Twenty Years and Counting!

Today is my 20th Anniversary.  Where has the time gone?  Twenty years ago I married a handsome, soft spoken cowboy.  We were so young.  Today he remains my partner, best friend and knight in shining armor...or board shorts whatever the occasion calls for.  Instead of a horse he more often these days rides a snowmobile or surf board.  He's a man of God, a friend others want to have on their side, direct, sometimes black and white, patriotic and tolerant.  He is a voracious learner, always researching, reading, absorbing new information.  He loves me unconditionally.  He's an amazing father.  I could not imagine my life without him.  I am blessed.  Happy Anniversary. 

Menu Planning

Happy end of May.  I have to remind myself that it is May because for the past week we've had snow and cold temperatures every day.  My peonies and crab apple trees are not impressed.  Here's hoping for warmer weather.

Monday - Beef Stroganoff
Tuesday - Grilled Orange Glazed Shrimp from Everyday Food
Wednesday - BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches - from the crockpot
Thursday - Homemade Spaghetti Sauce and Pasta
Friday - Grilled Burgers and Avocado Salad

Menu Planning

In between baseball games, baseball practice, traveling to see a client out of state and more baseball I have not kept up on my menu planning. This week I am back...

Monday - Cool & Crunchy Chicken Tacos from Pampered Chef Seasons Best Spring/Summer 2010
Tuesday - Grilled Burgers and Grilled Potatoes sliced thin and sprinkled with our favorite seasoning (John Henry Caribbean Sun)
Wednesday - Beef Enchilada Casserole - layers of taco meat, black beans, refried beans, onions, olives, green pepper, cheese and enchilada sauce, bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.  I am cooking for a friend who just had a new baby so double the recipe and it's dinner for a new Mom and Dad too.
Thursday - Grilled Steak Strips and Marscapone Mashed Potatoes
Friday - Skillet Lasagna

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, Mother-in-Law, Sister, Sisters-in-law and friends.  You are all amazing, strong, creative, inspirational, faithful, beautiful women.  And truly excellent mothers.   A special shout out to my Mom. I love you.

Enjoy your day.

In the spirit of Cinco De Mayo

A little delayed in getting this posted but so worth the wait...trust me. I have a great weakness for baked, puffy, doughy treats and these Sopapillas fit that bill perfectly.  Try this easy recipe from a contributor on the Tasty Kitchen. 

Grill Day

Along with spring and summer come Grill Days and demonstrations.  Various days throughout the summer I partner up with a terrific local business that sells outdoor patio furniture, firepits, grills, smokers, outdoor kitchens, accessories, grill spices/sauces.  You get the idea.  It is the kind of place you want to shop and hang out when creating your patio or deck 'rooms.'

Saturday was our first Grill Day.  One of the owners who is a terrific cook usually grills with me. He does all of the grocery shopping and food prep too! We decided to stray away from our usual beer can chicken and tri tip and offer a more diverse menu...too really show off what these grills can do.  Customers get to nosh while browsing the showroom and outdoor showroom.  Grill Days are popular.

On the menu:  Grilled Asparagus spears with Tammy's Herb Seasoning, Grilled sliced potatoes with Mojave Lemon Pepper, Grilled Quesadillas with mushrooms, garlic, spinach and goat cheese (cook the mushrooms, onions, garlic and spinach in a hot dutch oven right on the grill),  Grilled Pork and Apple Skewers marinated in mustard vinagrette, Grilled pizzas in the Wood-fired Pizza Oven (crispiest crust ever).  We even tried a pizza with strawberries, goat cheese and a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon.  YUM.