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Thursday, February 3, 2011

paying it forward


not too long ago one of my nearest and dearest friends, kerry, gave me a great recipe: cheddar potato frittata. since i've already made it several times and loved it each time, i figured it was about time to pay it forward. the great thing about this recipe is you will most likely have all the ingredients on hand, and if not, you should. they're recipe staples, people.


Cheddar Potato Frittata
- Yukon Gold Potatoes, 1/2 Pound, cut into 1/4 inch slices
- Eggs, 6 large
- Scallions, 2 stalks, finely chopped
- olive oil, 1 tablespoon
- Cheddar Cheese, grated, 1/2 c
- Salt, 1/4 tsp
- Pepper, 1/8 tsp

Directions:
In a large bowl, beat all six eggs and add chopped scallions, salt and pepper

Heat olive oil in an 8-inch skillet. Add the potatoes in one layer. Cook over medium heat until both sides are golden brown, about 10 mins, flipping once.

Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes, swirling the pan so the mixture covers all the potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the egg is set on the bottom. Sprinkle on cheese.

Remove the skillet from the stove and set it under a broiler for 7 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese has melted.

Slide the frittata from the skillet onto a cutting board. Let cool for about 3 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Makes 8 wedges.

*my notes:
-in all fairness, I typically don't have scallions on hand, but I do almost always have an onion and it is a fine substitute.
- i sometimes add more eggs to make it thicker, so if you have more and feel like using them, go for it.
- i think it tastes best if you let the potatoes get a little crispy.
- this can also be a great 'clean out your refrigerator' meal as it tastes great with ingredients such as: tomatoes, spinach, ham, bacon, peppers, etc. these additions are also a great way to appease your husband who doesn't believe in a meal without meat.

on a personal note, while I was making this meal, I found myself subconsciously morphing into my mother, which in my case, is a great thing. but, typically this recipe doesn't even take one whole large potato and I found myself sprinkling the raw potato remnants with salt and eating them. I realized I had vivid memories of my mother doing this when I was little. Funny, but pretty good, I must say.


bandwagon


i did it. i jumped on the bandwagon. i just couldn't resist the urge to add a little vintage flair to our bedroom in the form of personal silhouettes.


being a graphic designer, and thus an avid photoshop user, this was a cinch for me to do just using a side profile picture of each of us (and to give myself a more old-school hairstyle). just look at my hubs cute profile - someone put that man on a penny!

but if you aren't familiar with photoshop, an alternative way to accomplish this is to take that profile picture and cut it out and paint it black (or white as seen below). i think this more arts and crafts style is super cute!
and if you haven't gotten your silhouette inspiration fill quite yet, here's some more:

real simple magazine

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

jan. 19 meal planning


Meal planning keeps me sane. I make it my goal to only step foot in the grocery store once a week. In order to succeed in that goal, I meal plan, so there are no spontaneous trips to the store for a missing ingredient. So, here's what this week looked like for me:

BLT's & Homemade Fries
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Potatoes

Tilapia Picatta
- Tilapia filets
- Capers
-Angel hair noodles
-Lemon juice

Tuna Melts & Mac n' cheese*
- Tuna
- Sandwich thins
- Small shell noodles
- Cheese

Spicy Shrimp & Vegetable Lo Mein
- Shrimp
- Spicy Asain sauce
- Stirfry veggies
-Angel Hair pasta
- ginger
- Soy sauce

Sloppy Joes & Cabbage-apple slaw
- Lean ground beef
- cabbage
- apples
- apple cider vinegar
- buns

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup & Crusty bread
- Chicken stock
- Chicken
- Whole wheat egg noodles
- Carrots
- Celery
- Crusty bread

Fajitas
- Grilled Chicken
- Green peppers
-Onions
- Fajita Seasoning
- Shells

Don't laugh at us because we still eat sloppy joes and macaroni and cheese. Yes, we're both 25. Don't judge. I also have a goal of trying to spend only $50 a week on groceries. I do this by using coupons, buying more or in bulk when stuff is on sale and also by seeing what I already have and making a meal using those ingredients.

So, do you meal plan? What are you tips? If you ever want a recipe, just ask! Feel free to send me some of your faves as well!

*If I'm completely honest, sometimes I just make Kraft Mac N' Cheese. I can't help it, it's delicious and nostalgic, a comfort food, if you will.


Monday, January 10, 2011

adopted

meet baxter. he is our newly adopted, 3-yr. old border terrier mix. he is such a sweet boy. we adopted him from the campbell county humane society. his owner was moving away and could not bring him along, so we scooped him up. and now we cannot imagine life without him. we almost trip over him daily because he just wants to be where we are. his love his evident.

here he is looking rather awkward on his first day home.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

granola

tonight I made homemade granola. i am always amazed when i come across a recipe and i actually have all the ingredients on hand. so with no trip to the store stopping me, i proceeded to make it. it was so simple and is oh so delicious. and so much cheaper than buying it, might i add! here is the recipe i followed out of Real Simple magazine:


Ingredients

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (preferably unsweetened)
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup EVOO
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup dried fruit (such as cherries, cranberries, raisins, or currants)
  • *I also add 1 cup flax seed

Directions

Heat oven to 350° F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the oats, almonds, coconut, and seeds with the maple syrup, oil, and salt. Bake, tossing once, until golden and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Add the dried fruit and toss to combine. Let cool.