My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  How thankful I am to live in a community with so much local food. I love knowing where my food comes from and supporting local families.  Last night when I made a Big Salad for dinner I realized every single thing in the salad was grown by me or from a local farmer.  Another example is this milk.  I don't drink milk often and when I do I prefer chocolate.  This farm has the BEST milk I have ever tasted.

Where I've been:  I have spent the last three days at home with the big guy and Binx and I have enjoyed every single minute of it.

Where I'm going:  No solid plans yet other than work.  

What I'm watching:  The storms.  Yesterday we had three pretty bad storms.  One at 5am that woke me with the thunder.  One at 7am that brought a bit of hail and more wind and rain.  Then another rolled in around 7pm that had really strong winds.  We needed the rain though and things are a nice shade of green again.  

What I'm reading:  I finished Between You and Me by Susan Wiggs. "Deep within the peaceful heart of Amish country, a life-or-death emergency shatters a quiet world to its core.  A riveting story that challenges our deepest-held beliefs.  How far would you go to keep a secret?"  I really enjoy her books.

What I'm eating:  My goal was to eat up the few extras that have been put in the freezer over the past month and I succeeded besides the four cheeseburger egg rolls, but we can eat those one day for lunches.

LO pasta sauce, pasta, salad and garlic bread

LO Moroccan lamb meatballs, rosemary roasted potatoes and Naan

BIG salad

Bison burger and zucchini fries

BBQ chicken, tomato and basil salad

Who needs a good slap:  I'm drawing a blank again this week. I guess that's not a bad thing.

What's making me smile:  I spent a good part of yesterday going through and cleaning every single kitchen cabinet, drawer and pantry along with the linen closet.  Having them all clean and organized makes me smile. 

Wishing everyone a good week!  

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: It's that time of year when I feel like I am constantly dehydrating, canning or freezing summers goodness to enjoy during the fall and winter.  The Ninja has been an amazing asset by dehydrating in about half the time it used to take me.  My herbs and veggies are all doing very well this year so we'll have all we need and then some to share.

Where I've been:  Tuesday we took Binx for his yearly wellness check. According to the vet he is 'perfect'.  Yes, he charmed both the vet and the tech with his shiny coat and sweet disposition.  Friday I only worked until 11 so we decided to do a bit of shopping and go to the library.  This weekend we've done a few things outside before the heatwave hits here this week.  

Where I'm going:  Other than work all week I have no appointments or plans so far other than projects around the house.

What I'm watching: I really can't remember much of anything I watched this week.

What I'm reading:  Family Tree by Susan Wiggs.  "A powerful, emotionally complex story of love and loss, heartbreak and healing, the pain of the past...and the promise of the future."  I loved it and every book of hers that I've read so far.  

What I'm eating: 

BLT's and zucchini 'fries'

BIG salad with a cheese and cilantro quesadilla

Our once-a-year beef hot dogs, Chicago style with potato chips 

LO Chili and cornbread muffin

Fried cod fish and chips

Moroccan lamb meatballs, zucchini "chips" and naan 

Saturday's brunch was tomato, basil and motz, one of my summertime favorites.

Tonight, I have bulgogi beef cooking to serve over rice

Who needs a good slap:  Well I am going to have to pass on this one because I did not watch any news this week, I also avoided all social media and did not encounter any rude or obnoxious people in the course of the week.  YAY!

What's making me smile:  This may be a silly, small reason to smile, but I am loving the new glass containers that I bought.  Especially for taking my lunch to work.  The dividers really keep things from sliding into each other and I love the weight of them.  I'm very happy that I got them.

I hope everyone is staying cool and has a very wonderful week ahead.  

5 Favorite - Salad dressings

We eat seasonal salads through out the year.  A good salad dressing brings out the flavor of the ingredients.  Here are my 5 favorites.  It doesn't take much time to whip these up and the flavors are amazing.  I stopped buying salad dressing at the store awhile ago.  Nothing wrong with some store bought brands, but please check the labels because many brands say "Contains bioengineered ingredients." 

Wafu (Japanese) Dressing

1 tsp. sesame seeds

2 Tbs. neutral oil-I use avocado oil

2 Tbs. tamari or soy sauce

2 Tbs. rice or white vinegar

2 tsp. grated onion

1 tsp. grated garlic

1 tsp. grated ginger

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. sesame oil (optional)

Combine ingredients in a lidded jar and shake to mix.  Store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

This is delicious on salads, fresh or grilled veggies.

Tahini-Lemon Dressing

1/2 Cup sesame tahini

3-5 Tbs. lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1 clove garlic, grated

1 Tbs. olive oil

Pinch of salt

black pepper to taste

cayenne powder to taste

turmeric to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process.  Add small amount of water to reach desire consistency.  Store in a well sealed jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

This dressing is wonderful on salads made with hearty greens like kale and cabbage.  I have used it as a dressing for coleslaw and it was tasty.  Also is good on cauliflower and summer salads. 

Honey Mustard Dressing

1/4 Cup mayo

1 Tbs. yellow or Dijon mustard, I've made it with both and I prefer the yellow mustard

1 Tbs. honey

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a well sealed jar and shake to mix.  Store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

This is good on salads, grilled veggies, and as a dipping sauce for things like chicken strips or grilled cauliflower.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

1/2 Cup sour cream

1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk, depending on your desired consistency.  I like a medium consistency.

2 Tbs. mayo

1 Tbs. minced fresh parsley

1 Tbs. minced fresh cilantro or dill or the combination of the two

1 Tbs. minced fresh chives

1 large clove of garlic, minced

1 to 2 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

Fresh ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process.  Will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator.  

Ranch dressing is good on just about everything.  I even dip pizza in it from time to time.  

Creamy Italian Dressing

1/4 Cup mayo

2 Tbs. sour cream

2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. fresh or dried oregano

Fresh ground pepper to taste

1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbs. grated parmesan cheese

Whisk all of the ingredients together and store in a well sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.  

Like Ranch, I love Creamy Italian on so many things.  Besides, salads, it makes a delicious sandwich or burger sauce.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  Time.  Today is the big guy's Birthday and I realized we have celebrated the last 38 years together.  Looking back, that seems to have been a lifetime ago, which I guess in a way it is.  I'm always feeling like time flies by and in a way it does but when you really look back over all the years you realize how much life you've had.  For that, I am thankful.  And today we'll celebrate him!

Where I've been:  Yesterday we took a road trip and did a bit of shopping and had a wonderful lunch to start the birthday celebration.  It was nice to get out and see Summer in all her glory.  All of the farms and fields look so lush.  We've had a bit of rain the last couple of weeks, and everything is so green.

Where I'm going:  So far the only plans are, Tuesday taking Binx to his yearly wellness check.  I have to work all week.  Saturday I'm going to do a grocery stock up.  We will see what else pops up this week.

What I'm watching:  I watched the first episodes of BBQ Brawl with Bobby Flay and BBQ USA.  BBQ USA is my favorite.  This episode was at the American Royal competition in Kansas City. I'm looking forward to watching where else they go.

What I'm reading:  I finished Ikigai and while it was mostly familiar advice and information, I did enjoy reading it.  I also started Ruth Reichl's My Kitchen Year.  

What I'm eating:  

BIG salad with cheese, cilantro roll ups

LO chili from the freezer with Frito's, cheese and sour cream.  YUM!

Chicken, mashed potatoes and salad

LO sloppy joes with zucchini fries

Lamb burgers with sweet potato fries

BIG salad

Tonight, the big guy has requested chicken wings, baked potato and salad.  I'm hoping the weather cooperates so I can grill. I'm not a wing fan so I'll grill a steak for myself. 

Who needs a good slap:  There is a local woman who calls herself an 'independent journalist' and she has a FB page where she writes about everything going on in the area.  Unfortunately she is biased and always adds more fuel to every fire she comes across.  People like her are dangerous. I give her 4 good slaps.

What is making me smile:  Friday I received a random text from a friend just wanting to let me know they were thinking of me.  That brought a smile.  Celebrating the big guy brings a smile and Binx makes me smile every day.

Stay safe and cool this week.  For most of us, Summer is here.  Enjoy your Sunday!!

Stuffed Peppers

I really enjoy stuffed peppers, especially in the Summer when everything is fresh.  I saw this and wanted to share.  I think these would make delicious light meals.  The possibilities are endless.  Stay cool everyone.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  Projects.  I have a lot of personal and house projects that I want to finish by September so I'm making lists and figuring out a timeline to get them all done.  When I lived in Florida I worked for the school district and only worked 186 days a year.  I had summers off, two weeks for Christmas, Spring break and a 4-day weekend almost every month.  Summer was when I took care of all projects and after 18 years of living here I still miss summers off.  Speaking of my Florida job, as of June 1 I have officially retired from there.  I felt a bit old when that first check hit the bank at the end of the month.  My plan is to put in another 6 years at my current job before I fully retire.

Where I'm going:  We woke up to a thunderstorm yesterday morning, so we decided to do our day trip next weekend instead.  I don't care for rainy road trips.  It actually works out even better because Sunday is the big guys birthday so we can spend the weekend celebrating him.  

What I'm watching:  I really didn't watch anything this week.

What I'm reading:  Ikigai-The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.  I just started it yesterday but so far it's very interesting.

What I'm eating:  

Steak, wings, baked potato, salad and garlic bread

Fried chicken, macaroni salad, deviled eggs and salad

Honey mustard ham, smashed garlic potatoes and salad

Bucatini pasta with veggies and basil pesto

Chicken fajita nachos

BLT and zucchini fries

Zucchini season is in full swing here.  A friend brought me this monster so today I'll be making a couple loaves of zucchini bread. 

What's making me smile:  This bumper sticker made me smile.  Jenny I'm Having A Thought Here - I'm Having A Thought Here (jennyweber.com)  I saw this and thought of you.  

I hope everyone enjoys your Sunday and has a fabulous week ahead.  For those dealing with the heat, try to stay cool.

My Weekly W's

I have a four-day weekend so I'm all off my routine.  I meant to post my IMK post on Saturday and do my regular Weekly W's on Sunday but I got sidetracked.

What's top of my mind:  We had a really bad thunderstorm go through on Friday evening.  I'm thankful that we had no damage and never lost power but everyone wasn't as lucky.  A lot of tree damage, home damage and an old historic covered bridge was destroyed.  I saw on the news this morning that 400 people are still without power today and I know how difficult that is anytime but especially in this heat.

Where I've been:  Work, library, farmers market, Cracker Barrel for breakfast on Saturday with the big guy and the pet store.  

Where I'm going:  I'll be back to work on Wednesday, and I have a couple more books to pick up at the library.  Saturday we're taking a day trip which I'm looking forward to.

What I'm watching:  I watched this season of Guys All American Road Trip.  They visited a lot of places in Tennesse that looked interesting.  I would love to visit the Lodge store in Pigeon Forge even though I really do not need anything I could see myself going overboard there.  They also went to Warden's Table in Petro's Tennesse that looked awesome.  It is an old prison that was used from the 1800's until 2009 and now has been turned into a restaurant, gift shop, tours and a distillery.  It looked really interesting.  They even have one of the former prisoners doing the tours and he joked that he never thought he'd have the cell key in his pocket.  

What I'm reading:  12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Petterson.  It's been on my list for awhile and so far I'm finding it very enlightening.  

What I'm eating:  

BIG salad

Hot turkey and cheese sandwich with oven fries

BBQ chicken, smashed potatoes, salad

Pizza and salad

Beef and cheese taquitos and rice

Cheeseburger eggrolls and zucchini fries

Who needs a good slap:  Our local pet store.  I stopped in on Wednesday to get Binx food and they only had two cans.  I asked when they would have more and was told the truck would be in Thursday.  I went back on Saturday and was told they still haven't unloaded the truck.  How many days does it take to unload a truck?  Binx has about two weeks of food but I don't like getting too low for this very reason.  Hopefully today they have it done.

What's making me smile:  

I hope everyone in the US has a wonderful 4th of July and stays safe and cool.  Have a great week!!

In My Kitchen

It really is mind blowing that we are into the sixth month of the year.  As much as I try very hard to slow down, enjoy and celebrate each day, time passes quickly, and June was no different. 

Late spring, early summer is a refreshing time in the kitchen.  While I love fall and winter and all that it includes, after the heavy soups, stews, roasted turkey...I'm ready for lighter food.  Fresh local herbs, veggies and fruits call my name.

If I had to choose one herb that I love the most I think I would have to choose basil.  I grow two or three large pots of it each year to enjoy fresh and to make pesto to store in the freezer for a bit of summer freshness in the winter.

So far strawberry and blueberry season has been amazing here.  The fruits have been so sweet and the growing season a bit longer.  I have been eating both daily, have made strawberry jam, blueberry muffins and stored a bit of both away for later use.  Now the cherries are coming in and equally delicious.  

A friend gifted me 6 cups of blueberries that she picked herself.  To me, food gifts are the best gifts.

Another summer treat is a good BLT.  I'm one of those people that will not buy grocery store tomatoes so this is something that only happens from late June to maybe early October.  We enjoyed the first one with home grown lettuce, farmers market tomatoes and local bacon with Dukes mayo.  After that first bite all I could say was mmmmmm. 

We are pickle lovers in this house and I make a lot of them myself.  I'm always happy to try something new when I find it and these did NOT disappoint.  

 Even though I am known to go out in the cold and or snow and grill, the majority of my grilling is done during the summer.  I love that I can usually cook an entire meal there.  Grilling to me gives an entirely different flavor to meat, fruit and vegetables.  This spatch cocked chicken was so flavorful.  

This is my June entry into Sherry's In My Kitchen.  I hope everyone has a wonderful July!  Sherry, thank you for hosting!!  sherrys pickings  Be sure  to stop buy and take a look at all of the other posters to see what is going on in Kitchens all across the globe.

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!