tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20143784309324012912024-02-19T23:31:12.818-08:00Cooking With The Pioneer Woman: A ChallengeWhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-54989334355519326502010-05-25T23:17:00.000-07:002010-05-25T23:25:42.541-07:00Challenge 11: Pot RoastConfession: I made this probably 2 months ago. And I am just now posting it. Go ahead, yell and pump those virtual fists at me. I deserve it. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4640748229/" title="cmas_0563 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4640748229_623b3cc0d7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0563" /></a><br /><br />This pot roast claims to be perfect. I was pretty skeptical going in to it, but it proved me wrong. It was perfect.<br /><br />But it's also dangerous. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4640748281/" title="cmas_0564 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4640748281_486cce2716.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0564" /></a><br /><br />Browning these onions in scorching hot oil is just asking for trouble. Hot oil and onions were popping and flying all over my kitchen!!<br /><br />But she said to do it, so I did it. And then I did the same thing to the carrots.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4640749039/" title="cmas_0566 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4640749039_eb8c7d34b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0566" /></a><br /><br />Not as dangerous.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4641356668/" title="cmas_0567 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4641356668_b4acefcd35.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0567" /></a><br /><br />Delish. <br /><br />Real whole carrots are 10 X's better than baby.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4641356824/" title="cmas_0569 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/4641356824_60b96ed61e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0569" /></a><br /><br />I then seared the roast before cooking it completely and I have to tell you, I've never done this before. It seems pointless, but PW said to, so I did.<br /><br />And I'm glad I listened. It's NOT pointless.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4640749199/" title="cmas_0568 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4640749199_c0354621f6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0568" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4641356940/" title="cmas_0571 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/4641356940_a17693e87c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0571" /></a><br /><br />I love the unique herbs she throws in the pot roast. Makes for a flavor explosion!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4640749301/" title="cmas_0570 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/4640749301_a2846c96db.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0570" /></a><br /><br />Simmer, baby. Simmer down.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4641357042/" title="cmas_0572 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4641357042_cf109a4ce2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0572" /></a><br /><br />Into the oven she goes and she came out....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4640749485/" title="cmas_0573 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4640749485_21c3d21e26.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0573" /></a><br /><br />absolutely perfect.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4641357196/" title="cmas_0574 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/4641357196_bc0c3314c9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0574" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4641357314/" title="cmas_0575 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/4641357314_826ab1b35b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0575" /></a>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-57095791019988575132010-03-30T18:54:00.000-07:002010-03-30T19:17:58.061-07:00Challenge 10: Chicken Pot Pie<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4477400631/" title="IMG_7832 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4477400631_7be9c4ce23.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7832" /></a><br /><br />There are few dishes as comfortable and homey as Chicken Pot Pie. I am a self proclaimed CPP connoisseur and with all of the fabulous ones I have had, I have had my fair share of disgusting ones.<br /><br />This, my friends, was one of the best in the world. <br /><br />I saw a Throw Down with Bobby Flay not long ago and the challenge was CPP's. Since that day, I've craved them some intensely that I couldn't wait any longer to make it. I usually make one several times during the Winter season, but for whatever reason, I didn't make one at all this year!<br /><br />And wouldn't you know that when I buckled down and finally bought the ingredients for it and planned an evening to make it, the temperature was 83 degrees outside. Ho Hum. Oh well, it was still scrumptious! Seriously, the best homemade pot pie I've ever had. Make it. Now.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4477383691/" title="IMG_7819 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4477383691_406e836816.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7819" /></a><br /><br />I don't know how people dice carrots into teeny tiny squares. Really, it's a mystery to me. But I prefer big chunks of carrots anyway, so I just cut 'em up like I usually do. The base of this recipe is a beautiful trio of carrots, onion and celery. Oh, and half a stick of butter. Buttah. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4478011590/" title="IMG_7820 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4478011590_47389435ac.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7820" /></a><br /><br />A pot pie isn't a pot pie without some sweet peas. Delish, friends. Delish.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4477390359/" title="IMG_7821 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4477390359_f9c5f3da73.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7821" /></a><br /><br />Well look at all of those beautiful colors. Pretty like a picture! Oh wait...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4478013612/" title="IMG_7823 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4478013612_c2f1e3437d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7823" /></a><br /><br />Chunks of chicken. Roasted chicken. This chicken smelled so good I wanted to hide in a corner with a jar of salt and pepper and commence to gorging.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4477392219/" title="IMG_7828 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4477392219_9a8541aa55.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7828" /></a><br /><br />A cup of flour covers the mixture and makes it really sticky and really thick. But just for a minute.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4477393113/" title="IMG_7829 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4477393113_c0766b0c5f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7829" /></a><br /><br />In goes the chicken stock and bouillon cube. I love bouillon cubes because they are so little and cute yet they throw a kick of flavor that will knock your socks off.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4477419387/" title="IMG_7826 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4477419387_0648b4212b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_7826" /></a><br /><br />See? Cute little cube.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4477398893/" title="IMG_7830 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/4477398893_9b86b4cd75.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7830" /></a><br /><br />After lots of salt and pepper, it was time to add some heavy whipping cream and stir for a few more minutes to let thicken. The saucey gravy this makes is UN.REAL. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4478021580/" title="IMG_7831 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4478021580_2037994f52.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7831" /></a><br /><br />In to the pie dish we go! Make sure your pie plate is super deep. You've been warned.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4478033170/" title="IMG_7833 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4478033170_77a8ea0c37.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7833" /></a><br /><br />What a pitiful little X I made. Silly me. That's what happens when you have a Weebie tugging on your legs. <br /><br />After half an hour in the hotsy totsy oven, this is your result!! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4478034056/" title="IMG_7835 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4478034056_af9e0e02e4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7835" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4478041614/" title="IMG_7836 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4478041614_a192cbacc4.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_7836" /></a><br /><br />It is so hot, creamy, and packed full of robust flavor. It is absolutely delicious and I want to give Ree a standing ovation for sharing this recipe with the world. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4478038590/" title="IMG_7841 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4478038590_c565d95ca5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_7841" /></a><br /><br />If Husby told me once that it was "fantastic", he told me 87 times. Seriously. Yum.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-86260657584332766872010-02-17T17:46:00.000-08:002010-02-17T18:00:10.118-08:00Challenge 9: Breakfast Burritos<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366875006/" title="cmas_0420 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4366875006_44605dee6f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0420" /></a><br /><br />I'm not gonna lie to ya. I'm not a big fan of breakfast burritos. Mainly, because I don't like eggs much, and most all breakfast burritos consist of eggs.<br /><br />This one is no different.<br /><br />But, these also have potatoes, so I thought they might change my opinion. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366130045/" title="cmas_0421 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4366130045_4d33d06860.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0421" /></a><br /><br />I started by grating a lot of cheese. Anything with this much cheese is bound to be good, right?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366876272/" title="cmas_0422 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4366876272_ddf4c4ca9c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0422" /></a><br /><br />Next, I browned my sausage and drained the fatty grease.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366876334/" title="cmas_0423 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4366876334_f6fc3bc070.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0423" /></a><br /><br />Next in were the frozen breakfast potatoes. I bought the kind with red bell peppers and onions included, because hey - I like my spice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366876564/" title="cmas_0426 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4366876564_e24d0646b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0426" /></a><br /><br />Pioneer Woman says to cook the potatoes in the sausage for five minutes, but I'm here to tell you that I had to cook mine for twenty WITH a foil tent over them. After 5 minutes they were still frozen. Just a little heads up.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366130245/" title="cmas_0424 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4366130245_fdd8610ae5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0424" /></a><br /><br />TEN eggs go into these bad boys. Along with several spices. I should have halved the recipe, but we all know how I feel about halving recipes. Right?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366130331/" title="cmas_0425 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4366130331_455da0c5c2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0425" /></a><br /><br />Nothing says Good Morning like raw eggs and rubbery sausage. Yum.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366130465/" title="cmas_0427 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4366130465_df78ec75fa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0427" /></a><br /><br />Finally, the eggs set and our filling was ready to be rolled up into flour tortillas! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366876764/" title="cmas_0428 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4366876764_75eaf58351.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0428" /></a><br /><br />Heat, fill, roll, repeat. Heat, fill, roll, repeat. Heat...fill...roll....<br /><br />REPEAT!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366876870/" title="cmas_0429 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4366876870_2311f12382.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0429" /></a><br /><br />If you are feeding an army, I recommend using the whole recipe. It made ten burritos, so I guess it calls for one egg per burrito if you add it all up. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366130685/" title="cmas_0430 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4366130685_00a4dbe252.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0430" /></a><br /><br />I made them all in hopes that Husby would eat them in the morning for the rest of the week before work. He didn't. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4366877130/" title="cmas_0436 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4366877130_f545f40780.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0436" /></a><br /><br />In our opinion, these were just "alright". I felt like all you could taste was the potato. We probably won't make them again, but hey, if breakfast burritos are your thing, go for it!Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-20849591477761885442010-02-11T14:52:00.000-08:002010-02-11T14:52:00.394-08:00Challenge 8: Chicken Spaghetti<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330608041/" title="cmas_0311 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4330608041_ccecd9d7df.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0311" /></a><br /><br />This was my first encounter with chicken spaghetti. I have often heard of it, but have never tasted it. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331341694/" title="cmas_0312 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4331341694_0db07939be.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0312" /></a><br /><br />The very term "chicken spaghetti" doesn't sound too appetizing. Some things just don't belong in the same sentence. Like toenails and ice cream. But it doesn't at all taste like it sounds. It's not your typical red sauce spaghetti with chicken chunks instead of ground beef. Thank goodness.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331341802/" title="cmas_0313 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4331341802_f044eff2f3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0313" /></a><br /><br />I've noticed that a lot of these recipes call for a green bell pepper. Or a red one. Which is fine by me because I love bell peppers. My nickname in high school was Bell Pepper Whitney.<br /><br />Just kidding. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330608637/" title="cmas_0314 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4330608637_21fd94fcfc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0314" /></a><br /><br />My water boiled over. Can you tell? It made a sizzling, smoking mess.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330608955/" title="cmas_0315 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/4330608955_1f6f4a58e2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0315" /></a><br /><br />I could be a Top Chef with my chopping skills.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330609071/" title="cmas_0316 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4330609071_fa6cf73445.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0316" /></a><br /><br />Al dente! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330609179/" title="cmas_0317 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4330609179_bb8a7faf98.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0317" /></a><br /><br />In a very large bowl, you mix the noodles, cream of mushroom/chicken soups, peppers, onions, cheese, pimentos and a variety of seasonings! Oh, and of course, the chicken.<br /><br />I forgot to get any pictures of the chicken. Oops. I just boiled a few breasts and shredded them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331342726/" title="cmas_0318 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4331342726_2dd22be4d7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0318" /></a><br /><br />This is a very colorful dish. But you can't tell because of all the cheese I threw on top. Ree made me do it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331342864/" title="cmas_0319 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4331342864_58d5c766d1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0319" /></a><br /><br />Hot, bubbly and simply delicioso! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330609553/" title="cmas_0320 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4330609553_60aa74813d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0320" /></a><br /><br />Want some?<br /><br />Come on over. I need someone to help photograph my steps because I get to cooking and forget to snap pictures. So come on over and help me. K? Thanks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330609609/" title="cmas_0321 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4330609609_b59a0a0d06.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0321" /></a><br /><br />Chicken. Spaghetti. Yummy.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-59543433231120661492010-02-08T14:37:00.000-08:002010-02-08T14:37:00.178-08:00Challenge 7: Mac N Cheese<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331312766/" title="cmas_0346 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4331312766_a4e3a2cfb7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0346" /></a><br /><br />I totally botched this recipe.<br /><br />I want to blame it on Husby, though, because he made me half the recipe. I told him that halved recipes never turn out right and that it was impossible to half an egg. But he insisted that two pounds of macaronie was a little excessive for two people<br /><br />HURRY UP AND EAT TABLE FOOD, LEVI, SO I DON'T HAVE TO HALF RECIPES!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331312874/" title="cmas_0347 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4331312874_bb5961dcf3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0347" /></a><br /><br />The whole roux thing turned out fine. Flour, butter, vigorous stirring. Cake walk.<br /><br />Things took a turn when I added milk. Ree specifically called for whole milk. Did I have whole milk? No. So, Husby suggested I use part 2% and part half and half.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331314962/" title="cmas_0348 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4331314962_dd873d1bbb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0348" /></a><br /><br />This whole disaster was all Husby's fault.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330583593/" title="cmas_0349 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4330583593_d672e41a07.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0349" /></a><br /><br />The creamy cheesy sauce LOOKED good in the end, but it did not taste right. <br /><br />It tasted WEIRD.<br /><br />It was probably that half an egg Husby made me use. And the half and half with half 2%. I'm sick and tired of halves. I was never good at math. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4331317886/" title="cmas_0350 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4331317886_9d1bb4a54c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0350" /></a><br /><br />I thought that maybe once it was covered in a healthy dose of cheese and baked, it would cover up the weirdness and taste like it was supposed to.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330583985/" title="cmas_0351 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4330583985_7a732ddd9e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0351" /></a><br /><br />It did not.<br /><br />I'm telling you, I TRIED to eat it, but I couldn't. I strayed from the path set before me and added things that shouldn't have been. <br /><br />And I halved it.<br /><br />Don't half it. <br /><br />It will come back to haunt you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4330584123/" title="cmas_0355 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4330584123_31bb0b7d28.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0355" /></a><br /><br />What a waste.<br /><br />Should you embark on the Mac and Cheese Mission, do not veer from the recipe. Use whole milk and make the whole batch. Oh, and keep your Husby OUT of the kitchen!!!Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-40371857953363006232010-02-04T00:11:00.000-08:002010-02-04T00:11:00.376-08:00Challenge 6: Meatloaf!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4323159788/" title="cmas_0335 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4323159788_fb48209974.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0335" /></a><br /><br />I have to admit. I was a little leery of this recipe because there is bacon on it. Bacon on a meatloaf? It just seemed a little weird to me. But I went with it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322427485/" title="cmas_0336 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4322427485_f16f9247fe.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0336" /></a><br /><br />Here's my bread soaking in milk. Sop Sop Sop it up!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4323161122/" title="cmas_0337 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4323161122_658077a31c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0337" /></a><br /><br />The rest of the ingredients were thrown into a bowl and I got to mixin'. With my hands! Ground beef, parsely, parmesan cheese, the milk soaked bread, eggs, salt, season salt and pepper and....I strayed from the recipe and added an onion. I'm sorry. I just can't imagine a meatloaf without an onion. It's just sinful to think about.<br /><br />Sorry, PDUB.<br /><br />Forgive me?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322427905/" title="cmas_0338 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4322427905_05e0bc1a2a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0338" /></a><br /><br />Now isn't that appetizing? I am very anti meatloaf in a bread pan because it can just never get crispy! And I love my meatloaf ends. So I flattened it and made it wide. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4323161586/" title="cmas_0339 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4323161586_fc8b32e3f5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0339" /></a><br /><br />Here goes the bacon! We didn't realize it when we bought it, but we chose "thick sliced" bacon. I won't do that again.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322428089/" title="cmas_0344 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4322428089_0b9df93907.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0344" /></a><br /><br />This topping (tomato gravy, as PW calls it), is exactly like the one my Mom always makes. Which is what I always make, too. So, I was very happy with that, because it's simply the best.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322428187/" title="cmas_0345 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4322428187_f2406e9e3b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0345" /></a><br /><br />I covered the loaf in the topping and popped it in the oven for about an hour and 15. Mmmmmm.....!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322428323/" title="cmas_0352 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2698/4322428323_4d116bc616.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0352" /></a><br /><br />It turned out wonderfully! It was SO delicious. I kind of feel like the bacon was kind of pointless being there, but that may just be me. But everything else was fabulous. <br /><br />If you don't like meatloaf, I bet you'll like this one.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-51391711344120050782010-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:002010-02-01T11:11:05.065-08:00Challenge 5: Mashed Potatoes.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322402709/" title="cmas_0334 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4322402709_4f03b55f6d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0334" /></a><br /><br />Is there ANY bad way to make mashed potatoes? I think not. I love them. I prefer my potatoes mashed over baked, because I feel with baked, you can never get enough butter. <br /><br />I set out to make these potatoes and while PW said to use 5 lbs, I felt that was a little excessive for the two of us. I didn't need 5 extra pounds of potato on my booty, so I used like 3. <br /><br />Pounds. Not 3 potatoes. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322402337/" title="cmas_0331 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4322402337_751b4567d3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0331" /></a><br /><br />I boiled them for about 30 minutes, until I could stick a fork in them and it would come right out with no resistance. I used Yukon Gold potatoes which are small, so they cooked up pretty quick. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322402795/" title="cmas_0340 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4322402795_448d1ca584.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0340" /></a><br /><br />Hot Potato, Hot Potato, 1-2-3!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4323136436/" title="cmas_0341 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4323136436_f14408ed0c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0341" /></a><br /><br />Something that makes these potatoes absolutely divine and creamy is the half and half, the cream cheese, and....THE BUTTER!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322402985/" title="cmas_0342 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4322402985_30a76b0efc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0342" /></a><br /><br />I've never seasoned my potatoes with season salt (I usually just use salt and pepper), but PW said to, so I did.<br /><br />And they were GREAT.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4323136642/" title="cmas_0343 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4323136642_52e7308b05.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0343" /></a><br /><br />Butter anyone?<br /><br />I love this recipe because you can whip them up ahead of time, throw 'em in the fridge and then heat them through in the oven when ready to serve. This made my life so much easier. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322403157/" title="cmas_0353 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4322403157_bfe51c7bbb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0353" /></a><br /><br />Not healthy. But DELICIOUS!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4322403337/" title="cmas_0354 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4322403337_02fea68446.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0354" /></a><br /><br />A pillowy mound of mashed potatoes....just for me.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-30718841192604957382010-01-27T20:55:00.000-08:002010-01-27T21:12:49.535-08:00Challenge 4: Oatmeal Crispies<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310203781/" title="cmas_0278 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4310203781_9883252e88.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0278" /></a><br /><br />Let me just start this post by saying....<br /><br />YUM!! <br /><br />These cookies are phenomenal. <br /><br />Okay, now that I have that off my chest, let's continue.<br /><br />You know how they say "the secret is in the sauce"? Well, to me, for a cookie, the secret is in the vanilla. This isn't just any vanilla. It's Madagascar Vanilla (from Williams Sonoma) and there is absolutely nothing like it. It will make the most mundane cookie one to win the blue ribbon at the State Fair Cookie Contest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310203857/" title="cmas_0279 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/4310203857_b0b32d0ec7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0279" /></a><br /><br />Now listen Pioneer Woman, I am not calling this cookie mundane. Never. This cookie doesn't know what the word mundane means.<br /><br />And please ignore the DIRTY sleeve on my North Face. How embarrassing. I had no idea it was that filthy. Yucks.<br /><br />I threw in the shortening and sugars of the brown and white variety and got to mixin'.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310942054/" title="cmas_0281 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4310942054_09a4e3aa14.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0281" /></a><br /><br />Mixin' Mixin' Mixin'...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310942102/" title="cmas_0282 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4310942102_1d0d603d70.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0282" /></a><br /><br />Now, when it comes time to pour out the teaspoon ingredients, grab the cutest set you have. It matters. Trust me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310941982/" title="cmas_0280 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4310941982_83c056c5e5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0280" /></a><br /><br />The simplicity of this cookie is a factor that will keep me making these over and over and over....and over.<br /><br />Oh, and also the taste. OOOOOHHHHH, the taste. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310205389/" title="cmas_0283 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4310205389_790e1f1e26.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0283" /></a><br /><br />I am a sucker for any dessert with oats.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310942208/" title="cmas_0284 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4310942208_d9f61e500b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0284" /></a><br /><br />Nevermind the fact that I had to write a Facebook post asking all my friends what "rolled oats" were because no one was answering their phones. No where on this can does it say ROLLED. Oh the confusion.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310942278/" title="cmas_0285 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4310942278_5f7351e332.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0285" /></a><br /><br />Cookie Dough. The Greatest Blessing In Life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310942334/" title="cmas_0286 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4310942334_606b3f68d5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0286" /></a><br /><br />I was instructed to roll the dough into a log and then cut them in .5 inch slices. That was hard because I don't know how to measure. But I guessed and they were perfect. Isn't it funny that the dough blends in with my granite countertops?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310205603/" title="cmas_0287 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4310205603_64e82d23a9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0287" /></a><br /><br />Sliced and ready to bake! They kind of look like rice krispy treats here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310942448/" title="cmas_0288 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4310942448_0044f47334.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0288" /></a><br /><br />I kicked the second log up a notch and added chocolate chips! Why? Because I can. And because chocolate makes everything better.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310205797/" title="cmas_0289 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4310205797_163695be44_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="cmas_0289" /></a><br /><br />Don't make fun that each cookie is a different size. I told you I can't measure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310206121/" title="cmas_0291 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4310206121_ab557fae11.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0291" /></a><br /><br />Num num num num num....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4310206153/" title="cmas_0292 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4310206153_99aea3e1c5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0292" /></a><br /><br />This recipe made 29 cookies. And I ate 27. Just kidding. I had 28.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-78830645711107047812010-01-21T19:56:00.000-08:002010-01-21T20:15:26.888-08:00Challenge 3: Marlboro Man's Favorite SandwichLet me just say, that we may need to adjust the name of this sandwich a little bit. Let's call it "Medical Man's Favorite Sandwich", because Husby devoured all of his and half of mine. It was quite a hit in our house, to say the least!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4294732806/" title="cmas_0250 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4294732806_3ed5df8973.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0250" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></span></div><br />You know it's going to be a good recipe when you bust out the cast iron skillet. Because, really. What doesn't taste like Heaven when prepared in a cast iron skillet? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293990197/" title="cmas_0252 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4293990197_ecb2314c54.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0252" /></a><br /><br />The other factor that guaranteed a successful supper was the crazy (awesome) amounts of this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293990277/" title="cmas_0253 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4293990277_ac21486c85.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0253" /></a><br /><br />Seriously. Almost an entire stick of butter goes into these bad boys. P-Dub, don't you REALIZE that SOME OF US are still trying to lose the last few pounds of bebe weight?! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4294733088/" title="cmas_0255 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4294733088_a1b979358f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0255" /></a><br /><br />Ummm, on second thought....keep creating recipes with lots and lots of butter. My love handles can stay a little longer. Ya know, for the sake of supporting the butter churners of the world. It's all about priorities.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4294733020/" title="cmas_0254 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4294733020_27a86fa4b3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0254" /></a><br /><br />To me, there are few things in life that smell better than onions sauteing in butter. Can I get an Amen?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4294733136/" title="cmas_0256 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4294733136_7ab27039d1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0256" /></a><br /><br />Usually raw meat gags me. But it's kind of fun cutting cube steak. It's so tender and easy to work with. Kind of like me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293990507/" title="cmas_0257 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/4293990507_101d711faa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0257" /></a><br /><br />I created quite a steam bath while sizzling these babies. I almost called the weather man to have him warn the residents of my little town. It was worse than any fog you've ever witnessed. <br /><br />They come by their name honestly, with all the smoke they produce. Wowza!<br /><br />After a few shakes of this and squirts of that, everything came together in one pan and Marlboro Man Sandwiches were born.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4294733270/" title="cmas_0258 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4294733270_01820048c1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0258" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293990731/" title="cmas_0259 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4293990731_b3fb6033bf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0259" /></a><br /><br />Everything is better on a buttered, toasted hoagie bun. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293990825/" title="cmas_0260 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4293990825_68b7f49b8d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0260" /></a><br /><br />TA-DA!!!!! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293990951/" title="cmas_0261 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4293990951_776b8c943d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0261" /></a><br /><br />Thank you, Ree, for bringing these to my life. My husband might kiss your feet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293991041/" title="cmas_0262 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4293991041_dfd665e271.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0262" /></a><br /><br />But that would be weird, so he may just give you a high five.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4293991275/" title="cmas_0264 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4293991275_bfd2412d3f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0264" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4294733854/" title="cmas_0263 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4294733854_d433dc3ff7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0263" /></a><br /><br />What a wonderful sandwich! Buy the cookbook and make it. Your husband will do cartwheels.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-21591904075958169462010-01-18T15:47:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:50:35.785-08:00Challenge 2: Egg-In-A-Hole!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4286538788/" title="cmas_0249 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4286538788_7d465f40ce.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0249" /></a><br /><br />Has anyone noticed that I'm starting with the easiest recipes first? Shhh. Don't tell. It's our little secret.<br /><br />My whole little family was home all day on MLK day, so I woke up and made us Eggs In A Hole. Now, I am not a big fan of eggs, but Husby is, so I figured it would be a success. <br /><br />First I scrounged up my delectable bread from the Amish Cheese House (they make the best bread around!) and my great-great-grandmother's biscuit cutter.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4285797031/" title="cmas_0242 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4285797031_5a44571cb3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0242" /></a><br /><br />My great-great-grandmother used this biscuit cutter three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for years and years. I wish I would have known her, because I'm pretty sure I would have been there for every meal. Biscuits are my favorite. I can not imagine a life with biscuits at every meal. She was a smart woman, that lady.<br /><br />I buttered the bread and threw it in the pan. (Is it bad that I can not write that phrase without screaming "THROW EM IN THE PAN" in my mind? We love Patty Cake around these parts.)<br /><br />After a few minutes of quick toasting the bread in the pan, in went the egg! Bombs away!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4286538358/" title="cmas_0244 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4286538358_bc0b7465ee.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0244" /></a><br /><br />I added a little salt and pepper and hoped for the best. I was concerned about flipping it. Scary stuff for a first time Egg In The Hole-er, like myself!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4285797243/" title="cmas_0245 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4285797243_08a3cfd67e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0245" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4286538518/" title="cmas_0246 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4286538518_5ea02cec72.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0246" /></a><br /><br />OOPS! I turned it too soon. Yuck a RAMA! Does that not look like the most unappetizing thing you've ever seen? Gag me with a biscuit cutter.<br /><br />I made two more for Husby and he just loved them! He likes his eggs runny, so his were runny. Mine was not. Mine was cooked through and was absolutely delicious!! And I don't even like eggs! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4285797363/" title="cmas_0247 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4285797363_24aafef7eb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0247" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now doesn't that just look fun to eat?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4286538700/" title="cmas_0248 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4286538700_262f1cc4de.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0248" /></a><br /><br />I am proud to say that I am now a veteran egg in the hole-er. They are delightful and nutritious! A well balanced meal for my well balanced family. <br /><br />Horray!Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2014378430932401291.post-25484223040214273502010-01-06T16:58:00.000-08:002010-01-20T09:24:41.710-08:00Challenge 1: Pico De Gallo and GuacamoleOkay, I set out to do the cookbook start to finish, as in I start on page one and cook through to the end. But Husby told me that wasn't a very good idea and that I should skip around the book to make it more exciting. So, that is what I am doing. Hop skip and jumping around the cook book trying to knock them all out! So if you were about to point your finger at me and say, "Whitney! The jalepeno bbq poppers are the first recipe!", then you can rest easy.<br /><br />Today, I made pico.<br /><br />Cold, fresh, crisp, delightful pico.<br /><br />Yum.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252748344/" title="cmas_0194 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4252748344_b6a5dc45d7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0194" /></a><br /><br />The produce selection in my local store was pretty sparse, but I found all the necessary ingredients...luckily.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252748200/" title="cmas_0192 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4252748200_1d331bffeb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="cmas_0192" /></a></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>Roma tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, lime and my personal favorite, cilantro.<br /><br />I was very excited to make this for 2 reasons.<br /><br />1. I love anything in the mexican food family.<br /><br />2. I was excited to use the chef's chopping knife I got for Christmas.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252748266/" title="cmas_0193 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4252748266_9be86d0295.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0193" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>The thing will cut through anything. And with all the chopping I had to do today, it was a dreamboat. Love it!<br /><br />First I chopped up the 'maters. I'm not going to lie. I tried chopping like I was a Food Network Pro. Tomato juice ended up all over the place. It wasn't pretty.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252748414/" title="cmas_0195 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4252748414_5598b15b39.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0195" /></a></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>It was way more fun chopping the onion. I was better and faster...and I didn't even cry. The toothpick between my lips helped with that little problem. Did you guys know that little trick? It works!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4251976303/" title="cmas_0196 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/4251976303_c583f4a7f4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0196" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>So, I avoided crying while I chopped the onion. But after I chopped the jaleps, I scratched my eye.<br /><br />Bad. Idea. <br /><br />P-dub, why did you not warn me???<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4251976353/" title="cmas_0197 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4251976353_488cf1f1b3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0197" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>I threw my knife down, ran the bathroom and proceeded to cry it out. <br /><br />And then I threw in the cilantro. Cilantro always soothes the soul.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4251976423/" title="cmas_0198 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4251976423_9aa433d283.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0198" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>After all of the goodies were in the bowl, I squeezed the lime, dashed with salt and commenced to stirring. <br /><br />Here is the result.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252748650/" title="cmas_0199 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4252748650_5bf126a31b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0199" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252748690/" title="cmas_0200 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4252748690_2155894428.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0200" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>Can I just tell you right now that it was AMAZING?!<br /><br />I actually did back flips and cartwheels for this stuff. It made my taste buds do the Macerana and my tummy do the Jitterbug. It was a flavor explosion!!<br /><br />I went ahead and made her guacamole, too, since all you do is mash up some avocados and throw in some of the pico. Simple and delicious!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252749010/" title="cmas_0202 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4252749010_be4887907b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0202" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>I had a bit of a problem with the avocados. They were hard as a rock and impossible to even cut open! I guess that's what happens when you want guacamole in January.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252748824/" title="cmas_0201 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4252748824_13e82ac2f6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0201" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>The. Worst. Avocados. On. God's. Green. Earth.<br /><br />Or His green and white earth where I live.<br /><br />Both recipes were a raging success with the ole Husby and me. I made tacos to enjoy them with.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42973398@N03/4252808958/" title="cmas_0206 by glamlife530, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4252808958_f9384897eb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="cmas_0206" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span>Great recipe, PW. I give it 2 thumbs up and will continue making the pico til death do me part.</div></div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856701399951918040noreply@blogger.com17