Monday on Tuesday

Today has been a Monday on a Tuesday. Need I say more?
I love having a long weekend, but the first day back is a killer every time.

Tonight brought a welcome surprise, the first lettuce and spring onions from the garden!!! I love having fresh vegetables.
This year we (I use that term loosely) planted carrots, green beans (greasy cut shorts), corn, red and yellow peppers, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, okra, radishes and cucumbers in addition to the lettuce and onions. Ronnie loves to play in the dirt, me not so much, but I do love to cook the treasures that all his hard work yields.

Supper tonight was fitting for a pseudo Monday, easy, but still really good.
I dressed the greens and sliced spring onions with a simple vinaigrette and sprinkled with some of Penzey's Florida Seasoned Pepper.

The baked pasta dish is very similar to a lasagna but much easier. The greatest part of the recipe is you don't have to pre-cook the pasta. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Baked Ziti

1 - 26 ounce can spaghetti sauce (I used Del Monte 4 Cheese)
1 - 16 ounce container sour cream
1 can beef consomme
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. sugar
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (I used a mozzarella and provolone blend)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese - fresh - not the green shaker can kind
16 ounces ziti or penne

Preheat the oven to 400* degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce with the sour cream.
Stir in consomme, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, pepper and sugar.
Add 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Stir in the pasta and mix well. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the baking dish from the oven, uncover and sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.
Return the dish to the oven without a cover and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

This makes a lot, so I halved it and froze one for an even easier meal on a night when time is short.

So, until tomorrow...............
S~~~

Cagney Is Fine

Thanks so much for all your concern. Cagney is home and sleeping. When we picked her up she looked so sweet, the little pink bow was still in her hair. She had a 24 hour pain injection that will keep her drowsy for awhile. She isn't quite herself yet. Sissy went over to Cagney while Ronnie was petting her and she snapped at Sissy. This little dog has never snapped at anyone before. It must be the medication. I am just so happy this is behind her.

We had Nara Express for supper tonight. I had several errands to run and didn't get back in time to fix the chicken I planned. So I cooked it (pressure cooker)and put it in the freezer in the broth for next week. Back to Nara, I wonder what has changed there. It was basically tasteless. Disappointing too, because I always liked their teriyaki shrimp and chicken.

Tomorrow is a busy day, but I will try to pop in. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!

So, until tomorrow......
S~~~

One More Stressful Day

Today, for a number of reasons, has been stress filled.

First, due to the economy we are most likely looking at a reduced work week. This is a tough time for all businesses that depend on corporate travel. While we hope this is a temporary slow down no one really knows. (I guess this is some of that change, I am still looking for the hope. )So, we are faced with the possibility of losing a position and a half or a voluntary reduction in hours to save these positions. With just 5 people in our office we are much like family. I know so many other offices are facing much more drastic cuts than this, so, truthfully we are thankful to be employed.

Secondly, tomorrow our baby Shih Tzu, Cagney, is being spayed. I feel so bad for her. She won't understand what is happening to her. Before we owned dogs I never understood that they are just like your children. Ronnie keeps reminding me that Sissy did fine when she was spayed, and she is much more fragile than Cagney. I posted a new picture of her tonight, so you could see how cute she looked with her new haircut. Maybe you could say a little prayer for her tomorrow.

So, comfort food was the order of the night here.


Chicken Fried Steak (Economical Version) w/ Milk Gravy*
Creamed Potatoes
Tiny English Peas
Sugar Glazed Carrots

Chicken Fried Steak With Milk Gravy

1 lb ground chuck
2 eggs - well beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. season salt
1 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can beef consomme
1 1/2 cups milk

Mix 2 cups flour with season salt and pepper.
Shape ground beef into four thin patties.
Dip patties into flour, then beaten egg, then flour again. (Set the leftover flour aside for gravy)
Heat vegetable oil into a heavy skillet over medium high heat.
When your oil reaches frying temperature add patties.
Cook for about 6 minutes per side.
Remove and drain on paper towels.


Milk Gravy
4 tbsp. reserved flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Remove all but 4 tbsp. oil from skillet. Stir in 4 tbsp. of the reserved flour, salt and pepper.
Stir, scraping up browned bits, for about one minute or until it is browned.
Whisk in consomme and milk gradually.
Stir until thick and bubbly.
Remove from heat.
Stir well.

So, until tomorrow..............
S~~~

New Recipes and American Idol

My post is a bit short tonight. This is the final week of American Idol. Kris is my slight favorite but I really like both finalists. Ronnie leans toward Adam. Anyone else have a favorite?

I have been so slack lately when it comes to trying new recipes. So tonight I tried two.
One I liked better than the other, but I will post both and you can let me know what you think.



Paula Deen's Corn Salad Recipe

1 - 16 oz. bag frozen whole kernel sweet corn
2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup green pepper - chopped
1/2 cup onion - chopped
1 - 10 1/2 ounce bag coarsely crushed Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips

Mix first 5 ingredients and chill. Stir in corn chips just before serving.

Chicken Pesto

1 - packet pesto sauce mix (I used Knorr)
8 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin sliced)
1 cup bread crumbs
6 slices provolone cheese
1 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms

Preheat oven to 375
Prepare pesto sauce according to package direction.

Spray rectangular dish (9 x 12 inch) with Pam

Moisten chicken with water, shake off excess, and coat with bread crumbs.
Place chicken in baking dish.
Spread pesto sauce evenly over chicken breasts.
Cover chicken with provolone cheese.
Spread mushrooms over cheese.

Bake in oven for 45- 50 minutes.


So, Until Tomorrow............
S~~~

Checking In

Another rainy day in Marion it appears.

I wanted to check in early today with the supper post, I have been lazy lately.

My plans today might change after grocery shopping but as it stands right now:

Grilled Portabello and Avocado Sandwiches on onion rolls with some type of aioli, probably roasted red pepper. I am unsure what my sides will be but possibly an old fashioned macaroni salad and baked beans.

I hope to be back later tonight.

So, Until Then................
S~~~

New Addition To The Blog Tonight

Check out the new addition on the right side. Things that make me smile.
I decided to list some of the things that make me smile in hopes that you would do the same.
Just hit the comment button and share your favorite simple things. It will be fun, trust me.
Until Tomorrow............
S~~~

Happy Mother's Day!!!

My first inclination was not to blog at all today. Then decided that I did not want to miss the opportunity to wish all the beautiful Mother's who read my blog a wonderful Mother's Day.

Being a Mother is the hardest yet most rewarding job on the planet.
While my relationship with my own Mother was very complicated I loved her dearly. She loved me too, in her own way. No two people could be more different than Mother and me, yet at times I find myself doing things just as she would. To use an old cliche "my Mother never understood me", but then I guess I never understood her either. In the end, we got past that and I learned to accept her as she was. What she was, was incredibly generous, very hard working, and talented beyond words. Mother's hand work was perfect. She knit, did needlepoint, crocheted, sewed, crafted and baked to perfection. I was always proud to wear the clothes she made for me.
Mother wasn't good at telling anyone that she loved them. Her way of showing love was to make sure we had everything our heart desired that was within her power to provide.

Our daughter is away in Pennsylvania now. Thankfully, through the use of cell phones and internet we stay in very close touch. We talk several times everyday, but still this Mother's arms long to hold her baby. Especially today. Circumstances will most likely bring them back to Raleigh in the next few months and that will make her Daddy and I very happy.

So, in honor of Mother's Day I am sharing my most treasured recipe. My Mother's chocolate fudge cake. It was my birthday cake every year for as long as I can remember, until 2002. I have had the recipe for years and never made the cake, I'm not sure I ever will. I'm afraid mine could never measure up to Mother's. I hope you make it and I know your family will enjoy it as much as our has over the years. It is without a doubt the very best cake I have ever had.

BETTY'S CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

Sift together into mixer bowl:
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Crisco

Add:
2/3 cup buttermilk and beat 2 minutes at medium speed.

Then add:
1/3 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 squares unsweetened chocolate - melted
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat an additional 2 minutes

Pour into 2 - 8 or 9 inch cake pans which have been prepared with shortening and flour.
Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

FROSTING

3 squares unsweetened chocolate - melted
2 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup evaporated milk
6 Tbsp. Crisco
3 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 Tbsp. white corn syrup (Karo)
1/4 tsp. salt

Add ingredients to a heavy saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil and boil 2 minutes, stirring.

Add:
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla and allow to cool to lukewarm.
Beat with a wooden spoon until the frosting is no longer glossy.

Spread between layers and over top and sides.

Note: Mother would never use anything but Red Band flour and Dixie Crystals sugar.
She also make sure all ingredients were room temperature before she started baking.

Saturday Ramblings

I am so excited about my new car. We just bought this Nissan Altima. My Explorer was racking up the miles driving to Asheville everyday so we decided Ronnie would drive it and we will sell the Escape that he has been driving. This Nissan reminds me of a Honda Accord that I had a few years ago and loved. We should save a ton in fuel cost too.

Last night Ronnie and I ate at the new Wild Moose Grill in downtown Old Fort. The food and service were very good. Ronnie and I both had the broiled trout. The desserts were also good. Ronnie had a very nice NY style cheesecake. Of course, I had to taste. I brought home the red velvet cake which was incredible. They also had a 6 layer carrot cake that looked wonderful, as well as what they called a chocolate train wreck that appeared to be positively decadent. The building was rustic interior brick and original woodwork. Nice contrast to the white linen and black napkins.

I treated myself to a lazy Saturday morning today. Ronnie had to errands to tend to early this morning, so I took advantage of it. My ideal Saturday morning goes like this.......
Wake up about 8:00 am, grab a glass of orange juice and take it back to bed. Snuggle in with my book and orange juice until around 9:00 am, then nap until about 10:00 am. Sissy and Cagney loved it as much as I did. Then all good things must come to an end as laundry and grocery shopping needed my attention.

Early this afternoon we decided to run to Aldi in Morganton in my quest to economize. (This was after our very first stop at Jack Frost this year, ice cream makes me smile). I like their laundry detergent, fabric softener, fresh produce and most of the other items I have tried so far. Still working on breaking that brand name habit.

Supper tonight was just so so, or at least that is my opinion. Ronnie liked it fine.

Tangy Baked Chicken
Asparagus Casserole
Corn on the Cob
Honey Wheat Bread with Roasted Garlic

I tried to improvise on an asparagus casserole that my Mother used to make. I obviously didn't remember what she did. I know she used canned asparagus (which I bought at Aldi and they were good), rice, cheese and some kind of "cream of" soup. Mother's was really good, mine was bland to say the least. I need to find out if Daddy knows what I left out and then try again.

Anyway, no recipe worth posting tonight.

So, Until Tomorrow..........
S~~~

Summertime Favorites

I have been so slack recently posting recipes that I wanted to make it up to you with some warm weather favorites. Hope you enjoy.

Picnic Cucumber Salad

5 small pickling cucumbers
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. seasoned rice wine vinegar (apple cider is ok)
1 small sweet onion- sliced into rings
3/4 cup sour cream
1 Tbls. olive oil
2 Tbsp. if lemon juice (fresh, if possible)
2 Tbls. fresh dill, chopped ( you may sub. 1 tsp. dried dill weed)
kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

Peel (if desired) and slice cucumbers. Place in a bowl and add kosher salt and rice wine vinegar. Let stand for 30 minutes and drain. Cucumbers should be crisp. Slice the onion into thin rings and add to the cucumbers. In a separate dish combine, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, dill kosher salt and pepper. Pour over cucumbers and combine. Refrigerate until supper.


Lemonade Chicken

4-6 boneless skinless chicken breast ( or whatever kind of chicken you like)
1 – 12 oz can frozen lemonade – thawed
½ cup honey
½ cup olive oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tsp. celery salt
1 tsp. fresh cracked pepper

Marinate chicken 20-30 minutes and grill or bake (covered) as usual.

So, Until Tomorrow........
S~~

Happy Birthday Ragan

Yesterday, May 5th, was Ragan's birthday!!
We had such a good time when we met at Papa's and Beer ( http://www.mountainx.com/dining/2007/041807papas)
on Tunnel Road in Asheville to celebrate. We were there to party for Ragan's birthday, but the rest of Asheville (no kidding) was there to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The food was (and always is) incredible. That however, is totally beside the point.
It was Ragan's day and as it should be for a Cinco de Mayo baby, Mexican food is her very favorite.

To you Ragan..............
We are so proud of you. Your talent, your work ethic, your thoughtfulness, your beautiful smile, and so very much more.

We love you, Sweetheart, and hope you day was the very, very best!!!!!

So, until tomorrow...........
S~~~

Vacation Day #2 aka The Gluttony Tour

Friday April 24th

We headed out of Phoenixville around 10:45 a.m. bound for Philadelphia proper. Because we had seen the sights of the city (Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, etc.) our main goal in the city was Philly Cheese Steaks. According to Lacy-Jay (and Rachel Ray among others) the very best Cheese Steaks are found at Jim’s on South Street, www.jimssteaks.com . Far be it from me to dispute that claim. They are nothing like what we know as Philly Cheese Steaks here. Bread that is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, tender round steak, grilled onions and what is known simply as Whiz, never call it Cheese Whiz, even though that is what it really is. Ronnie added banana peppers to his and Lacy added mayonnaise and provolone, Bashar and I had the traditional. So very good, messy, but worth it. We even met one of the line cooks there that was originally from Columbia, S.C.. He immediately picked up on Lacy’s accent and wanted to know where we were from.

After a short walk down Philadelphia’s South Street, we were off to Penzey’s, www.penzeys.com,( great site, be sure to check out the recipe section). They have the absolute BEST herbs and spices available. I have ordered from Penzey’s many times but have never had the chance to visit a retail store before. I loved the chance to walk in and smell the herbs and spices. I bought Roasted Szechuan Pepper and Salt Blend, Vanilla Sugar, Florida Citrus Blend, Hot Chocolate Mix, French Thyme, Grey Salt, Sandwich Sprinkle, Smoky 4/S (Smoky Seasoned Sea Salt)
This store is a cook’s dream.

A quick stop at Starbucks for Passion Tea with Lemonade and we were on our way back to Phoenixville.

By this time the weather was nearing 90 and Lacy and I were loving every minute of it.

Back in Phoenixville we relaxed for a few minutes on the deck with pomegranate margaritas and peanuts in the shell, and then on to dinner and more food.

Lacy had make reservations at Majolica, www.majolicarestaurant.com in Phoenixville. This is a beautiful little restaurant situated in the heart of downtown. Our reservations were for 8:00 p.m. and we waited for about 20 minutes. By this time, we were starving. This eating frenzy began with a chef’s taste of salmon tartar served on a homemade potato chip with fennel. Lacy and I had the most wonderful cauliflower soup. They brought soup bowls to the table with at least a ½ cup of shredded Regianno Parmesan mounded in the center, then poured the hot soup around the cheese from a thermal pitcher. I cannot describe how good this was. I am researching recipes to duplicate this soup and I will share once I get it right. Bashar had the mussels in a Pernod sauce and Ronnie had a spinach salad with goat cheese and molasses vinaigrette. For the table we had a roasted beet salad that even Ronnie who says he doesn’t like beets enjoyed. There were yellow, pink, white and red beets roasted with freshly grated Parmesan, candied hazelnuts and basil. Then came what was Ronnie and Bashar’s favorite, the intermezzo, cucumber and lime sorbet with fresh fennel and course gray salt on top. It was a truly different taste. All this before we got to the entree. Lacy, Ronnie and Bashar all had the rib-eye with potato croquettes and grilled scallions. The potato croquettes were incredible. These were really creamy potatoes rolled into about 3 inch balls and then coated with panko breadcrumbs and deep fried. I had to taste Ronnie’s, they looked delicious and did not disappoint. I had the milk fed pork with new potatoes, cabbage and a mustard broth. It was amazing.

Now, comes time for dessert (hey, it was vacation after all), Lacy and Bashar shared the Earl Grey ice cream with shortbread and lemon curd. Ronnie had the pineapple sorbet with coconut tapioca and macadamia nut brittle. I had the fennel panna cotta without the strawberries but I did have the balsamic drizzle. I would comment on dessert but I have run out of adjectives. Just suffice it to say they were decadent.

So, Until Tomorrow...............
S~~~

Catching Up

So many things to blog about that I don't really know where to start.
I think I will just start with today's supper post and spend the next few days sharing the past couple of weeks.

Today Ronnie and I caught up on some errands, going to the WalMart, Lowes and the Ingles.
Bought a Brita pitcher at the WalMart, in an effort to cut back on the bottled water that I buy. Up until about 10 years ago I hated water. Drinking water was equivalent to taking horrible tasting medicine. Then I went to Weight Watchers. You absolutely cannot do Weight Watchers and not drink water. So, I learned to drink bottled water. We had city water at the time and while I am sure it was fine to drink, I preferred bottled water. Then we moved out of the city three years ago and I still kept my bottled water. Our well water is very good so I really should drink it. So, today we bought this Brita pitcher with a dispenser http://www.brita.com/us/products/water-dispensers/ultramax/

Supper tonight was a favorite of mine, Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. There used to be a Pizza Inn in Morganton that served a great Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. They closed a few years back so I had to get a bit creative and make my own. You can vary the toppings, using most anything you would like on your cheeseburger. Try it and let me know what you think.



BACON CHEESEBURGER PIZZA

1 - thin pizza crust (I like Boboli)

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup prepared mustard
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. celery seed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 small sweet onion - chopped or sliced thin
6 slices bacon - cooked and crumbled

20-25 slices of hamburger dill pickles

Combine mayonnaise, mustard, chili powder and sugar. Mix well and let sit 10 minutes.
Brown ground beef and drain well. **I add 1/2 cup VERY COLD water to the ground beef before cooking. Stir well and cook until all water has evaporated and beef is nicely browned. This produces a very fine texture.** Add Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, salt and pepper.

Spread the mayonnaise and mustard sauce on pizza crust. Top with seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar, onions, bacon, and pickles. ( Lay the pickles on paper towels and dry well before adding to pizza).

Bake at 450* 10 - 12 minutes.

___________________________________________________
Ronnie and I went to Philadelphia to visit Lacy and Bashar for a few days last week. It was perfect weather and we had a wonderful time. We had not seen them since the Christmas party so we were excited to make the road trip, even with two dogs in tow. The little doggies were so good for the long ride. They both have car seats that put them up even with the windows so they can see out and still be secured.
The only bad meal we had during the entire trip was at a McDonald's somewhere in Virginia. I am not a McDonald's fan but usually the food is consistent from location to location. Ronnie had the southern chicken sandwich and I had the fish fillet, they were both dripping with grease. I know, I know, this is fast food, but this was ridiculous. Even the fries, and McDonald's has the best fries as a rule, we soggy with grease. If we had not been in a hurry to get back on the road and eating in the car I would have complained. Trust me, it has to be really bad for someone not to meet my expectation for fast food.

After a thankfully uneventful trip we arrived in the Philadelphia borough of Phoenixville around 7:45 pm. After lots of hugs and kisses we got the dogs settled in and went to supper. We were tired and just wanted to visit with Lacy and Bashar so we decided to have pizza (is this a theme?) We went to a little local place called Valley Forge Pizza that had won best of Philadelphia for their pizza. Bashar and I shared a pineapple pizza while Lacy-Jay and Ronnie had feta cheese and mushrooms.

Stay tuned for vacation day # 2.

So, Until Tomorrow..............,
S~~~

Hello................, Remember Me ???

Just a quick post to let you know that I am amongst the living.

We just early this week returned from vacation in Philadelphia and I am still playing catch up, laundry, grocery shopping, unpacking, more laundry, and some other good things that I will be sharing soon. I promise!!

Thanks to everyone that noticed I was MIA. You are the greatest!!

S~~

Pizza Night Monday

I know Monday isn't a usual pizza night or at least not for us. Friday always seems like pizza night. Last Friday we ate at the Longhorn in Asheville, so no pizza for us. When Monday rolled around and I needed a quick supper, we finally had our pizza.

On Saturday we worked around the house all day and dinner was late on the deck.

Teriyaki Grilled Salmon
Roasted Potatoes
Oriental Salad *
Roasted Pita Points with Tzatziki Sauce
Blood Orange Margaritas *

I had bought some blood oranges at Fresh Market last week and I wanted to make something that would show their pretty red color. Blood Orange Margaritas fit the bill.
I used Sauza Tres Generaciones (Blanco), and they were so good.

BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITAS

1 cup Blood Orange Juice
1/3 cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
1/2 cup Cointreau ( Triple Sec will do in a bind)
1 cup Tequila (100% blue agave)
3/4 cup Diet Sprite

Mix and serve over ice. I only like salt with original margaritas, but feel free.
Treat it well, I just gave you my secret to great margaritas.

ORIENTAL SALAD

1 Package Cole Slaw Mix
2 Packages Oriental Flavor Ramen Noodles
2 Small Packages Slivered Almonds
½ Cup Vegetable Oil
½ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
4 Tbsp. Sugar
2 Seasoning Packets from Ramen Noodles
½ Tsp. Kosher Salt
¾ Tsp. Pepper

Break up Ramen Noodles in package. Remove seasoning packets (save for dressing). Place noodles and almonds in a shallow pan and place in oven at 400 until lightly brown (about 15 minutes). Stir occasionally to insure even toasting.
Combine vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, seasoning packets from the Ramen Noodles, salt and pepper in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well. This is even better if you make the dressing the day before, but not crucial.
In a large bowl combine noodles and almonds (cooled) with Cole Slaw Mix. Pour dressing over top and serve immediately.


PIZZA SAUCE

1 – 16 oz. can tomato sauce
1 – 8 oz. can tomato paste
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 beef bouillon cube
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried basil
t tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper


In a med sauce pan, add olive oil; turn down to low.Add garlic and stir until it is fragrant and hot, but not cooked.Add tomato sauce and paste, sugar, salt, bouillon cube and spices. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and add balsamic vinegar. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning to taste,adding more sugar if desired, or salt and pepper.

Trust me, you will never use store bought sauce again.

So, until tomorrow.......
S~~

Another Anniversary Post

I know, I know, another anniversary post... just a bit of repetition, I suppose.

That said, this is an important date in our lives. Today, April 16th, 2009 is our 31st wedding anniversary. I always love having an April anniversary. The dogwoods are in bloom, the weather is getting warm and the birds are coming back, so we can wake up to their sweet chirping every morning. The day we were married it reached 80 degrees!!

In 1978 we were young and dumb at 21 and 23. We were clueless what might be ahead. We have struggled at times, endured the death of both of Ronnie's parents and my Mother, welcomed the joyous birth of our daughter in November 1981, after enduring months of the biggest challenge we ever faced in order to bring her into this world. Survived sicknesses, appendicitis, multiple broken little broken toes and a failed business. All the while amassing so many, many blessings I could never count them. Most of all a love that is even stronger today than in 1978.

I somehow managed to pass on to our daughter, Lacy, how much I loved being married in April. I plainly remember repeatedly telling her as a little girl that she could be married in April too. I never really thought she paid any attention to my overblown sentimentality. Until that Thursday in May 2006 when Bashar drove up from Raleigh to ask Ronnie's permission to marry our daughter. During dinner I asked if he had any idea what month they would choose. His answer brought tears to my eyes as he explained that Lacy-Jay insisted on April as close to our anniversary as possible.

Don't laugh too hard at the 1978 photo posted above.

So, tonight I am planning to snuggle up on the couch with Ronnie and just be thankful for 31 very, very good years, looking forward to 31 more.

So, Until Tomorrow..........
S~~~

Happy Anniversary Lacy and Bashar

Forgive me the departure from the usual supper post tonight.

Today is a very special day in our family. It was on this day, April 14th, two years ago, that Lacy and Bashar began their life together as husband and wife.
Almost a year of non-stop planning came together in what will always be one memorable night.

Hope you enjoy the wedding photo I posted. Many thanks to Katy Cook (www.katycookphotography.com) for her part in keeping our memories alive.

Philadelphia, PA is home for Lacy and Bashar now, but we keep our fingers crossed in hopes of having them back down South when the opportunity presents itself.

Congratulations, Lacy and Bashar, we love you !!

So, Until Tomorrow.............
S~~~

April Is Grilled Cheese Month

I always knew that April was special and today I discovered that it holds the honor of being National Grilled Cheese Month. Ask one hundred people to list their top ten comfort foods and my guess is 95% will include grilled cheese. My favorite is still the old standby of American cheese on white bread and grilled in butter or spread with mayo and grilled to a golden brown. Lets not forget the Campbell's Cream of Tomato Soup made with milk to dip your sandwich in. Life doesn't get much better....................

It wasn't grilled cheese on the menu for us tonight but it was a sandwich. Recently I had lunch at a new bagel place down on Merrimon. Now, to be perfectly honest with you this Southern girl is not much of a bagel fan. Give me a biscuit any day. That said, Buddha Bagel's has something called a Byalis (sp?). It is a much thinner bagel with poppy seeds, garlic, sea salt and onions on top. So, at lunch I stopped by and picked up a couple of Byalis for tonight's supper.
After Ronnie's help with slicing these much thinner bagels I baked some bacon and sliced up a ripe avocado, added a slice of baby Swiss and some onions. It was a really good warm weather supper, even though the weather turned off cold and rainy here tonight.

So, Until Tomorrow...............
S~~~

Happy Easter

What a beautiful Easter Sunday !!
It was a quiet one here at the Taylor house. I could easily get used to a four day work week. The extra day makes all the difference in the world. Go ahead smack my hand, I know I am fortunate to have a job and shouldn't complain. Truthfully, I know how very blessed I am on this Easter 2009.

Starting tomorrow Monday April 13th we Southerners are free once again to wear white!! You know how it goes, no white after labor day or before Easter. This must mean that warm weather is almost here.

Most everyone I know always looked forward to the ritual of dying Easter eggs with their children. Growing up Mother dyed the eggs and fixed my Easter basket and it was always beautiful. Mother was very talented and creative when it came to crafty things. Something she certainly never passed along to me, by the way. (I am much more likely to be piled up with a book than crafting anything). Anyway, Lacy -Jay and I had some of our worse blowups over Easter eggs. With my lack of skills and her desire for a designer Easter basket it just never turned out like Miss Priss thought it should. Eventually Mother took over Lacy's Easter baskets and all was well. Somehow I think I missed out on something there.

Supper tonight was slightly traditional. This key lime pie is the ultimate summer dessert. Tonight I used a graham cracker crust but in the past I have crushed ginger snaps added a couple tablespoons of sugar and some melted butter for the crust and that just about takes it over the top.

Sugar Glazed Ham (for me)
Beef Tenderloin (for Ronnie)
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Julia's Squash Casserole (posted January 2nd)
Deviled Eggs
Creamy Dreamy Key Lime Pie*

Creamy Dreamy Key Lime Pie
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup Nellie & Joe's Famous Key West Lime Juice
1 tsp. vanilla
1 9-inch graham cracker crust


Beat softened cream cheese until creamy.
Add sweetened condensed milk and beat to incorporate.
Add egg yolks and beat well.
Add lime juice and beat till combined.
Pour mixture into pie crust and spread with spatula until evenly distributed.
Place on cookie sheet and then into the oven and bake at 350 for 10 min. or
until the filling begins to set.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on rack at room temp.
Then place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Serve with whipped cream.

Post and share your Easter menu. I would love to know what was on your table!!

So, Until Tomorrow (and I promise to try to do better this week)........
S~~~

New Product Alert

Have you tried the new Vermont White Cheddar Wheat Thins? They are yum, especially with Cabots Super Sharp Vermont White Cheddar Cheese.

My other new find this week is Chuck Eye Steaks. Maybe everyone but me knew about these gems, but I just recently discovered them. After reading two different articles I knew I had to give them a try. Today at the Ingles, I bought a package of three very nice Chuck Eye Steaks for $5.77. I have to admit that I am a huge beef tenderloin fan. If I had bought the same size package of beef tenderloin, it would have been at least $35.
I brought them home and put them in a quick marinade for a couple of hours and grilled them to a perfect medium. We loved them. Now, I am not saying they were as good as a beef tenderloin steak, but they were very, very good. Most definitely worth the money.

My Favorite Beef Marinade

1 cup grapefruit juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup honey (or molasses)
1 small onion - chopped fine
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Mix well with a whisk and marinade beef at least one hour or up to 24 hours.

So, Until Tomorrow..........
S~~~

WOW - Macaroni and Cheese of the Month Club

We know about the Wine of the Month Club, the Book of the Month Club, The Fruit of the Month Club, even the Hot Dog of the Month Club, but now I discover the Macaroni and Cheese of the Month Club. Comfort food at it's finest delivered straight to your front door. This isn't your Mamma's Macaroni and Cheese either. Call this Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese. If you are interested in taking out a second mortgage on your home to indulge in this sinful side dish visit www.good-taste.com

I have been fixing such simple meals at our house that I haven't really posted my menus lately.
Tonight is more of the same:

BBQ Chicken
Potato Salad (warm, the only way I like it)
Green Beans
Cottage Cheese

Since I know you don't need another recipe for BBQ chicken I am posting a recipe that I have in my file to try soon. Maybe you will try it first and post a review here.

Shrimp Butter

1/2 cup butter
8 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 cans shrimp
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons onion - chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup fresh parsley - chopped
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Blend butter, cream cheese and mayonnaise together until fluffy.
Add shrimp, lemon juice, onion, garlic powder, parsley, hot sauce, cayenne pepper (if desired) and Worcestershire sauce; mix well.

Refrigerate until firm.
Serve with Chicken in a Biscuit Crackers.

Now, aside from food and cooking.........
As part of my job I have the privilege of spending a good bit of time on the Biltmore Estate, ( I know, go ahead and feel sorry for me.) April brings Festival of Flowers with over 60,000 tulips in bloom and a multitude of other gorgeous blooms. In addition to all the color at Biltmore they just opened 4 newly restored rooms. These 4 rooms alone are worth the price of admission. If you find yourself in Asheville make it a point to at least drive into the entrance of the Estate and enjoy the beauty of the season.



So, Until Tomorrow...........
S~~~