A Little Birthday Bash

My wonderful husband decided that since we were traveling to D.C. for him to attend a medical conference that we might as well celebrate my birthday just a few days early and spend the first night at the incredible D.C. St. Regis.  He lavished me with gifts when we arrived; and, in the morning, ordered a pot of steaming coffee and a basket of flaky croissants.  He insisted I stay in bed, wrapped up in a fluffy robe while sipping coffee and reading the paper.

I thank the Lord that He gave me a husband that knows me well.

Apples and Fall

I love the smell of apples during autumn - and have many candles that replicate that particular spicy sweet scent. (so many that my husband has decreed that I may not buy any more candles until I burn through a good portion of the ones I already have...)

I decided to get the real thing wafting through our home yesterday.  I tried out a recipe for Homemade Applesauce that my friend Leslie highlighted on her blog.





It was soooo simple, tasty and fragrant!  I decided to serve it with pork tenderloin for dinner and it was a big hit.  So much so, it was wrapped up and taken to work for lunch. (Hope that tupperware lid stays on tight in your computer bag honey!)

Here is a link to download or print out the recipe for you to try a little fall cooking and make your home smell as good as ours!

Morning Juice

Continuing my thoughts regarding breakfast items, I wanted to share how we have been saving a few dollars and having delicious iced coffee at home.

When we were in D.C., and the temps rose to the 80's in April, it was not optimal to sip steaming hot coffee to start the day. I tried brewing coffee and then chilling it, and that worked somewhat well, but still not quite what I was looking for.

I'm a recent convert to the Pioneer Woman craze and when she posted how to cold brew iced coffee in mass quantities I was all over that like white on rice.

H helped me find a two-gallon container when we made the trek to the closest Container Store which had a convenient spigot for my early morning barista impression. (It was another life-altering reality wake-up call to realize that I've lived 7 minutes from a Container Store in both GA and D.C. and now I definitely don't.)

After loading up on necessary supplies like cheesecloth and a BIG bag of Dunkin' Donuts ground coffee I followed PW's directions and it resulted in awesome iced coffee. And enough of it that I only had to make it about once a week - an even better result in my mind!

Breakfast and Chicken?

If you have the good fortune of living near a Chick-fil-A then you've probably been introduced to a scrumptious Chicken Biscuit. A flaky buttery biscuit sandwiching a moist, lightly breaded chicken breast.

I know that it might sound a little odd if you've never tried this. But we eat beef and pork at breakfast, why not chicken?

Along those lines, CFA is offering everyone a free breakfast item September 6th - 10th if you reserve it online. I was pumped to reserve my very own chicken biscuit, and a spicy chicken biscuit for H. And yet I was greeted by this fresh heartache over CFA...

Summer Peaches

I love sweet, juicy summer peaches. And really haven't had a single great peach yet this season.

Since I'm in Atlanta this weekend, I went for the next best thing. A Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake. These are only available seasonally and I almost missed it completely. In fact, having one of these became a bit of an daily obsession for me a few summers back. Back when I could afford those massive truckloads of caloric deliveries on a regular basis.

I had thought I would do a Pioneer-Woman-style shot-by-shot pictorial of my enjoyment of my size small, whipped-cream-and-cherry-free peach milkshake.

Oops.

Well, maybe next time.

Enchilada Cha Cha

I love Mexican food. Really love it. Maybe not as much as Italian food, but it's a close second. As a result of a disappointing search for a good go-to spot for casual Mexican food here in Worcester, I'm searching for at-home options.

First off, frozen Trader Joe's enchiladas turned out to be a no-go. Not even doctoring them with massive amounts of shredded cheese could give redemption to that meal. That may rank with the Tuna Helper newlywed dinner my mom made that has lived on in infamy in my father's mind.

Next I turned to my Texan friend Kelli to get a recipe to make a TexMex dish from scratch. And I'm happy to report that I have redeemed myself with a tasty dish of enchiladas where there was actually a request for a second helping.

It's easy, really flavorful and makes a TON of food. So much so that Hunt asked if I had gotten the recipe from Pioneer Woman since in his opinion it was "enough to feed an entire Pioneer family."

The best part is that the chicken is cooked on low in salsa for several hours in Crockpot and then shredded. The meat just falls apart and has great flavor. The options are endless with the type of salsa you use and could potentially make the meal different every time.

Without further ado...Crockpot Chicked Enchiladas from Kelli Briley:

Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breast
• 1 bag of frozen corn
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 jar of salsa
• 1 can of enchilada sauce
• 10 whole wheat tortillas
• 1 bag of colby jack cheese
  

Directions:

Cook chicken breasts with the salsa in the crockpot on low for several hours.

Preheat oven to 350°

Grease a 9x11 dish (can use an 8x8 in addition if you have too many)

In a separate bowl, mix the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Scoop out about a 2 cups to use for the topping and set aside.

Shred the chicken and add it to the corn mixture with some of the shredded cheese. Fill the tortillas and place them in the dish with the seam down.

Pour enchilada sauce over each tortilla, then spoon the reserve corn mixture over the top. Finally cover the enchiladas in colby jack cheese.

Cook enchiladas for 25-30 minutes until the cheese and enchilada sauce is bubbling.

**Notes: I used restaurant style salsa since it was thinner and covered the chicken completely. I used two forks and shredded the chicken while it was still in the crockpot so that it could soak up any remaining salsa. I would probably add more cheese inside the enchilada next time. I covered the dish in foil for the first 25 minutes to avoid drying out and then had it uncovered for the last 5 minutes. I would use a big can of the enchilada sauce next time since one small can was barely enough to cover that many enchiladas.

DD Heaven

If you are a lover of smooth coffee, yummy glazed doughnuts and drive-thrus...then you should move to Massachusetts!

I knew prior to moving here that Dunkin Donuts was headquartered in MA, but I had no inkling as to how abundant their locations would turn out to be. It has become a bit of a driving game for Hunt and I to spot DD's as we drive...but it turns out that playing a DD version of punch buggy can lead to bruises and claims of spousal abuse.

And while DD can never compete with my love of Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts and the fact that the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign draws me in like a tractor beam, it's kinda nice to have easy access to delicious iced coffee and an array of baked goods. (Have I shared yet that I think "Baked Goods" is the 6th and unnamed Love Language?)

A quick search revealed that there are no less than 31 Dunkin Donuts in my immediate 5 mile radius. 31!

I don't think that there is that kind of proliferation of Starbucks even in Seattle! But, considering that I've always preferred DD coffee to Starbucks (to the point that I woke up on our wedding day craving a Spiced Pumpkin coffee and dragged my MOH there that morning) I think I ended up with the better option.

Enjoying a little too much...

Remember that lovely, so lovely, old wives tale of "Fat and Happy?"

It seems they would assert that being slim and in shape does not likely coincide with happiness.

And *sigh* I have proven those old crones know what they are talking about. Ever since I moved up to D.C. from Atlanta last June, I have been happy to be with Hunt. So happy in fact that it is bubbling over. As in, over the top of my jeans and at the seams of my dress pants.

Plus, eating, drinking, and desserting our way through the Hawaiian islands for 10 days may have been the tipping point...

So, I have determined that I will be happily married, enjoy getting to see Hunt every day like I continuously prayed to be able to do, eat delicious dinners together, and yet be in shape and have access to more than 10% of my wardrobe.

In that effort, I have shunned fad diets, fat-blasting pills (those ads are on ALL THE TIME), and will not be embarking on the Master Cleanse. My father says the trick is "push-backs." No, not push-ups. Push-backs. As in: push back from the table.

So I will be aware of what I'm eating, intentionally choosing the wise option and steering clear of

the candy bowl at the office. I've been looking into better choices for lunch - better than the only nearby fast-food establishment: McDonald's. (Going back at my purchasing habits from last summer I realize I may have been eating my emotions/grief over leaving Atlanta and that translated into a LOT of chicken McNuggets.) I have found that the Healthy Choice Steamers are actually super, super good. I can't stand Lean Cuisine. Paltry patties of chicken have no lasting power. But the General Tso's, Sesame, and Orange Spice Chicken are surprisingly good, very filling and have a good nutritional profile. And the chicken is big chunks of white chicken breast. Hard to believe it's a microwave meal actually. The savings also add up - WINNING on multiple fronts is even better.

The simple math of calories in, calories out paired with exercise should take care of it. And the reality of it is that I don't want to become obsessed with this. It sucks ALL the fun out of meals and cooking. I don't want to struggle with this the rest of my life. And I certainly want to be in great shape before we try to start a family. Plan is: do this the old-fashioned way and keep it up. Once I'm at a good point, my body should burn calories more effectively and maintaining is always easier/more fun than losing.

I did find a great little food the other day. When Hunt is on call I love to have only soup for dinner since I don't want to cook an entire meal. But just liquid is a bit of a letdown, even if it is very filling.

A good crunch of oyster crackers or saltines goes a long way in the satisfaction department. Guess what? They now make mini saltines! Less messy than biting into regular saltines and sending crumbs everywhere - and no, my mouth is not big enough to shove an entire cracker in there. More flavorful than oyster crackers and conveniently small and crunchy. And you can have a TON before you break the nutrition bank. Something like 70 calories for two handfuls.

Wish me luck! And tell me of any hints, pieces of advice or good foods that you would recommend. No crazy regimens need apply.

Bring on the Spicy!

Today is a great day.

Why?

Today I get my FREE Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A. I registered for a time slot to receive my very own sandwich (I never planned on sharing).

I am holding in my hand my special pass that entitles me to be the owner of this special culinary delight.

Hunt has been able to get these for a while now since Baltimore was a test market and a few times when he flew to Atlanta from BWI he would bring home a sample for me to taste. And even though it was a few hours old and cold, it was still amazing. As all thing Chick-fil-A are, of course.

What's going to be even more incredible? The spicy Chicken Biscuit!

Whoooo Boy!

It's no secret I have a sweet tooth. Especially for all things baked. Even more if they are cup-cake shaped.

A very difficult temptation for me? ChikFilA Peach Milkshakes. When they were debuted last spring, there was one week that every day on my way home from work I swung by the Chik and got one. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. At least it was the small version sans whip cream and cherry. I saved many calories that way I'm sure.

And as I prepare for engagement photos and getting fitted for a wedding dress, ChikFilA has brought back the sweet nectar of the peach combined with its ice dream. I believe it's a conspiracy. It's going to be a monumental test of my will to not partake. I figure if I have one, I'll have many.

It is causing me to drive home a different way. And to quote scripture.

Get thee behind me Satan! And get thee from growing my behind o' Peach Milkshake!

Easy and Simple

I love to cook. It really is therapeutic to me. I love creating and having something come from the work of my hands. Even more so, I love feeding the people I care about. It's a joy for me to see someone take a bite of a dish I've made and see their corresponding smile. It's not that I do it for the affirmation, it is just nice to provide that comfort and enjoyment to others. It's the fact that they feel good as a result of my cooking that makes me feel good.

I found a great recipe that is quick and easy and makes a great meal! They are Marvelous Mini Meatloaves

You can customize this recipe to make four different versions of the basic recipe according to what flavor you are craving that particular night. The best part of this is that instead of making one big "loaf" of meat, you make the mini loaves in a muffin tin! Easy, fast, and really tasty.

I wonder how many more times I can say the word easy.

Easy!!!

Epicurean Gifts

One of the best things about an s.o. living in another city is getting to discover and experience the delights of that city.

And, if you have read this blog for any length of time, you would know that I love food, love restaurants that serve good food and love being introduced to new (to me) culinary gems that I will want to visit again and again.

Thankfully, my s.o. has a similar appreciation. On a recent trip to D.C. I was treated to an exquisitely wonderful dinner at the 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown. All I knew beforehand was that it was a jacket-required establishment and should plan accordingly. The meal I had was heavenly. From the cold heirloom tomato soup with lump crab meat served in a miniature cup to the unbelievable steak with spinach custard, I was left speechless. Literally. I was so captivated with what was delighting my taste buds that I was likely horrible company.

Finish that with a velvety cheesecake with walnut crust topped with fresh buttered peaches and tart raspberries and it became one of the best meals of my life.

Thank you for the treat Hunt. It was perfect. But if want sparkling conversation you might need to dial down the excellent food next time...

Some other day I'll have to tell you about the filet mignon Eggs Benedict that can be found at Harry's Tap Room for brunch...

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Listening to: Matt Nathanson - Sing Me Sweet
via FoxyTunes

Fatty snack or message from God?

I'm not quite sure what to say...so I'll just let you read it for yourself...

"Woman finds Jesus in Cheetos bag"

p.s. Please be sure to not miss the excellent video coverage of this discovery.

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Listening to: OneRepublic - Stop And Stare
via FoxyTunes