I know. Crazy. Me? Cook. ha! But, from what I've been told, I'm pretty dang good at it. I love just adding ingredients and seeing how it turns out. Ask Mallorie. The other day I was fixing dinner and wasn't 100% sure what we were going to do. I looked in my fridge and started thinking of what could work. We ended up going with the initial plan, but there were some good ideas that are on the calendar for a future date.
So what have I made recently?
The night Mal came over I made chicken cordon bleu (with turkey and muenster, no swiss or ham in the fridge), dredged in egg and then seasoned flour, browned in skillet and then transferred to oven to bake for 30-40 minutes. Added to that were some roasted red potatoes, green beans and an Amazing chocolate souffle. seriously. We stopped the show we were watching so that I could make it again :) I've also tried a lemon and an orange souffle, but this was my favorite (different recipe, not as egg-y or airy)
Stuffed Portobello mushrooms. I called my dad to see what he would put in them and he read a recipe. I went in a completely different direction. Washed the mushrooms, took off the stalk and chopped it up (the stalk that is), sauteed it along with an onion, tomato, spinach, chicken, garlic and basil, piled it into the mushroom and topped it with Parmesan cheese. Popped it in the oven for 40 minutes and consumed. I had some leftover stuffing and thought it would be a great omelet stuffer as well (we'll see).
Homemade mac & cheese. I got this recipe from online. It had cheddar, cottage, and Parmesan along with sour cream and I added bacon for a little crunch, topped with bread crumbs.
I actually received a proposal after making this chocolate cake. Four layers: cake, ganache, cake, raspberry filling, cake, ganache, cake, covered in a fudge frosting and topped with almond slivers. Enjoy with a nice tall glass of milk.
Now don't let this list fool you. I don't cook like this on a regular basis. Case in point, I had pizza 3 times during the week (two weeks ago). But I still eat my pizza in style, as I drink martinelli's in my goblet and follow it up with some fancy haagen daaz.
What have you made recently? any recipes that you're dying to try?
April 30, 2010
April 29, 2010
A love story for the ages
My mom was recently out in the garage and found a box of the letters my dad had sent her during their courtship (if you could call it that). She's taken the time to learn how to scan these letters in and send them to my sisters and me for our enjoyment. Let the story begin.
My dad was stationed (military term) in Germany with my mom's brother and sister-in-law. My dad had recently joined the Church and was serving with my uncle in their local branch. My mom was serving her mission in Oklahoma. My aunt had the greatest idea that this young officer should write the sister missionary. It's been great reading the letters my dad sent, reading the difference between the letters he sent while she was on her mission and after. I also learned that my dad's go to word for describing things was tremendous.
They had their moments in the letters. My dad had sent back one of her letters corrected with red ink, she stopped writing. My dad basically proposed to her in a letter, she stopped writing. My dad sent her an old maid's handbook for her birthday, my mom stopped writing.
Now remember, this was back before email. And it was international mail. The first letter was sent in June 1977. The last letter my dad sent out prior to their meeting was August 1978. Yes, they wrote 14 months before seeing each other. Well.. my mom did. My dad saw pictures that my aunt and uncle had around the house, but he didn't have any pictures to send to my mom.
Finally my dad suggested that my mom come with my grandparents on their next trip to Germany as they were going to visit my aunt and uncle. She wasn't so sure about it, but her favorite aunt told her to go ahead, plus, when would she ever have another chance to go on an all-expense trip to Europe. (little did she know she would be spending a large portion of her life in Germany later on down the road). So she accepted his offer and joined her parents on their journey across the big pond.
Things really didn't go according to plan. As my mom was walking with my grandparents up to meet my dad my mom whispered to my grandma, "he's an old man!l" (really he's only 3 years older). My uncle had to go into the field so it ended up just being my grandparents and parents traveling around together. A day or so in she told my grandpa she wanted to go home. They had purchased a ticket for her to leave earlier than planned. During this time my mom broke her shoe, their luggage chased them down the escalator, the car window broke and then was impounded in France. Ten days later they were engaged :) My mom stayed a few days longer and then headed back to California. My dad stayed in Germany and flew in a few days before their wedding that November. Seriously? Seriously!
They got married, went on their honeymoon (that's a whole 'notha story), and then headed back to Germany for my dad to finish his "tour". Almost 32 years it's pretty safe to say they're more in love now than they've ever been. It's just amazing to me.
I love my parents. I love that they love me. I'm so grateful to them for their wonderful examples and all that they have done. My mom is the most giving person. She will drop everything to help someone else. She has this rock-solid faith that if I had an ounce of it I'd be set. My dad is all I could ask for. We've had our moments, but I wouldn't trade any of them for what we have now. I know that he would do anything within his power for me. I've been "on my own" for almost 8 years. Our visits have been shortened to summer vacation and Christmas with the occasional trips here and there. I'm hoping to be able to live closer in the near future so I can spend more time with them, but I'm so thankful that they're only a call away. I can always count on my mom telling me things I know, but don't want to hear. I can always count on my dad talking me through decisions that I need to make. I just love them. That's all!
My dad was stationed (military term) in Germany with my mom's brother and sister-in-law. My dad had recently joined the Church and was serving with my uncle in their local branch. My mom was serving her mission in Oklahoma. My aunt had the greatest idea that this young officer should write the sister missionary. It's been great reading the letters my dad sent, reading the difference between the letters he sent while she was on her mission and after. I also learned that my dad's go to word for describing things was tremendous.
They had their moments in the letters. My dad had sent back one of her letters corrected with red ink, she stopped writing. My dad basically proposed to her in a letter, she stopped writing. My dad sent her an old maid's handbook for her birthday, my mom stopped writing.
Now remember, this was back before email. And it was international mail. The first letter was sent in June 1977. The last letter my dad sent out prior to their meeting was August 1978. Yes, they wrote 14 months before seeing each other. Well.. my mom did. My dad saw pictures that my aunt and uncle had around the house, but he didn't have any pictures to send to my mom.
Finally my dad suggested that my mom come with my grandparents on their next trip to Germany as they were going to visit my aunt and uncle. She wasn't so sure about it, but her favorite aunt told her to go ahead, plus, when would she ever have another chance to go on an all-expense trip to Europe. (little did she know she would be spending a large portion of her life in Germany later on down the road). So she accepted his offer and joined her parents on their journey across the big pond.
Things really didn't go according to plan. As my mom was walking with my grandparents up to meet my dad my mom whispered to my grandma, "he's an old man!l" (really he's only 3 years older). My uncle had to go into the field so it ended up just being my grandparents and parents traveling around together. A day or so in she told my grandpa she wanted to go home. They had purchased a ticket for her to leave earlier than planned. During this time my mom broke her shoe, their luggage chased them down the escalator, the car window broke and then was impounded in France. Ten days later they were engaged :) My mom stayed a few days longer and then headed back to California. My dad stayed in Germany and flew in a few days before their wedding that November. Seriously? Seriously!
They got married, went on their honeymoon (that's a whole 'notha story), and then headed back to Germany for my dad to finish his "tour". Almost 32 years it's pretty safe to say they're more in love now than they've ever been. It's just amazing to me.
I love my parents. I love that they love me. I'm so grateful to them for their wonderful examples and all that they have done. My mom is the most giving person. She will drop everything to help someone else. She has this rock-solid faith that if I had an ounce of it I'd be set. My dad is all I could ask for. We've had our moments, but I wouldn't trade any of them for what we have now. I know that he would do anything within his power for me. I've been "on my own" for almost 8 years. Our visits have been shortened to summer vacation and Christmas with the occasional trips here and there. I'm hoping to be able to live closer in the near future so I can spend more time with them, but I'm so thankful that they're only a call away. I can always count on my mom telling me things I know, but don't want to hear. I can always count on my dad talking me through decisions that I need to make. I just love them. That's all!
Random musings of a not yet clinically-diagnosed crazy woman
I get these great ideas on what to blog about and then I forget what they are or run out of time. So here are a few things that are going on in the wonderful world of Erin.
- I'm still the activities chair in my ward, going on 15 months, but really, who's counting (I am). I figure I haven't learned what I'm supposed to learn yet. Actually when I told someone that the other day they suggested that maybe I was there for someone else. Who knows (we all know who really does). So we'll just wait and see. I have May, June, August, and October planned. Any suggestions for July or September?
- I've joined the Chuck-wagon. My friends and family have been raving about how great it is. I watched the first season this week (made during writer's strike, only 13 episodes) and can't wait to get started on the second. My roommate thinks I may be a little crazy, but let's face it, who isn't.
- I'm starting to collect more books and movies, which is causing a problem because I haven't read/watched a lot of the ones that I already own. Oh well, time for a new bookshelf.
- Speaking of movies. I watched the Young Victoria this weekend, twice. It was SO good. I highly recommend it. I also watched The Duchess, not impressed.
- I supposedly started weight watchers this week. I was supposed to start with my roommate, but I haven't been keeping track. I kind of feel like I'm cheating (oh I am). Maybe I'll start again on Monday. Going along with that.. why do people wait until Monday to start diets? Aren't Mondays bad enough?
and finally
WHY IS IT SNOWING THIS LATE IN THE YEAR!! COME ON SPRING!!
- I'm still the activities chair in my ward, going on 15 months, but really, who's counting (I am). I figure I haven't learned what I'm supposed to learn yet. Actually when I told someone that the other day they suggested that maybe I was there for someone else. Who knows (we all know who really does). So we'll just wait and see. I have May, June, August, and October planned. Any suggestions for July or September?
- I've joined the Chuck-wagon. My friends and family have been raving about how great it is. I watched the first season this week (made during writer's strike, only 13 episodes) and can't wait to get started on the second. My roommate thinks I may be a little crazy, but let's face it, who isn't.
- I'm starting to collect more books and movies, which is causing a problem because I haven't read/watched a lot of the ones that I already own. Oh well, time for a new bookshelf.
- Speaking of movies. I watched the Young Victoria this weekend, twice. It was SO good. I highly recommend it. I also watched The Duchess, not impressed.
- I supposedly started weight watchers this week. I was supposed to start with my roommate, but I haven't been keeping track. I kind of feel like I'm cheating (oh I am). Maybe I'll start again on Monday. Going along with that.. why do people wait until Monday to start diets? Aren't Mondays bad enough?
and finally
WHY IS IT SNOWING THIS LATE IN THE YEAR!! COME ON SPRING!!
April 8, 2010
Erin learns humility
So I've been dealing with a small health issue the last few weeks. Nothing to be too worried about, just a little inconvenient. Me being the person that I am just thought it would go away on its own. After the first month I got a little worried. At the beginning of the 2nd month I discussed what was going on with a friend. She told me that I really needed to see the doctor, or at least talk to my doctor (I work in a clinic, it wouldn't be that hard to do). But I didn't want to have to do that, thinking it would clear up by itself, it has to. Month 2 nears the end and I'm getting a little more concerned, feeling the other physical effects. I finally get enough nerve to email my doctor and get some suggestions. I didn't actually follow the suggestion, but kind of took them into consideration. That was Monday. Funny enough the majority of the symptoms have now stopped and I'm feeling better.
Coincidence or not, I think I learned a little lesson on humility and that I can't handle everything on my own. People are here to help us, whether they be family, friends or doctors (of all people to help). I have a hard time delegating because there's a certain way that I want things done and I've done enough group projects where people don't do their part. I think it's time I learn to trust other people that way. I hate burdening people with my problems because I know they have their own struggles without having to had mine on. People ask if I need something and I say no, because yes I may be sick, but it's more out of your way to bring me oj than for me to run to the store down the street. (i'm not sick). My mom calls and asks how I'm doing and I say fine because in the whole spectrum of things I kind of sort of am. Oh well. It's late and I'm ranting and probably am sharing more than you want to know. Happy Friday! Next up.. Erin learns patience.. maybe..
Coincidence or not, I think I learned a little lesson on humility and that I can't handle everything on my own. People are here to help us, whether they be family, friends or doctors (of all people to help). I have a hard time delegating because there's a certain way that I want things done and I've done enough group projects where people don't do their part. I think it's time I learn to trust other people that way. I hate burdening people with my problems because I know they have their own struggles without having to had mine on. People ask if I need something and I say no, because yes I may be sick, but it's more out of your way to bring me oj than for me to run to the store down the street. (i'm not sick). My mom calls and asks how I'm doing and I say fine because in the whole spectrum of things I kind of sort of am. Oh well. It's late and I'm ranting and probably am sharing more than you want to know. Happy Friday! Next up.. Erin learns patience.. maybe..
April 4, 2010
Weird Dream
You have to promise before you start reading this that you will still be my friend. That's it. Raise your right hand and repeat after me, "I (insert name) do solemnly swear to remain Erin's friend no matter how crazy her dreams may get". Accepted, now continue reading.
So this week I had some very memorable dreams. Seeing how it's Saturday night and I still remember them very vividly says something. I wanted to post on Wednesday, but as you can tell in the earlier post, I was busy being seduced by Michael Buble.
Anyway, I'm a little fuzzy on the day, but I had a dream where I was asked to be in the Days of '47 Parade here in Salt Lake City. What a great honor! I was assigned to drive one of the big horse and carriage do-dads which consisted of 4 amazingly beautiful black horses bridled in black leather and silver/chrome and an elegant closed carriage of sorts.
So kind of like this but with 4 black horses and a bigger wagon part, closed of course.
I ended up inside the Capitol and for some reason was taking the horses and carriage up a grand staircase, which had turned into more of a ramp. I was honestly thinking to myself that this wasn't right and should probably turn around and take the carriage back to where it was supposed to go. When we reached the 2nd floor I turned around to take the carriage back down, but the ramp had turned back into stairs. I knew that this wasn't going to go as smoothly as planned. After a few steps the carriage lost its balance and fell over, only to expel what I was actually carrying in the closed carriage.. the coffins of all the Presidents of the church. The casket of John Taylor had opened up in the fall and his corpse was strewn on the floor (it was gross, just weird). My Grandma had shown up and I expressed my concern of getting the corpse back into the coffin. She said all we needed to do was pray. This we did and as if we had just pressed rewind the body was back in the coffin. My grandma simply stated, "Now we know that prayers are answered". I then woke up. Yes, I know.. strange, but you promised!
So this week I had some very memorable dreams. Seeing how it's Saturday night and I still remember them very vividly says something. I wanted to post on Wednesday, but as you can tell in the earlier post, I was busy being seduced by Michael Buble.
Anyway, I'm a little fuzzy on the day, but I had a dream where I was asked to be in the Days of '47 Parade here in Salt Lake City. What a great honor! I was assigned to drive one of the big horse and carriage do-dads which consisted of 4 amazingly beautiful black horses bridled in black leather and silver/chrome and an elegant closed carriage of sorts.
So kind of like this but with 4 black horses and a bigger wagon part, closed of course.
I ended up inside the Capitol and for some reason was taking the horses and carriage up a grand staircase, which had turned into more of a ramp. I was honestly thinking to myself that this wasn't right and should probably turn around and take the carriage back to where it was supposed to go. When we reached the 2nd floor I turned around to take the carriage back down, but the ramp had turned back into stairs. I knew that this wasn't going to go as smoothly as planned. After a few steps the carriage lost its balance and fell over, only to expel what I was actually carrying in the closed carriage.. the coffins of all the Presidents of the church. The casket of John Taylor had opened up in the fall and his corpse was strewn on the floor (it was gross, just weird). My Grandma had shown up and I expressed my concern of getting the corpse back into the coffin. She said all we needed to do was pray. This we did and as if we had just pressed rewind the body was back in the coffin. My grandma simply stated, "Now we know that prayers are answered". I then woke up. Yes, I know.. strange, but you promised!
I legally touched Michael Buble
Why would you not want to touch this man?
Warning: The term "amazing" will be extremely overused during the following post:
Okay.. where to start.. I didn't bring my camera because I was afraid they would confiscate it. It's happened before (not to me, but someone I was with). So I'm waiting for my friends to post their pictures so I can steal them (Hint Hint Karlie, Mal, and Tiffanie)
Forget the back story. I've had tickets to MB's show for a few months now. I'm kind of surprised I didn't make a count down chain to go along with all the excitement. Wednesday night was the night of nights. I took on the role of planner for the night. We had planned to go to dinner beforehand. Silly me told everyone Fashion Place Mall instead of Valley Fair Mall.. oh well, we can't all be perfect. After dinner, horrible traffic (it took us at least 45 minutes to go maybe a mile), illegal parking (not my doing), and the wrong tickets (stupid ticketmaster) it was time to enjoy.
Michael Buble is amazing. He came out singing Cry Me a River, which was my first favorite song off his new album. It's basically amazing. Check it out now (or after you're done reading). He said that when he started out he didn't want to do concerts because they were boring. He wanted to do a show. A show he did indeed. I loved singing and dancing to all of his songs. It was amazing how strong he sang, the emotion that he felt while he sang (he noticeably got choked up on a few occasions and wiped tears away), and the connection he had with all 10,000+ concertgoers.
About halfway through he started singing Stardust (off his new cd). The girls next to me started screaming and informed me that he was heading our way.. I must of lost consciousness for a split second. Lucky for us we had aisle seats. As he walked by I grazed his arm and then immediately turned to my friend and screamed like a 12-yr old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. He then went to a small platform stage 3 feet away from me where he sang a few more songs. I may have died. He sang a mix of his new songs as well as previous hits.
All in all it was 2 hours of sheer bliss and amazingness. It was all worth it. I would have gone the next night if he was still in town. Seriously, if you ever get a chance to go to his concert do it! And invite me! It was 2 hours of heaven on earth.
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