December Documented

Our computer is still down but the hubby got us a nifty tablet I can use for the time being.
I've been cooking tons of new things and some people, who love me a lot, bought me some new kitchen gadgets that I can't wait to use! But until then this a glimpse of what we did this month. More good stuff coming soon. I promise!

What's for dinner???

Pardon my craptastic cell phone pictures. Our computer crashed so now I have to blog from my phone. so sad. I am going through withdrawals!!!! But I did snap some pics of the food we have been eating around our house lately. Hopefully we will be getting a new hard drive sooner than later but until then...

Buffalo Chicken Chili

 

This chili is the hubby's favorite. I use Rachael Ray's recipe but I add corn sometimes. I also make it hotter or not depending on who is eating it.

Lime Teriyaki Salmon with Brown Rice and Broccoli

I just cooked the salmon with teriyaki sauce, lime juice a sriracha. yum!!! 

Pretzel Crusted Baked Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemon Risotto.

 

I just bashed some pretezels in a bag and tossed the chicken brest in them. I baked them at 350 F until they were golden brown. I sauteed the asparagus with butter, salt and lemon juice. I used Nigella Lawson's Lemon Risotto recipe.

Pinsperation

I have a serious addiction to Pinterest. I mean I need to go to "Pinners Anonymous" its so bad! I use it to keep up with plans for parties and events, decorating ideas, food to try etc... The possibilities are endless! So these are a few of the things I'm currently loving.

My Food Pinboard

Fried Dill Pickles

from: Paula Deen


Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

from: How Sweet It Is

Butter Chicken

from: Saveur

Chocolate Caramel Tart

 from: My Baking Addiction

Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies

from: Divine-Baking

Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Butter Cream

from: Smells Like Home

 My Christmas Pinboard

A blue themed Winter Wonderland Dessert Buffet

from: The Inspired Bride

A greenery covered initial "wreath"

from: Felt So Cute

Milk Men

from: Bakerella

Candy Colored Pom-Pom Wreath

 from: Thompson Family-Life

White Christmas in jars!

from: Tortise and the Hare

A pastel themed Winter Wonderland Dessert Buffet

 from: Torie Jayne

You can find me at.... http://pinterest.com/ashleymonsster/

Fall in a bowl

Fall is upon us! And in this season I crave something special... Curry! It makes me feel warm inside like its hugging my tummy. And of course since it is fall, squash of some sort is a must for me. Why not combine the two? Genius if I do say so myself.  Then I asked myself what could make this pair even more comforting?!?!??!!? Make it a soup!  And this little beauty was born.

Thai Butternut Squash Soup
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced ginger
2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
2 tablespoons curry paste
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
4 cups chicken or veggie stock
1 medium/large butternut squash cubed
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
juice of a lemon
for garnish
heavy whipping cream
dry roasted peanuts, chopped

In a large pot sauté the garlic, ginger and lemongrass for a minute or two. Add curry paste and cook for 1 minute. Add in coconut milk and stock. Bring to boil and add squash. Cook for 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Once squash is tender add soy sauce and lemon juice. Puree using an emulsion blender or food processor. Taste and season accordingly. Top with drizzle of cream and peanuts. ENJOY!

Generations of Meatloaf

I have a confession...


I ♥ MEATLOAF!

Our recipe is old, really old. My Mom learned from Granny and Granny learned it from her Mother.

The concept is simple, ground beef, bread crumb or stale bread, egg, salt, pepper, parsley. Our meat mixture is pretty simple but you simply must bake it on a broiler pan. It will still be moist but doesn't get greasy like it can from baking on a regular pan where it sits in it's own fat. YUCK!

However, the most important part is the topping. No plain ketchup here, that would be boring and simply to normal for my family to use.
4 parts ketchup
1 part mustard (dry or prepared)
1 part brown sugar.
And when I'm feeling rebellious I toss in a dash of Worcestershire Sauce.
 (Shhh! Don't tell Granny she's mean for a short woman!) 

Now go! Hurry to the kitchen and show your family you love them with MEAT! What? That's not what makes your family feel all warm and fuzzy!?!?!?!? Maybe it's just my husband then... Oh well, You should try it anyway it might change you life! Okay, okay maybe not your life but at least your view of loaves of meat.

Happy Halloweenie!

 For a TREAT I made the family Mummified Hotdogs for lunch today.

 The little guys are simple and easy.

 Just let crescent roll dough warm slightly so that it is more pliable.

And tear it into strips.

Stretch them and wrap them around your hotdogs.

Then bake at 350 F for around 10 minuets or until your mummies are nice and golden brown.

And of course have a safe and 

HAPPY HALLOWEENIE!