Thankful Thursday-Take 3

97. My husband initiating “date night”

98. Training to further my career

99. Free lunch provided by the training

100. Princess birthday parties

101. Time with family this past weekend

102. My niece, Riley. She turned 1.

103. Beau-I can be who I am without judgement

104. A husband who’s understanding and flexible

105. New friends at work

106. Long hair

107. Excel-I am a spreadsheet nerd

108. Nalgenes-Made in the USA and full of a lot of water

109. Pop-Pop’s good doctors

110. Laughter

111. Nice neighbors

112. Gamecock tickets!

113. The desire to not be complacent

114. East Cooper Baptist-we love our church!

115. Great friends who moved into the area

 

 

Posing

My handsome husband on the sail boat! Doesn’t he pose well?!?!

 

Thankful Thursday Take 3

66. A husband that wants to spend as much time with me as possible.

67. A boss that says “Thank You”

68. My new to-go coffee mug (doesn’t leak)

69. Nilla wafers (a subtle sweetness of yum)

70. A mom that I get to see often

71. Angel – a woman I work with that makes me laugh out loud!

72. That I laugh at work

73. Bon Appétit magazine

74. Sabra hummus

75. A love for cooking (since I’m supposed to be doing it anyway)

76. Facebook-I know it’s a major time waster, but it allows me to keep up with people I might not otherwise be able to

77. The ability to order photos online and have them shipped directly to me

78. A mother and father who pray

79. I’m only required to go to one meeting a week

80. Water

81. Comfort food

82. I have people who laugh with me and not AT me

83. That God has my past, present and future

84. Sunglasses to help ward off crows feet

85. A man I work with walks around singing “Hungry Eyes”

86. That I have a college degree

87. A husband who’s brilliant

88. Growth (not in height)

89. Good health

90. Sunshine and clean air

91. Surprises in the mail (like the free trash bag I received yesterday!)

92. Did I say Nilla wafers?

93. Autonomy at work

94. Couch time

95. The big green egg

96. Friends who have a touch for design because I definitely don’t!

FREE

FREE queso at Moe’s Southwest Grill today only. No coupon required and no purchase necessary. Just FYI.

 

Comments by Tom

Tom’s great comment of the week was in response to me saying I had a stomach ache:

 

“It’s too bad I don’t have any of my pool water. The PH is so high that water it could qualify as milk of magnesia.”

 

INDIAN CHICKEN CURRY (MILK OF MAGNESIA WILL BE NEEDED)

 

2 tsp each coriander seeds and cumin seeds

1 tsp salt

1 tsp turmeric

½ tsp pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne

2 T canola oil

1 lb chicken thighs

¼ c unsalted cashews

1 large yellow onion

2 small tomatoes

2 T clarified butter or canola oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 T minced fresh ginger

1 tsp minced green jalapeno

2 each bay leaves and star anise

½ c coconut milk

1 T lemon juice

1 T fresh chopped cilantro

 

Toast and grind coriander and cumin seeds. In a bowl, stir together toasted seeds, ½ tsp salt and turmeric, pepper, cayenne and pepper and canola oil until well mixed.

 

Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes. Add to bowl and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

 

Thinly slice onion. Cut tomateos in half crosswise and remove seeds, then chop the flesh. In saute pan over high heat, melt the butter. Add onion and saute until it begins to soften, 3-4 minutes. Add galric, ginger, chile, bayl eaves and star anise and continue to saute until onion is light golden brown, 5-7 minutes. Add chicken and saute just until meat turns opaque, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they softe, about 2 minutes.

 

Stir in the coconut milk and rmeaining ½ tsp salt and bring to gently boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer unitl chicken is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and simmer for 5 minutes longer.

 

Trasnfr to warm bowl andtop with cashews and cilantro.

 

 

Rev's Smokehouse

Beau and I met Matt, Sara and Wyatt up at Rev’s Smokehouse in Summerville last night for dinner. My good friend, Bill, and his wife, Renee, have opened a BBQ joint.

 

I remember the days that I worked for Bill and when he wasn’t working that job, he was at home trying recipes. Then he’d come to work and we would talk all about it. I loved it!

 

It’s a reality now and they’ve been open for about a month.

 

It was so good to see Matt and Sara, and Bill and Renee.

 

I ordered the pulled pork plate. I know, I know-big plate Kathryn. Well…I was starving! And I ate it all! (Actually Beau and I shared the sides. And…I shared my biscuit with little Wyatt.) The pulled pork was really good. I didn’t need sauce on it. It was tender and juicy and not one bite was dry. I did add sauce, only because I LOVE mustard base sauces. Sometimes the meat is just a delivery device for that sauce! I also ordered fries, macaroni and cheese and fried okra. Fries are fries. The macaroni was creamy and didn’t dry out. Very good. But let me tell you about the okra. It’s fried whole. Definitely a first for me and one I would like to redo. Delicious! The cornmeal crust was perfectly seasoned and the whole thing was crispy and good.

 

The restaurant is super clean and the people are very friendly. The prices are reasonable. And all proceeds from dessert sales go to wounded warriors.

 

For some of you it’s going to be a haul to get there, but I know I’ve definitely driven farther for food. Consider the time you’ll get to spend in the car with your special someone as you drive there. Don’t we all need that?! J

 

Thankful Thursday - Take 2

37. Thai food that involves coconut milk and peanuts. Yum!

38. New friends

39. Argos – we have the same bottom lip you know. It’s obvious I’m his mother. J

40. Morning coffee

41. My husband’s giggle – it makes me laugh everytime!

42. That Beau takes such tender care of Argos-it gives me a glimpse of what a great father he will be one day

43. Beau – my gift from God; the man that helps me be a better person

44. A God who continues to welcome me back

45. Autonomy at work

46. Lactose-free yogurt

47. Fresh fruit during the summer months

48. Chocolate

49. Hope

50. I have a roof over my head and a full belly each night

51. A husband that calls me during his busy workday

52. M & M’s

53. Books written by people who have learned something that I’m trying to learn-anything is helpful!

54. My immersion blender-makes pureeing soup a breeze and less likely of injury

55. Open eyes to see my wrong in the past, but the grace and opportunity to correct myself and move forward as a person better able to love

56. A husband who actually wants me to buy shoes! Aren’t I a lucky girl?!?!

57. A mother-in-law that loves me and treats me like her daughter.

58. I’ve managed to not gain a LOT of weight dispite the homemade ice cream and cupcakes each week!

59. Good relationships with colleagues.

60. My husband has amazing friends that he enjoys and trusts.

61. My soup tureen. Thank you to Katie Hlavacek for giving me a reason to use it!

62. That I took typing in high school and can type fast and am not a two finger poker!

63. My Pop-Pop accepted Christ this week!

64. Kind men who offer to take my grocery cart in for me

65. Samples at the grocery store-helps me from buying the whole store when I’m starving!

 

 

 

Bigamy/Polygamy

I read an article this morning about the “Sister Wives” featured on TLC. It’s a story of one man and four wives (legally married to only one)living in Utah. They have since moved to Nevada, trying to escape investigation of polygamy.

 

In Utah, it is a third-degree offence to be in a polygamous relationship, even if only by co-habitation.

 

This family’s lawyer is challenging on people’s right to private relationships. See his statement below:

"We are not demanding the recognition of polygamous marriage. We are only challenging the right of the state to prosecute people for their private relations and demanding equal treatment with other citizens in living their lives according to their own beliefs," the statement reads.

Now, when you read this statement, what thoughts come into your head? One of the thoughts I think of is “what is the difference between what this man is doing and people who are engaged in extramarital affairs? The state is not prosecuting people who cheat. They just get a slap on the wrist.

 

I’m not condoning what this family in Utah/Nevada is doing at all. I’m just saying that there seems to be a major contradiction going on here.

 

The lawyer then makes another statement and this is the one that worries me, "In that sense, it is a challenge designed to benefit not just polygamists but all citizens who wish to live their lives according to their own values - even if those values run counter to those of the majority in the state," Turley wrote.

The last bit of that sentence is quite alarming. That statement suggests not only this religious belief of allowing a man to be married to four women be accepted, but it opens the door for anyone’s religious beliefs to be allowed, even if the majority of people find it wrong. What if other religious beliefs are to physically harm people? What if someone believed in torturing animals? Hitting children? Where does it end? What religious belief will then be too big? You can’t define one. By this statement alone, you are erasing the line. There is no line to be crossed.

Comments by Tom

I’d like to start something with “Comments by Tom”. Tom is a man I work with. He’s about 55 and sooo funny. Here’s what we have this week.

 

In response to me telling him that my dad and brother were going on a 27-mile hike today and tomorrow he says, “If God had wanted me to walk 27 miles he would have made me a mountain goat.”

 

In response to me telling him how Beau and I go running, “You shouldn’t run. You’re wasting heartbeats. You know you only get a limited amount.”

 

Tom told us that his wife has decided that when Tom dies, she’s going to cremate him, put him in a shoebox, carve two holes in the front of the box and put Tom’s glasses on it. She will then put the shoebox on the dash of the motor home she just bought and drive across country so that he can see everywhere she’s going and he’s not.

 

J

 

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

It has dawned on me that I haven’t posted a recipe in a while.  I have no story to go with it, but I made this dish this weekend for Ben and Beau and it was a big hit. But take caution-you need a few hours of your day to devote to this! At least I did, the novice chef of Italian cuisine!

 

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

 

 

2 medium eggplant, cut horizontally

1 T kosher salt

4 c breadcrumbs

1 c grated Parmesan

Salt and pepper

1 c flour

4 eggs

6 T vegetable oil

 

TOMATO SAUCE

2 cans diced tomatoes (I used my fresh tomatoes)

2 T EVOO

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

½ c coarsely chopped fresh basil

Salt and pepper

8 oz whole milk mozzarella, shredded

½ c grated Parmesan

10 fresh basil leaves for garnish

 

In large bowl, toss the sliced eggplant with the salt and pour eggplant into a strainer to let the eggplant sweat. After sweating (about 30 minutes), transfer eggplant to a triple layered stack of paper towels with another triple stack in hand. Press down on the eggplant to soak up all the liquid.

 

Preheat oven to 425 and place two cookies sheets in the oven to warm.

 

In a pie plate or shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Set aside. Combine flour and 1 tsp pepper in another dish. And beat eggs in a dish. Line them up. Coat each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, then dredge in the egg and roll it around in the bread crumb mixture and place on the hot cookie sheet. Repeat this for all of the eggplant slices. Place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes and then flip and cook another 10-15 minutes, until crispy. Remove but keep oven on.

 

SAUCE

While eggplant bakes, puree the tomatoes in a blender. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the crushed red pepper and garlic and cook on medium-high heat until the garlic is soft, but not burned. Add the pureed tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until reduced and slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Adjust the seasoning and add sliced basil.

 

ASSEMBLY

Spread 1 c tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish. Top with eggplant slices so you cover the whole dish, with some eggplant overlapping. Top with another cup of tomato sauce. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella.  Layer in remaining eggplant and top with remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella and ½ c Parmesan cheese. Bake 15 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and cheese is golden. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

 

*This sauce didn’t make enough for my liking. I would have doubled the sauce.

 

**I served it with angel hair pasta.

Mellow Mushroom

Ben, Beau and I went out to the Mellow Mushroom in West Ashley Saturday night. We love the pizza. Love it! It’s delicious! But, wow! The service is HORRIBLE! This is the second time we’ve gone there and both times the food has been wonderful but the service has been very poor.

 

Just take note that if and when you go to the West Ashley Mellow Mushroom, you might want to do takeout!

 

The Poor House

Me, Beau and Argos headed up to The Poor House last night to hear a local bluegrass band play. The banjo player was one of the doctors Beau calls on for his job. We saw other doctors there and even saw a cousin of his! Ben joined us later for the little concert. And of course, Argos was a conversation starter. I must say, I really liked the atmosphere. It was casual and outside but semi-covered. And they play bluegrass every Thursday. We’ll be returning.

 

Thankful Thursday

1.       A car that doesn’t overheat and has air-conditioning

2.       Finding old CDs with songs I love!

3.       New friends that God has brought me just this week

4.       Parents that wake up early enough to talk to me on an early morning drive

5.       Dunkin’ Donuts, so I’m not forced to drink Starbucks

6.       Will-the manage at Hampton Inn-Murrells Inlet for helping me surprise my husband

7.       Beau-a husband who’s verbal in how much he loves me and how happy he is

8.       The ability to pull off a good surprise

9.       Tempura fried calamari-the best we’ve had since Spain

10.   A great boss who’s understanding of why I was late to work this morning (the drive back from Myrtle Beach)

11.   Co-workers that make me laugh

12.   A night out with new girlfriends, painting

13.   A dog that gets super excited to see me, even if I’ve only run out to the car to get something

14.   A kind woman at the gas station yesterday who complimented me on my dress

15.   The ability to read and continue to learn

16.   My nice golden tan (a first since maybe ’08)

17.   So many laughing moments

18.   A great lake weekend with family and friends-serious relaxation

19.   The gift of marriage and knowing someone so intimately

20.   Warm weather and sunshine

21.   Hope-only found in Christ. Wow, tough life without it

22.   Wedding gifts still coming in the mail

23.   Great finds at Target

24.   The cheap massage Groupon that I will be taking advantage of in a few weeks

25.   Health insurance

26.   Initiative and drive

27.   My adventurous husband

28.   Free Saturdays that I can use for baking

29.   www.tastespotting.com – my favorite place to look up recipes

30.   Two female bathrooms at work rather than one

31.   Home grown jalapenos

32.   To be hungry and then to feel satisfaction and fullness

33.   The money to help people

34.   People at work who help me

35.   My work schedule from 7-3

36.   My Cuisinart ice cream maker-one day I’ll be able to make lactose free ice cream!

 

Surprise!

I got the idea on Tuesday that I should drive up to Myrtle Beach on Wednesday and surprise Beau. He was there on business and thought it would be a blast! And it was…

I left work yesterday at 3:00. I sat through abnormal traffic, picked up the dog, his food and leash and my overnight bag and drove to Donna’s house. I dropped off Argos and got the address for the hotel Beau would be staying in. (Thanks Donna for your detective work!) And I headed out on the road.

By six o’clock I was pulling into the Hampton Inn and parking right next to Beau’s Subaru. I walked into the hotel and found Beau in the fitness center running on a treadmill. I convinced the guy at the front desk to give me a key to his room so I could surprise him. (Funny enough, the guy said I was the second wife in a couple days that had the same request!)

I snuck up to his room and let myself in and waiting patiently until he was finished running. Beau came to the door and tried his key but it wouldn’t work. So when I came to let him in he thought he had come to the wrong room and apologized. But then he realized he knew the person who opened the door and he was shocked! He just kept giggling and saying “Whoa”. He couldn’t believe I was there. He was so surprised.

He got dressed and decided since I was there, he would forego Chick-Fil-A and we would go out some place nice. J We drove to Murrells Inlet and went to a restaurant called Devine’s. The best calamari since Spain. We didn’t even use the sauce. Delicious. We each had some delicious seafood, sipped on some wine and had a leisurely meal by the water. It was truly pleasant and wonderful. And I loved being there with him. And he continually commented on how he couldn’t believe I was there!

We wrapped up the evening with a Tornado at Twisters (ice cream blizzard type thing) and Kingpin.

I woke up at 4:30 this morning and drove back to Charleston to be at work at 7:00. Absolutely, completely worth the trip! We loved every moment of it!

Bottles and Brushes

A girlfriend from work invited me to go to Bottles and Brushes with her last night. Who could turn it down? And look at my masterpiece?! I was shocked it turned out that good. I really thought it was a paint-by-number type deal, which is what gave me confidence to think I could do it. When I got there and looked at the canvas and there were no numbers on it, I thought “Whoa, this isn’t good.” But alas, a picture it is. It will be hung in our house for sure. J

 

Babygate

I went to Target last night and bought a baby gate. No one get excited! We are not pregnant!!! We have a dog (you know Argos) who is allergic to stuff in the carpet so we’re trying to keep him out of our bedroom. Anyway, I successfully installed this thing last night with just Argos watching! I was very proud.

 

Lake Sheila

We're driving back from Lake Sheila, NC. We had a very restful and relaxing few days with reading, swimming, floating and tons of eating. Could not have asked for a better weekend. Now headed back to Charleston to regroup and get out on the sailboat to watch the fireworks in the harbor! Happy 4th of July!

Headed out of town

We’re headed to the lake today!!!!!! Whoo! Hoo! Three days of relaxing bliss. I’ve got a book, my bathing suit, some wine and my goggles. Ready to enjoy the weekend!

 

Beau, Donna and Ben (Beau’s friend from Denver) are picking me up from work at noon and we’re headed out of Dodge (Charleston). Oh yes, the “boys”, Argos and Frazier, are coming as well. They have their life vests and they’re excited.

 

“Relaxing” Grilled Cheese and Fried Egg Sandwich

12 slices pancetta

2 T butter

4 slices sourdough bread

8 thin slices provolone cheese

4 eggs

1 small green onion, chopped

Parmesan shavings

12 fresh basil leaves or arugula leaves

 

Cook pancetta  in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels. Reserve skillet with drippings.

Melt butter in extra-large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 bread slices; top with 2 provolone slices. Sprinkle with pepper. Cook until cheese melts, 3-4 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat skillet with drippings over medium heat. Crack eggs into skillet; cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny, 2-3 minutes. Set 6 pancetta slices and 2 eggs atop each of 2 cheese toasts. Top eggs with onion, parmesan and basil, then remaining bread slices, cheese side down. Cut sandwiches in half and serve.

 

*Of course, you can use bacon instead of pancetta if you can’t find it or don’t want to fork out the cash for it. Pancetta can be expensive.