Red letter day - it rained ALL.DAY. in Raleigh! All day... like from when we woke up and it's still raining. It was positively awesome... Scott and I were big bums too, playing on the computer and watching Friday Night Lights DVDs. What a wonderful day!
So, this is a really delicious and EASY recipe, and also a family staple!
Chicken Enchiladas
1 lb cooked & cut up chicken (Sometimes Scott will grill it and it makes them extra yummy.)
1 8 oz cream cheese
1/3 c milk
1 4 oz can chopped green chiles
1/4 tsp chili powder (I use a little more.)
1 can enchilada sauce
8 small tortillas (I use wheat)
2 c grated cheese, Mexican mix or Cheddar.
Directions:
Heat cream cheese and milk on low heat until smooth. Add chiles, powder and chicken. Fill tortillas with cream cheese mixture and roll up. Place in 9x13 baking dish and cover w/ 1/2 of cheese mixture. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over enchiladas, and spread the rest of the cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 mins.
We usually serve it with some Spanish Rice (from Old El Paso I think)... and we've been known to wash it all down w/ some margaritas :)
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Christmas in PA
We had a whilrwind trip back to Pennsylvania, but it was lovely. Here are some highlights...
This is my friend Kelly's baby - little Susanna is getting bigger - here she is on her Exersaucer! (Is that how you spell it?? IDK.)
Here's John & Kelly Kennelly, me & Scott and Steve on Christmas morning. It was a busy day, but really nice to see ALL the family!
Nana & Pop Pop in front of their new house (and Pop Pop with his new flat screen TV for the kitchen!) Oh, it was super warm and sunny on Christmas. Woohoo PA!
And finally, we took our new toy (Carmen, the Garmin) to help us find my cousin Jill's house! We enjoyed meeting Eli, and seeing Clayton again. 
Clayton's 3 now, and not shy at all! He likes to pretend he's a super villain, Harry Potter (Hawwy Pottaw), a carpenter, and Darth Vader.
Ashley is a PSU alum now! Congrats Sis!
We met the Raffensperger clan at the Gathering Place which was wonderful!!
And some quality time with my BFF's from Etown!!
This is my friend Kelly's baby - little Susanna is getting bigger - here she is on her Exersaucer! (Is that how you spell it?? IDK.)
Here's John & Kelly Kennelly, me & Scott and Steve on Christmas morning. It was a busy day, but really nice to see ALL the family!
Nana & Pop Pop in front of their new house (and Pop Pop with his new flat screen TV for the kitchen!) Oh, it was super warm and sunny on Christmas. Woohoo PA!
And finally, we took our new toy (Carmen, the Garmin) to help us find my cousin Jill's house! We enjoyed meeting Eli, and seeing Clayton again. 
Clayton's 3 now, and not shy at all! He likes to pretend he's a super villain, Harry Potter (Hawwy Pottaw), a carpenter, and Darth Vader.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Thousand Splendid Suns
In a word? Life changing. This book really changed my outlook on a lot of things. It was AMAZING writing, I could not put it down. The story was about two women in Afghanistan and takes place over the past 30 years... it was really educational for me, since my Afghanistan education pretty much began on Sept 11... The style of writing and characters came to life for me, and I couldn't stop until I knew how it ended. Khaled Housseini is a fantastic writer, and I highly recommend The Kite Runner AND A Thousand Splendid Suns.
NYT Review
Link to The Kite Runner movie info (came out last weekend...looks like kind of mixed reviews, but I'll still see it eventually. :))
NYT Review
Link to The Kite Runner movie info (came out last weekend...looks like kind of mixed reviews, but I'll still see it eventually. :))
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Chocolate Cookie Dough Dip
I took this dip to a party last night and it was sooo delicious! The taste of cookie dough without the risk of salmonella. Gotta love that, right!?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously, until the brown sugar dissolves. (You can also do this in the microwave but watch it closely. The butter/sugar mixture will boil over fast. Stir every 30 seconds or so.)
2. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla extract and set aside to cool.
3. Beat the cream cheese and confectioner's sugar for 1 minute.
4. Slowly beat in the cooled butter mixture and beat again for another minute.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour into a serving bowl and refrigerate.
7. Garnish with additional chips, if you choose.
Serve with Nilla wafers (my choice) or graham crackers.
**Note: after refrigerating the dip it will be pretty solid and un-dippable so make sure to remove it from the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before you plan on serving it, so it has time to soften up.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously, until the brown sugar dissolves. (You can also do this in the microwave but watch it closely. The butter/sugar mixture will boil over fast. Stir every 30 seconds or so.)
2. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla extract and set aside to cool.
3. Beat the cream cheese and confectioner's sugar for 1 minute.
4. Slowly beat in the cooled butter mixture and beat again for another minute.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour into a serving bowl and refrigerate.
7. Garnish with additional chips, if you choose.
Serve with Nilla wafers (my choice) or graham crackers.
**Note: after refrigerating the dip it will be pretty solid and un-dippable so make sure to remove it from the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before you plan on serving it, so it has time to soften up.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Eli is here!
My cousin Jill and her husband Jason just had Eli on Thursday, December 13th! Weighing in at a healthy 7 lbs 14 oz and 20 1/2 inches long! Welcome to the world, 1st cousin once removed!! :)
Here he is with his big brother, Clayton. :)
Here he is with his big brother, Clayton. :)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Quiche!
This is an old stand by recipe for us, one of the first good ones I made when Scott & I moved in together that proved I could (somewhat) cook :) I had to play w/ the cooking time a LOT so it gets fully done, but I think after 3 years I've finally figured it out.
4 beaten eggs
1 1/2 c half and half, light cream or milk (I use skim milk)
1/4 c sliced green onions
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Dash ground nutmeg
3/4 c chopped cooked ham (It's absolutely awesome if you get the "top shelf" ham, it's Deitz & Watson in the house!)
1 1/2 c shredded swiss cheese
1 tbsp all purpose flour
Directions
1. Prepare and roll out pastry crust. Line a 9 in pie plate with pastry. Trim & crimp edges as desired. Line unpricked pastry with double thickness of foil. Bake in 450 degree oven for 8 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 4-5 min or until pastry is set and dry. Remove from oven and reduce temp to 350.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together eggs, milk, green onions, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in ham. In a small bowl, toss together the cheese and flour. Add to egg mixture and mix well.
3. Pour egg mixture into hot baked pastry shell. Bake in 350 oven for 35 to 40 min, or until inserted knife (near center) comes out clean. Let stand 10 min before serving.
Ham Quiche
1 pastry crust (premade, like Pillsbury, warmed to room temp.)4 beaten eggs
1 1/2 c half and half, light cream or milk (I use skim milk)
1/4 c sliced green onions
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Dash ground nutmeg
3/4 c chopped cooked ham (It's absolutely awesome if you get the "top shelf" ham, it's Deitz & Watson in the house!)
1 1/2 c shredded swiss cheese
1 tbsp all purpose flour
Directions
1. Prepare and roll out pastry crust. Line a 9 in pie plate with pastry. Trim & crimp edges as desired. Line unpricked pastry with double thickness of foil. Bake in 450 degree oven for 8 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 4-5 min or until pastry is set and dry. Remove from oven and reduce temp to 350.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together eggs, milk, green onions, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in ham. In a small bowl, toss together the cheese and flour. Add to egg mixture and mix well.
3. Pour egg mixture into hot baked pastry shell. Bake in 350 oven for 35 to 40 min, or until inserted knife (near center) comes out clean. Let stand 10 min before serving.
Monday, December 10, 2007
S'mores Brownies
These babies are solid gold ... sooooo good! They're really not that hard to make... possibly my fave brownies ever...
10 whole HONEY MAID Honey Grahams, broken crosswise in half (20 squares), divided
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
4 squares BAKER'S Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour
2-1/2 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
1 cup BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks (I used chocolate chips for this instead bc I didn't have the chunks. :) )
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending beyond sides of pan; grease foil. Place 15 of the graham squares in bottom of pan, overlapping slightly. Break remaining 5 graham squares into large pieces; set aside.
PLACE butter and chocolate in large microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour until well blended. Spread over graham squares in pan.
BAKE 30 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. (Do not overbake.)
SPRINKLE evenly with marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until marshmallows begin to puff. Press reserved graham pieces gently into marshmallows. Cool in pan on wire rack.
LIFT out of pan onto cutting board using foil handles. Cut into 36 bars.
**Definitely make sure they're fully cooled before cutting - they're a royal mess to cut when right out of the oven. Even cooled they're a little messy...but soo ooey gooey yummy.
S'more Brownies
from Kraft.com
from Kraft.com
10 whole HONEY MAID Honey Grahams, broken crosswise in half (20 squares), divided
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
4 squares BAKER'S Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour
2-1/2 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
1 cup BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks (I used chocolate chips for this instead bc I didn't have the chunks. :) )
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending beyond sides of pan; grease foil. Place 15 of the graham squares in bottom of pan, overlapping slightly. Break remaining 5 graham squares into large pieces; set aside.
PLACE butter and chocolate in large microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour until well blended. Spread over graham squares in pan.
BAKE 30 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. (Do not overbake.)
SPRINKLE evenly with marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until marshmallows begin to puff. Press reserved graham pieces gently into marshmallows. Cool in pan on wire rack.
LIFT out of pan onto cutting board using foil handles. Cut into 36 bars.
**Definitely make sure they're fully cooled before cutting - they're a royal mess to cut when right out of the oven. Even cooled they're a little messy...but soo ooey gooey yummy.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Crack Dip
...so named because it's highly addictive! It's delicious! And in the season of holiday parties and potluck events, maybe someone will be able to use this recipe to make friends ;)
We went to Scott's holiday party last night with his research group - it was a lot of fun to meet all the people he spends so much time with.
Buffalo Chicken Dip/Crack Dip
Ingredients
1 1/2 - 2 lbs chicken, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup Ranch dressing
3/4 cup Franks Hot Sauce
1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces
1 bag Scoops tortilla chips
Directions
Heat cooked chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a 9x13' pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, until warm & bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and tortilla chips.
We went to Scott's holiday party last night with his research group - it was a lot of fun to meet all the people he spends so much time with.
Buffalo Chicken Dip/Crack Dip
Ingredients
1 1/2 - 2 lbs chicken, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup Ranch dressing
3/4 cup Franks Hot Sauce
1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces
1 bag Scoops tortilla chips
Directions
Heat cooked chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a 9x13' pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, until warm & bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and tortilla chips.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Three Junes
Finally done with this one - it won the National Book Award, and I guess I'm still trying to figure out why... It was *pretty good*... I often found myself annoyed with it though; the writing was simply not my style. I'll give you the synopsis from Google Books.
"Three Junes" is a vividly textured symphonic novel set on both sides of the Atlantic during three fateful summers in the lives of a Scottish family. In June of 1989, Paul McLeod, the recently widowed patriarch, becomes infatuated with a young American artist while traveling through Greece and is compelled to relive the secret sorrows of his marriage. Six years later, Paul's death reunites his sons at Tealing, their idyllic childhood home, where Fenno, the eldest, faces a choice that puts him at the center of his family's future. A lovable, slightly repressed gay man, Fenno leads the life of an aloof expatriate in the West Village, running a shop filled with books and birdwatching gear. He believes himself safe from all emotional entanglements--until a worldly neighbor presents him with an extraordinary gift and a seductive photographer makes him an unwitting subject. Each man draws Fenno into territories of the heart he has never braved before, leading him toward an almost unbearable loss that will reveal to him the nature of love. Love in its limitless forms--between husband and wife, between lovers, between people and animals, between parents and children--is the force that moves these characters' lives, which collide again, in yet another June, over a Long Island dinner table. This time it is Fenno who meets and captivates Fern, the same woman who captivated his father in Greece ten years before. Now pregnant with a son of her own, Fern, like Fenno and Paul before him, must make peace with her past to embrace her future. Elegantly detailed yet full of emotional suspense, often as comic as it is sad, "Three Junes" is a glorious triptych about how we learn to live, and livefully, beyond incurable grief and betrayals of the heart--how family ties, both those we're born into and those we make, can offer us redemption and joy.
The main character, Fenno, was pretty enjoyable to read about. He seemed very realistic in all of his complexities and neuroses. "Place" is a big theme in this book. One quote that pretty much applies to all the different story lines:
"I hate it when people talk about twists of fate, when it comes to life, we spin our own yarn, and where we end up is really, in fact, where we always intended to be."
"Three Junes" is a vividly textured symphonic novel set on both sides of the Atlantic during three fateful summers in the lives of a Scottish family. In June of 1989, Paul McLeod, the recently widowed patriarch, becomes infatuated with a young American artist while traveling through Greece and is compelled to relive the secret sorrows of his marriage. Six years later, Paul's death reunites his sons at Tealing, their idyllic childhood home, where Fenno, the eldest, faces a choice that puts him at the center of his family's future. A lovable, slightly repressed gay man, Fenno leads the life of an aloof expatriate in the West Village, running a shop filled with books and birdwatching gear. He believes himself safe from all emotional entanglements--until a worldly neighbor presents him with an extraordinary gift and a seductive photographer makes him an unwitting subject. Each man draws Fenno into territories of the heart he has never braved before, leading him toward an almost unbearable loss that will reveal to him the nature of love. Love in its limitless forms--between husband and wife, between lovers, between people and animals, between parents and children--is the force that moves these characters' lives, which collide again, in yet another June, over a Long Island dinner table. This time it is Fenno who meets and captivates Fern, the same woman who captivated his father in Greece ten years before. Now pregnant with a son of her own, Fern, like Fenno and Paul before him, must make peace with her past to embrace her future. Elegantly detailed yet full of emotional suspense, often as comic as it is sad, "Three Junes" is a glorious triptych about how we learn to live, and livefully, beyond incurable grief and betrayals of the heart--how family ties, both those we're born into and those we make, can offer us redemption and joy.
The main character, Fenno, was pretty enjoyable to read about. He seemed very realistic in all of his complexities and neuroses. "Place" is a big theme in this book. One quote that pretty much applies to all the different story lines:
"I hate it when people talk about twists of fate, when it comes to life, we spin our own yarn, and where we end up is really, in fact, where we always intended to be."
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Chicken Tenders
This recipe is a spin off from the one Kelly gave me at my shower... originally intended for Pork Chops, I rebelled and decided to use Chicken Tenderloins (cause that's what I had...) I also just got my free Kitchen Aid Food Grinder attachment in the mail, so I got to use that to make the cracker crumbs. It was so fun. :)
Homemade Chicken Tenders
2 cups crushed Town house crackers (equivalent to 2 sleeves, I used reduced fat)
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan Cheese (I used reduced fat)
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (I used Pizza & Pasta seasoning)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 cup melted butter (I substituted egg whites)
2 lbs chicken tenders
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In medium bowl, combine crushed crackers, parm cheese, seasoning and garlic powder. Dip the tenders in the egg whites/butter and dredge in cracker mixture, coating all sides thoroughly. Place in a 9x13 Pam-coated baking dish. To get a thicker breading, you can repeat the dipping in egg white and dredging. Bake for 25-30 min, until no longer pink inside.
Homemade Chicken Tenders
2 cups crushed Town house crackers (equivalent to 2 sleeves, I used reduced fat)
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan Cheese (I used reduced fat)
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (I used Pizza & Pasta seasoning)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 cup melted butter (I substituted egg whites)
2 lbs chicken tenders
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In medium bowl, combine crushed crackers, parm cheese, seasoning and garlic powder. Dip the tenders in the egg whites/butter and dredge in cracker mixture, coating all sides thoroughly. Place in a 9x13 Pam-coated baking dish. To get a thicker breading, you can repeat the dipping in egg white and dredging. Bake for 25-30 min, until no longer pink inside.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Update on Friday's Excitement...
Scott (of course) passed the Oral Prelim - he's like a different person! We actually (I hope you are sitting down...) spent time together this weekend!! We watched more episodes of Friday Night Lights online than I want to count (a great show, BTW!) and he got to golf w/ my dad. I hear he did very well too.
My interview was really good too - I just scheduled a 2nd interview today! I'm so excited - but it's not until the 14th, so I have to put on my patience hat. There are actually 2 jobs within the department at NC State that I'm being considered for, either of which I'd take! Cross those fingers for me, ok?? :)
My interview was really good too - I just scheduled a 2nd interview today! I'm so excited - but it's not until the 14th, so I have to put on my patience hat. There are actually 2 jobs within the department at NC State that I'm being considered for, either of which I'd take! Cross those fingers for me, ok?? :)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Big Day for Jamie & Scott!
Good morning! We're up early and the Sausage Cupcakes are in the oven... it's a big day for us. Scott has his Oral Prelim presentation - if he passes this he gets to start working on his dissertation and be Dr. Scott in 6 months! (I know he's going to do really well - no one is worried about the "if" part of that statement. Though I have to say the "gets to work on his dissertation" part really worries me!!!)
And me? I have an INTERVIEW this afternoon!!! It's pretty crazy actually, it's at NC State, and it's a few buildings down from where Scott will be doing his presentation ...and at the same time! I'm pumped, and feel ready to rock their socks. I'll have more details if it goes well, ok?
Then, we're meeting up for a Red Oak at a bar afterwards to decompress a little...and hopefully celebrate!
OH! And I got accepted to NC State for the Masters in Technical Communication yesterday! Woohoo!
And me? I have an INTERVIEW this afternoon!!! It's pretty crazy actually, it's at NC State, and it's a few buildings down from where Scott will be doing his presentation ...and at the same time! I'm pumped, and feel ready to rock their socks. I'll have more details if it goes well, ok?
Then, we're meeting up for a Red Oak at a bar afterwards to decompress a little...and hopefully celebrate!
OH! And I got accepted to NC State for the Masters in Technical Communication yesterday! Woohoo!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Christmas-y Fun!
Today, Smarty and I decorated for Christmas! Wooohoo - it was fun! Only 30 days until Santa comes, Smarty made me take this picture... She's too excited.
Smarty also posed all on her own for this - for real!!!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza...mmmmm!
Just made this one tonight, and looooved it :)
Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza
3/4 lb chicken tenders (uncooked)
1/2 cup Caesar dressing, plus 2 tbsp (I used Ken's Caesar Lite - it's really good)
1 store bought pizza crust (Pillsbury)
1 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese
Salad Topping:
4 cups hearts of Romaine lettuce, shredded
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 c Caesar dressing
1/4 c shredded Parm
1 cup seasoned croutons
2 tomatoes, diced
Directions:
Combine uncooked chicken tenders with 1/2 cup salad dressing. Heat skillet and cook until no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and cut into bite sized pieces.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out Pillsbury crust and brush with 2 tbsp dressing. Bake for 5-7 mins.
When chicken is cooked and dough baked, spread cut up chicken evenly over crust. Spread Mozzarella and Parmesan over chicken and bake for 5 more minutes - until crust is beginning to brown.
While pizza is baking, combine all salad ingredients. When pizza is done cooking, top with salad and serve!
For storing leftovers, I suggest storing pizza and salad separately for easier reheating.
Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza
3/4 lb chicken tenders (uncooked)
1/2 cup Caesar dressing, plus 2 tbsp (I used Ken's Caesar Lite - it's really good)
1 store bought pizza crust (Pillsbury)
1 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese
Salad Topping:
4 cups hearts of Romaine lettuce, shredded
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 c Caesar dressing
1/4 c shredded Parm
1 cup seasoned croutons
2 tomatoes, diced
Directions:
Combine uncooked chicken tenders with 1/2 cup salad dressing. Heat skillet and cook until no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and cut into bite sized pieces.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out Pillsbury crust and brush with 2 tbsp dressing. Bake for 5-7 mins.
When chicken is cooked and dough baked, spread cut up chicken evenly over crust. Spread Mozzarella and Parmesan over chicken and bake for 5 more minutes - until crust is beginning to brown.
While pizza is baking, combine all salad ingredients. When pizza is done cooking, top with salad and serve!
For storing leftovers, I suggest storing pizza and salad separately for easier reheating.
Friday, November 23, 2007
2 Dessert Recipes
I made two desserts yesterday that were a big hit at our family Thanksgiving!
These little balls of joy are so good! And besides being a big mess to make, they don't take very long and I highly recommend them if you're going to any holiday parties and/or like to receive compliments on stuff you make.
Oreo Truffles
(from Kraft.com)
1 pkg. (1 lb., 2 oz.) OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided (I used the red Christmas Oreos for a slightly "different" look, because they were on sale!)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted
CRUSH 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
Melt the chocolate and cool it in the fridge until the pot is cool to the touch. DIP balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
REFRIGERATE until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator. Freezes well!
This recipe was also delicious and very labor intensive...but so worth it!
Pumpkin Roll
Roll Ingredients:
2/3 cup pumpkin
3/4 -1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
3 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
Filling Ingredients:
1 8 oz package of cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
4 Tbsp Butter (softened)
1 cup10x sugar
Directions:
Grease jelly roll pan well. Mix all of Roll ingredients and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Remove immediately onto a dishcloth*, roll up and cool for 1 hour in the fridge. (If you mess up one end, start rolling with that end.) After cooled, unroll and spread the filling evenly across the roll. Roll it back up. Keep refrigerated in plastic wrap, and when ready to serve, cut crosswise.
*I think next time I'm going to use either wax paper or something non-stick, because the roll got kind of mutilated and stuck to the dishcloth a lot. The end product still tasted amazing and wasn't TERRIBLE to look at, but I think next time I'll know better what to do :)
These little balls of joy are so good! And besides being a big mess to make, they don't take very long and I highly recommend them if you're going to any holiday parties and/or like to receive compliments on stuff you make.
(from Kraft.com)
1 pkg. (1 lb., 2 oz.) OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided (I used the red Christmas Oreos for a slightly "different" look, because they were on sale!)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted
CRUSH 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
Melt the chocolate and cool it in the fridge until the pot is cool to the touch. DIP balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
REFRIGERATE until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator. Freezes well!
This recipe was also delicious and very labor intensive...but so worth it!
Pumpkin Roll
Roll Ingredients:
2/3 cup pumpkin
3/4 -1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
3 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
Filling Ingredients:
1 8 oz package of cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
4 Tbsp Butter (softened)
1 cup10x sugar
Directions:
Grease jelly roll pan well. Mix all of Roll ingredients and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Remove immediately onto a dishcloth*, roll up and cool for 1 hour in the fridge. (If you mess up one end, start rolling with that end.) After cooled, unroll and spread the filling evenly across the roll. Roll it back up. Keep refrigerated in plastic wrap, and when ready to serve, cut crosswise.
*I think next time I'm going to use either wax paper or something non-stick, because the roll got kind of mutilated and stuck to the dishcloth a lot. The end product still tasted amazing and wasn't TERRIBLE to look at, but I think next time I'll know better what to do :)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Turkey Trot - Done!
I survived the 8K - and finished in 49:20 (just under 50 mins, which was my goal...)! It was a lot harder than the 5k, by the way. Scott was a good sport and came along to support me and take pics!
But today (so far) is absolutely gorgeous - 70 degrees and windy! We're getting ready to go fry up a turkey at my parents' house in a little. It'll be nice and laid back, but if we could be two places at once, we would most certainly do so because it's hard not to be in PA with the rest of our family and friends! Miss you guys!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Hair is Gone!
I chopped my hair last night and donated it to Locks of Love!! (Well, I didn't donate it yet, it's in a bag in our desk drawer, is that gross?) It is shockingly short, but I like it!!
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Confessions of Max Tivoli
Loved.It. This was a phenomenal book, one that I can't stop thinking about! It's told out of order chronologically so it's one of those where you keep thinking about. It's a bizarre concept and I hope this doesn't put anyone off, but it's about a man who physically ages backwards. He was born as an old man and over his lifetime gets younger in his appearance. But mentally he gets older... it's weird, but it's very interesting to think about, the challenges he faced and obstacles to finding true love. Just like the Time Traveler's Wife, it's a very weird concept, but it's grounded in good storytelling and real characters so it works.Here's a preview on Google Books (just discovered this site - pretty cool...)
The central line that starts out the book is: "We were each the love of someone's life..." and I heard that click into place on the last pages. What a well written book, it was quite nice to read. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. Thanks again to Rob (woot woot shout out) for letting me borrow it!
Friday, November 16, 2007
My Sweet Present from Scott
I got a Nike + running system for my birthday from my wonderful husband! Special shoes you put a chip in that talk to your ipod and tell you how far and fast you run! I'm so excited... even though the race I'm doing next week doesn't let you use headphones.
Also, a cute pic of Smarty & Scott :) This is how she's been sitting on the couch lately, and we find it completely hilarious. Scott usually doesn't sit like that though.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Naked - David Sedaris
So, first off, this author is hilariously funny. He is a really witty writer in that he'll just be chugging along about regular stuff and BAM hit you with something that makes you laugh out loud. He's truly gifted, and I wish I could be friends w/ him. He grew up in Raliegh, so I'm holding out hope.Here's a fun quote for my Nittany Lion friends and fam:
I was beside the pool when a black man, speaking to Dusty, mentioned he had two sons at Penn State.
'That's tough,' Dusty said. 'I've got a nephew in prison myself and I know what you're going through. When are your boys getting out?'
He pretty much creates the most elaborate and outrageous characters and does it in a way you can totally picture. The name of the book comes from the last chapter which is about his vacation at a nudist trailer park (they don't call it a colony because it is too "spooky").
I really appreciate his style. Not sure what I'm reading next...but I hope it's good too!
Run, Jamie, Run!
So, I'm all set for my Thanksgiving morning 8K Turkey Trot here in Raleigh! It's coming quickly, and I'm up to 4.5 miles, so I think I'll be able to hoof it that last .45 miles. I was thinking it might be cold for it, but it's almost 70 degrees today, so I guess you just never know w/ NC. I've been training for almost 8 weeks now, and I'm really proud of myself for sticking with it. It's becoming a big release for me - though I don't know if I'm a crazy runner yet. If you see me running at noon on a sweltering July day, you have my permission to hit me!!
This is me at the Autism Ribbon 5K Run in October - I finished in 28:20:
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Scott's Roasted Broccoli
So, I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of this recipe, but Scott goes nuts for it and it came highly recommended, so I think I'm the oddball here. I guess you'll just have to try it for yourself...
Chili Roasted Broccoli
Chili Roasted Broccoli
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, eyeball it
5 to 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon grill seasoning blend (recommended:Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick Grill Mates)
1 large head broccoli, cut into thin, long spears
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Monday, November 5, 2007
A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby
Book Review! Now, don't get worried bc it's about people jumping off of building and my last post was about me losing my job or whatevs. I'm cool ;)
So, this book was pretty interesting... it started with 4 people meeting on New Year's Eve on the top of a building that they all intended to jump off of. But they end up NOT jumping (taking the "Long Way Down" aka, the steps) and figuring out how to want to live and not want to die, etc. It was pretty well written - def not the best ever or anything. The ending was very good and made it worth it. I think w/ a premis like this it'd be easy to be predictable, and for the most part, it's not.
Should I do a star rating system? Ok, out of 5 stars, it gets 3 1/2.
I already started reading "Naked" by David Sedaris so I promise there'll be a good rec up next (thanks for letting me borrow it, Rob!)
So, this book was pretty interesting... it started with 4 people meeting on New Year's Eve on the top of a building that they all intended to jump off of. But they end up NOT jumping (taking the "Long Way Down" aka, the steps) and figuring out how to want to live and not want to die, etc. It was pretty well written - def not the best ever or anything. The ending was very good and made it worth it. I think w/ a premis like this it'd be easy to be predictable, and for the most part, it's not.
Should I do a star rating system? Ok, out of 5 stars, it gets 3 1/2.
I already started reading "Naked" by David Sedaris so I promise there'll be a good rec up next (thanks for letting me borrow it, Rob!)
Update on Jamie's Job
Michael Scott: I don't know about you, Jan, but downsizing is a bitch! It is a real bitch!
So, I promised updates, right? Well here's what I get for saying we had a changeless life!
I've been laid off... which sucks. Corporate Downsizing...
I have been through pretty much all the stages and arrived at acceptance. I have my job until Dec 31, and that's plenty of time to find something else. I can handle this - I certainly didn't lose my dream job. And I have a good 2 months to get it together and find another one. It's a blessing in disguise, no doubt, but it also sucks.
Don't cry for me, cyberspace. I'll be okay...
I have to go feed Smarty now - she does this thing when it's time to feed her and we haven't yet that she knows annoys me. She chews up whatever papers are on the kitchen table, and it just so happens, she's destroying my Severance Letter. Gotta go!
So, I promised updates, right? Well here's what I get for saying we had a changeless life!
I've been laid off... which sucks. Corporate Downsizing...
I have been through pretty much all the stages and arrived at acceptance. I have my job until Dec 31, and that's plenty of time to find something else. I can handle this - I certainly didn't lose my dream job. And I have a good 2 months to get it together and find another one. It's a blessing in disguise, no doubt, but it also sucks.
Don't cry for me, cyberspace. I'll be okay...
I have to go feed Smarty now - she does this thing when it's time to feed her and we haven't yet that she knows annoys me. She chews up whatever papers are on the kitchen table, and it just so happens, she's destroying my Severance Letter. Gotta go!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sausage Cupcakes
Now, in our house, this is what we call the Sausage Egg biscuit things... but you have to understand that Scott seems to think his mission is to name everything that I make into something that makes sense to him. In this case, Sausage Cupcakes fits the bill - don't ask me why. There's no icing, it's not cake-y in any way...I usually make these at least once a weekend because they're so delicious! Kathy Morris hooked me on the recipe!! :)
Sausage Cupcakes
1 12 oz can Pillsbury/Hungry Jack biscuits (flaky buttermilk biscuits.)
4 eggs, beaten
Salt & Pepper to taste
4 oz turkey sausage, cut into small pieces
2 1/2 oz (2/3 cup) finely shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. Spray 10 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray
2. Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Place one biscuit in each sprayed cup - firmly press in holes and up sides.
3. Spray large non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat until hot. Add eggs, cook until almost set but still moist. Stir in sausage bits and remove from heat. Divide edd mixture into 10 biscuit cups. Top with 1 tablespoon of cheese per "cupcake".
4. Bake at 400 for 11 to 13 min or until edges are light brown.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
"Beef" Macoroni & Cheese
This is a yummy recipe and we've made a few substitutions to make it pretty healthy too! :)
1/2 of a 1lb box of elbow macoroni (whole wheat for healthy version)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 c chopped green bell pepper
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef (we used 7% ground turkey)
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 grated cheddar cheese (we used 2% cheese.)
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook macoroni according to package and drain. Set aside. Heat oil in a skillet; add peppers, onion & garlic. Saute until soft. Add ground beef & saute until browned. Add tomatoes, salt & pepper, basil, cumin and oregano. In a large bowl, combine macoroni and beef mixture. Spread into a 13x9 baking dish. Top with cheese and bake for 20-25 min, or until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
It makes a TON - but warms up very nicely.
1/2 of a 1lb box of elbow macoroni (whole wheat for healthy version)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 c chopped green bell pepper
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef (we used 7% ground turkey)
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 grated cheddar cheese (we used 2% cheese.)
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook macoroni according to package and drain. Set aside. Heat oil in a skillet; add peppers, onion & garlic. Saute until soft. Add ground beef & saute until browned. Add tomatoes, salt & pepper, basil, cumin and oregano. In a large bowl, combine macoroni and beef mixture. Spread into a 13x9 baking dish. Top with cheese and bake for 20-25 min, or until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
It makes a TON - but warms up very nicely.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Ba-rack My World!
My friend Makayla and I got tickets to see Barack Obama at NC Central in Durham tonight - we were just so excited because a candidate coming to North Carolina is beyond rare! It was a fabulous rally, and we were pretty up close too! He was a great speaker and got everyone sufficiently rallied up.
Maybe our next President!
Makayla and me!
Maybe our next President!
Makayla and me!
I got to shake his hand!!!! :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
My Favorite Books This Year
This year I've kind of gotten reacquainted with my old hobby - reading! I used to read a ton in the summers and stuff, and it was only after all the craziness of planning a wedding and honeymoon calmed down last December that I figured I needed something fun to fill my time! It had been so long since I had to work hard to fill my hours - what a fun surprise.
So, I have been reading a ton lately and wanted to share my favorites of the year. I have figured out I do not really enjoy chick lit (this means YOU Emily Giffin) even though I can't put it down. I think I enjoy challenging my brain and my favorites always end up being those deeper books.
The Best of 2007 (...so far!)
1. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - This book is amazing, and though I finished it in March, I still think about it all of the time because it was so well written. You know a book is good when you reminisce about the days when you were reading it... It's a very weird premise - the main character travels through time and space, but grounded in very realistic characters. It's one of the best love stories I've ever read or seen. You guys know me - I'm not one for science fiction, so it's nothing "The Hobbit" esq. It knocked my socks off. It's going to be a movie soon - Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana!!!
2. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - I just finished this one a few days ago and was blown away. It was told by Cal, a hermaphrodite who has lived his grown up life as a man, but was raised as a girl until puberty. It was unreal - the writing was amazing and to try to grasp what he went through was pretty enlightening. It kind of goes back up the family tree too and (gasp) there are lots of family secrets. I can't say I would have ever been interested in this book but it came highly recommended and I was curious to see what all the fuss was about...
3. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - I almost don't want to write what this is about because it might discourage you from reading it... I had my doubts too. It is about a young man whose world is turned upside down when his parents die and he is one semester away from graduating (to become a veterinarian.) He runs away and jumps a random train... which turns out to be a circus train. He just goes along w/ it and ends up helping with the animals in the circus. Drama ensues. The characters are really realistic and something about this book, even though it's about carnies, makes it impossible to put down. And the ending is stellar too.
4. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - If you don't laugh out loud at this book you must not have a sense of humor! This is a collection of stories from his childhood but reads like a novel... and it's utterly hilarious. He's from NC and grew up in Raleigh, so there's some local relevance for us... I could read it over and over again. And I probably will!
5. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory - About Anne and Mary Boleyn, and both of their relationships w/ Henry the Eighth. Yes, they're sisters. Yes, that's nasty, but it's like a drama filled incestuous love story that you can't get enough of. (And there are 5 books in this "series" so you're in luck.) Even though we all know how it's going to end, it's really interesting to see how it all went down. They're making it into a movie too... so Ashley and I are all up on that come Feb 2008. Weird, Eric Bana must have my fave book reading list bc he's in this one too...
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling - I don't care if Dumbledore is supposedly gay or whatever - that means nothing to me other than JK loves media attention and doesn't know what to do w/ herself now that it's all done w/. This book was amazing, and so sad (if only for the fact that there will be no more, ever.) I was so happy with the ending I cried. I think Scott saw it, but I just said I had allergies or something. It was the perfect culmination of all the books, and Mrs. Weasley says "Bitch" and Ron says "effing" so you can tell they're growing up!
Ok, off to hand out candy to kids in costumes and read the book I'm sure will not make the top list for the year. (A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. I do not recommend it based on what I've read so far...)
So, I have been reading a ton lately and wanted to share my favorites of the year. I have figured out I do not really enjoy chick lit (this means YOU Emily Giffin) even though I can't put it down. I think I enjoy challenging my brain and my favorites always end up being those deeper books.
The Best of 2007 (...so far!)
1. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - This book is amazing, and though I finished it in March, I still think about it all of the time because it was so well written. You know a book is good when you reminisce about the days when you were reading it... It's a very weird premise - the main character travels through time and space, but grounded in very realistic characters. It's one of the best love stories I've ever read or seen. You guys know me - I'm not one for science fiction, so it's nothing "The Hobbit" esq. It knocked my socks off. It's going to be a movie soon - Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana!!!
2. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - I just finished this one a few days ago and was blown away. It was told by Cal, a hermaphrodite who has lived his grown up life as a man, but was raised as a girl until puberty. It was unreal - the writing was amazing and to try to grasp what he went through was pretty enlightening. It kind of goes back up the family tree too and (gasp) there are lots of family secrets. I can't say I would have ever been interested in this book but it came highly recommended and I was curious to see what all the fuss was about...
3. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - I almost don't want to write what this is about because it might discourage you from reading it... I had my doubts too. It is about a young man whose world is turned upside down when his parents die and he is one semester away from graduating (to become a veterinarian.) He runs away and jumps a random train... which turns out to be a circus train. He just goes along w/ it and ends up helping with the animals in the circus. Drama ensues. The characters are really realistic and something about this book, even though it's about carnies, makes it impossible to put down. And the ending is stellar too.
4. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - If you don't laugh out loud at this book you must not have a sense of humor! This is a collection of stories from his childhood but reads like a novel... and it's utterly hilarious. He's from NC and grew up in Raleigh, so there's some local relevance for us... I could read it over and over again. And I probably will!
5. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory - About Anne and Mary Boleyn, and both of their relationships w/ Henry the Eighth. Yes, they're sisters. Yes, that's nasty, but it's like a drama filled incestuous love story that you can't get enough of. (And there are 5 books in this "series" so you're in luck.) Even though we all know how it's going to end, it's really interesting to see how it all went down. They're making it into a movie too... so Ashley and I are all up on that come Feb 2008. Weird, Eric Bana must have my fave book reading list bc he's in this one too...
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling - I don't care if Dumbledore is supposedly gay or whatever - that means nothing to me other than JK loves media attention and doesn't know what to do w/ herself now that it's all done w/. This book was amazing, and so sad (if only for the fact that there will be no more, ever.) I was so happy with the ending I cried. I think Scott saw it, but I just said I had allergies or something. It was the perfect culmination of all the books, and Mrs. Weasley says "Bitch" and Ron says "effing" so you can tell they're growing up!
Ok, off to hand out candy to kids in costumes and read the book I'm sure will not make the top list for the year. (A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. I do not recommend it based on what I've read so far...)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Okay, for the first recipe! This one is super tasty, makes good leftovers and gets props for creative use of the blender. I originally found it on Kraft.com, but it called for red peppers and they've been looking a little nasty at the grocery store lately, so I took the liberty to go w/ tomatoes. If I may say so (and Scott will back me up on this!) that was quite a good call.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
2 cups whole wheat penne pasta, uncooked
4 oz low fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 c fat free milk
2 tomatoes, cut into small chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
2 tbsp grated Parm cheese
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package.
Place cream cheese, milk, tomatoes, garlic, Parm and basil in blender. Puree until smooth and set aside.
Spray large skillet w/ cooking spray. Add chicken pieces and cook until med high until it's cooked through. Stir in sauce, reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Drain pasta and mix with sauce. Serve & ENJOY!
Makes 4 servings
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
2 cups whole wheat penne pasta, uncooked
4 oz low fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 c fat free milk
2 tomatoes, cut into small chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried basil
2 tbsp grated Parm cheese
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package.
Place cream cheese, milk, tomatoes, garlic, Parm and basil in blender. Puree until smooth and set aside.
Spray large skillet w/ cooking spray. Add chicken pieces and cook until med high until it's cooked through. Stir in sauce, reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Drain pasta and mix with sauce. Serve & ENJOY!
Makes 4 servings
Monday, October 29, 2007
With a Name like Dweebert, It Has to be Good
...Is this thing on??
So, I've started a blog! Woohoo! I guess this will help everyone stay on top of all of the crazy changes in our life... Oh wait. Yeah, that's right. We're not moving. I'm not knocked up. So this will help keep everyone in tune with the everyday excitement of our normal and changeless life.
And because everyone in the world has a blog, I went w/ Dweebert for the name. You like it? Takes you back... I think I got that name at a swim meet! EAC - go Gators!!
So, you're probably asking yourself what it is that I think I can provide for you that some other anonymous blogger out there can't. Well, I'm glad you asked. Here's a preview of "Coming Attractions":
1. There will be recipes, and I fancy myself an up and coming cook. Possibly pictures, but let's not get carried away.
2. I will reflect on books. I read all the time, and recommending books makes me feel smart, even if I'm just recommending them to the vast vacuum of the Internets.
3. Funny cat stories. Smarty's too cute not to share!
4. Pictures of things Scott and I do. Like parties and social outings. Don't expect a ton of that - he's busy and we're both kind of homebodies lately!! :)
5. Updates when stuff happens. (I.E. My impending ::cross your fingers:: acceptance to grad school.)
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