffany blue binder and I'm happy everything is in one place. Now on to the 'life' binder to get all of our personal information updated. 

Where I've been:

I took Friday off from work, so the big guy and I went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  Then we stopped at Menards and Kroger to pick u a few things we needed.  Other than that, I've been at work and home only and I'm still feeling OK with that.

Where I'm going:

No appointments or plans as of write now other than working Monday through Friday.  

What I'm watching:

I watched a Netflix series, How to Get Rich.  It was nice to know we are doing all that he recommended but it was shocking to see how many people are in deep debt. Some are hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and that didn't always include a mortgage.  One couple made $25,000.00 a month and often spent $27,000.00.  I guess I just don't understand the impulse some have to keep accumulating 'stuff'.  One thing I really liked about the series was the fact that the first thing they wanted everyone to think about was 'what is YOUR rich life'.  I think that made the show for me because we all put a different priority on different things.

What I'm reading:

Still reading the two books I started last week.

What I'm listening to:

Turned on the 70's and 80's channel while I worked around the house a couple of evenings.  How did I forget how much I LOVED Elton John?  I also was reminded that I have a very eclectic taste in music. I enjoy everything from classical to old country to rock and roll and a lot of things in between.  Motown music, can't leave that out.

What I'm eating:

Asian inspired chicken and udon soup

Beef chili

BIG salad

Fried chicken, goat cheese mashed poatoes, salad

Naan 'pizza"  This was delicious

Meat loaf, baked potato and asparagus

Tonight, the big guy requested chicken and waffles, so the waffle batter is in the fridge now.

Last week I made a loaf of banana bread to snack on and today I'm going to make a Bundt cake.  Not sure which one yet.

Who needs a good slap:  

The last couple of weeks I've slid back into the old habit of eating lunch at my desk going through emails or scrolling my phone instead of sitting at the conference table, reading a book and really enjoying 30 minutes away from work.  I give myself two slaps for that and I vow to start back to unplug at lunch tomorrow.

What I am planning:

Next Saturday a few friends and I are going to see Are You There God, It's Me Margaret.  I of course heard of the book but I never read it.  The movie looks good so I want to check it out.

What is making me smile:

The simple joys of cooking good meals, playing board games or cards with the big guy, movies, books and just time to relax.  That really all makes me smile.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy week ahead!  Enjoy your Sunday.

Cauliflower Shawarma

I absolutely love the cookbook Israeli Soul by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook.  It is filled with gorgeous photos and information on the area making it part travel guide, but also filled with amazing recipes for some of my favorite dishes, breads and spice blends.

I tried the Cauliflower Shawarma and it is a deeply satisfying meatless meal that even the big guy enjoyed.

Brine for the cauliflower:

2 quarts water

2 cups kosher salt

2 tablespoons of Shawarma spice mix (recipe below)

1 head of cauliflower

Shawarma spice mix for vegetables:

1/4 cup turmeric

1/4 cup cumin

1/4 cup cinnamon 

1 tablespoon of allspice

1 tablespoon of black pepper

Mix well.  Makes about 1 cup of spice blend.

Mix together the water, salt and 1 tablespoon of the Shawarma spice in a large pot.  Warm over medium heat, whisking often, until the salt is fully dissolved.  Let the mixture cool completely.  Brine the cauliflower in the spiced water for two hours at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Add 2 tablespoons of a neutral oil to the remaining spice blend and stir well to form a paste.  Remove cauliflower from the brine and pat dry then rub most of the spice paste over it, saving a spoonful for searing if you like.  Transfer the cauliflower to sheet pan and roast for 45 minutes or until browned and tender.

Remove the cauliflower from the oven, let it cool a little, then carve and serve.  Or cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, transfer to a large bowl, add the remaining spice paste and toss well.  Sear the florets in a very hot cast-iron pan for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely charred.

I actually did this on the charcoal grill.  I got the grill up to 450 degrees and placed the sheet pan on it and it took about 40 minutes this way.  Then I finished up in a cast-iron pan also on the grill.  

We ate this with Basmati rice and mountain bread.  The cauliflower is filled with warm spices and is tender with some of the char that gives it extra flavor.  I had a bit left over and heated it up in the Ninja on the reheat setting and it was just as good the second day.

It seems like every time I try a new to me recipe I get so involved that I forget to take a picture.  This is the picture from the book.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Honestly, right now, there isn't much on my mind.  Sundays are usually my day of semi rest and today I'm operating on chill mode.  I'm going to do some baking, food prep and cooking which is relaxing to me. It's also mani, pedi day.  Other than that, I'm just going to go with the flow and do what feels right at the time.

Where I've been: Thursday the big guy called me at work and asked if I wanted to meet him for lunch which is something he rarely does so I happily said YES and I'm glad I did.  That simple gesture and hour together was very comforting. The food was good too.  Saturday, I did a bit of food shopping and then hung out at home. Other than that, it was work and home.  I'm finding that the more time I have at home, the happier I am.

Where I'm going: Tuesday I have my six-month cleaning at the dentist. Saturday, we plan to make a trip to Lowes for a few things. That leaves the rest of the week free for whatever pops up.

What I'm watching: Nothing much.

What I'm reading: 

I loved Drew Barrymore in ET and I've seen a few other movies with her that I thought were cute but I really wouldn't consider myself a huge fan.  I picked this book up at the library having heard nothing much about it and I'm enjoying it.  She started the book in Spring of 2020 while the 'world was shut down'.

"Drew found her way in the kitchen, learned to cook, planted a garden, and raised her first chickens.  And, of course, how she learned to slow down, turn to nature as a teacher, always remembering to be humble and resent while celebrating the joys of her family and friends around the table, both during special occasions as well as amidst the beautiful chaos of everyday life."

I started this book as well.  Even though I've only read a couple of chapters, I think this will be a good read.

"Colorful details of the expat life in Jazz Age Paris, combined with the evocative story of the Hemmingways' romance, result in a compelling story that will undoubtedly establish McLain as a writer of substance.  Highly recommended for all readers of popular fiction."

What I'm listening to: Still keeping it quiet as much as possible.

What I'm eating:

Cauliflower shawarma, rice and naan

BIG salad x 2

Lunch was Cod fish and "chips' with a salad for the big guy and a Philly cheesesteak for me so we both had cereal for dinner.  

Lamb kabobs, Moroccan potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes. And I do mean loaded.  

Tonight, I'm roasting a chicken and I'm thinking pesto, parm. pasta  and asparagus.  

Who needs a good slap: I stayed away from the news this week and kept to my small circle so I have no slaps to hand out.

What I'm planning:  I'm thinking of building a spiral herb garden over the next couple of weeks.  I'm sure the big guy will grumble about one more thing to mow around but I think I can get him on board.  

What's making me smile: A couple that we are friends with had their kitchen redone.  They are originally from the Phillipines and enjoy a lot of international travel.  They both love to cook and recreate dishes they have had from around the world.  Look at the spice rack they had made!!  Is that not a thing of beauty?  I thought I had a huge collection of spices, but this makes mine look small.  I just can't help but smile at all of those gorgeous jars of spices.

That's all I have for today.  I do have a couple of new to me recipes that I've made over the last week or two and I promise to post them this week.  The cauliflower shawarma was amazing!  

Have a great week and stay safe and remember to make every day special!