girlgonegrits

Gluten What?

2012-01-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

So my son told me not long ago that he had to stop taking my yummy treats back to his house because his roommate was gluten free and having all that stuff around was just a big tease. I was crushed! Well, not really, because I always consider those things as challenges.

So I started down that road of gluten free cooking. At first I paid high dollars for gluten free mixes. They were OK but boy, were they expensive. Then I decided I would try my hand at making a gluten free baking flour that would be cup-for-cup the same as all-purpose flour in any recipe. My lovely friend Kate from Hip Girls Guide to Homemaking turned me on to the Art of Gluten Free Baking website for a recipe to make a cup-for-cup mix. I went to the local Asian market and bought all the rice flours and starches to make the mix and it did come out pretty good. Luckily for me, Kate also hooked me up with some xanthum gum (that stuff is really pricey!) that she buys in bulk since she lives a gluten free life herself. I ended up making some citrus sugar cookies with that mix during the holidays only to make a HUGE mistake... I decorated them by rolling each in candy sprinkles that coincedently were made and packaged in a wheat-borne environment. Really?????? Ughhh, OK, so that was a fail (but provided a good laugh to many of my gluten-free friends). Over it and moving on, I gave the rest of that batch of flour to my son's roommate which he says he has since used to make breaded chicken and other flour-based recipes. With all the craziness of trying to find good gluten free recipes I seemed to miss one of the key components along the way. I was trying too hard. It occurred to me that if I just stop for a second and pay attention, I have a whole bunch of yummy recipes that don't have flour in them at all. No excuses, trying too hard just ripped a hole in my check book and gave me a ton of unneeded, self-induced stress. So a day late and a dollar short, I am looking at this in a whole new way and I'm just going to keep baking delicious cookies for my son that won't make me break a sweat or my budget, I'm jus' sayin'!

Double Chocolate Orange Truffle Cookies
Adapted from this recipe

3 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cup cocoa powder (I used Hershey's Special Dark cocoa)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3 egg whites (at room temperature)
1 tbs. of orange juice
2 tbs of orange zest
1 tbs. of vanilla
2 cups of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Place parchment lined cookie sheet in freezer to chill.

In a large mixing bowl with a whisk, mix the sugar, cocoa and salt. With a wooden spoon, mix the egg whites, orange juice, zest and vanilla. When mixed well, stir in the chips and incorporate well. Place tablespoon sized mounds on baking sheet and bake 12-13 minutes until they have a nice sheen and hold there shape. Cool and enjoy with a glass of milk. No, really, you will need something to drink with these bad boys. They are decadent and rich. Oh, and gluten free! *Insert jazz hands here*

Another Cranberry Moment

2012-01-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

I must really have cranberry on my mind because this next post is also cranberry-related and about a very favorite treat of mine from a very famous coffee shop. One of my very favorite things about going on vacation is that I don't have to get up to make coffee or even remember to prepare it the night before. It makes no difference to me if my coffee is being poured from a waitress, a barista, or a hotel coffee dispenser, as long as it's rich, dark, and hot, I am a happy person. Now, I live in a town of wonderful local coffee shops and I will make every effort to support them when I have time to choose. However, it's no secret that the famous Starbucks is seemingly on every corner and always seems to be closer to where I'm going. I rarely take the time to go inside because the drive-through is simply too convenient, but when I do go in it's usually during the holidays because I just love to drool over their holiday desserts shining behind that sparkling glass counter. They generally taste as good as they look and I often try to re-create those sweet treats at home. One of these days I may just have to go get a job there so I can delve into the "secret" recipe folder - even though I know that most of them are outsourced.

As I alluded to previously, my last post was about cranberry orange muffins (a muffin they make at Starbucks too) and it would appear that I have not quite squelched my cranberry fix. I was looking through my boards on Pinterest.com when I remembered pinning this yummy recipe last Christmas. I wanted to bring something into the office for the staff and this seemed to be the perfect recipe since I know they frequent the above coffee shop as well. This recipe was adapted from the Lovin From The Oven blog, who adapted it from another blogger. I take no credit in creating this recipe other than adding a little orange zest in the final icing. However, I will take full credit for indulging in each bite... I'm jus' sayin'!

Cranberry Bliss Bars adapted by Lovin From The Oven

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1–1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1–1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, minced
1/4 cup plus 1/4–1/3 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup crystallized ginger slices, minced
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp. grated orange zest
2 tbsp. of milk
1–1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9×13 pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Beat together the butter and sugar. Mix in the eggs and vanilla.
Add the flour, ginger, and salt into the batter. Beat well. Lightly stir in the 1/4 cup cranberries, 1/4 cup chocolate chips and minced ginger.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven.
Make the frosting by beating the cream cheese, butter, and orange zest and milk until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat until you reach the desired consistency.
Spread the frosting onto the cooled cake.
Cut the frosted cake as desired into bars or triangles. Sprinkle the remaining minced cranberries and chocolate chips on the top.

Cranberry Orange Sweet Harmony

2012-01-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Some flavors I really believe were created to mingle with others to become a product on there own. I also believe that there are still a million other flavors waiting to be mixed and matched by some creative kitchen chef or scientist. I'll leave those to the mixologists of the world to work on and until then, I'll stick to those flavor combinations that I have committed to memory.

I can't honestly say when I had cranberry and orange flavors mixed together for the first time. It may have been a Thanksgiving dinner way back when my mom added orange juice to the cranberry sauce. That citrus provided some extra zing that made the tart cranberry wake up. Or maybe it was that first cranberry-orange scone I tasted at the local tea house my mom and I would go to as a teen. This I do know: cranberry-orange is a delightful and easy flavor that just works well on every level whether part of a complex dish or a simple one. It's also one of those flavors you can fall back on when needing to whip-up a sweet little morning treat.

I buy cranberries on sale after Thanksgiving and then freeze them. I like to use them in canning, coffee cakes, simple syrups (Cosmos anyone?) or sugared for a pretty garnish. As with most anywhere today, citrus is available year-round here in Texas and I always have a bowl of it on my table, especially in the winter to keep things looking and tasting fresh. Yes, this is an old recipe and yes, it's probably one you have made before, but remember how good they were when you opened one up and exposing those jeweled cranberries, then that zing of orange tingled your tongue at the same time that the cranberry popped with a tart burst of flavor? Yep, that's what I thought! You feel like making some right now, right? Well, if not now, then maybe the next time that someone reminds you how good those flavors are together... I'm jus' sayin'!

Cranberry Orange Muffins with Crumb Topping

Preheat oven to 400°f
In a large bowl whisk the following:
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Then add the following and stir until combined:
1 cup cranberries
1 egg
3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons grated orange rind

In a small bowl combine the following. (If your butter is cold and hard, use the cheese grater to grate the butter into bits and then combine with fingers to create "crumbs")

Streusel Crumb Topping
1/2 cup flour
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons sugar

Line your 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners ( I used these fun new ones I got as a Christmas gift). Fill 3/4 full with muffin batter in each muffin paper. Then sprinkle 1 tbs. of crumb mixture on top of batter (you can use less but I happen to love that crumb topping which is why I use more). Don't pack the crumb mixture down. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and when you place a tooth pick in the middle of the muffin it should come out clean.

These beauties freeze well if you can actually stop eating them...

Or place a couple in a basket with some orange juice and champagne for a neighbor?

Give me an Orange "Julius"

2012-01-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

Orange Julius

Recently I was craving a drink from my past. I get this craving whenever I see I giant bowl of oranges sitting on my table. Since winter has now sprung itself upon us, I like to keep a huge bowl of citrus in my kitchen to brighten my mood while it's frosty outside - although if you're living anywhere near me, you already know that our winter this year has yet to be anything resembling "frosty". In any event, mix the frosty with citrus and you have one of my all time favorite drinks, an "Orange Julius"! I'm sure you have heard of this drink sometime in your lifetime. It's a creamy, frothy, cool orange drink that was only available at the stores bearing the same name.

This drink grew out of an orange juice stand opened in Los Angeles in 1926 by Julius Freed. He had created an orange juice-based drink that was less acidic and therefore more popular. He did not have a name at first so when people came up to his stand they they would simply say "Hey! Give me an orange Julius!" Thus, the name that stuck.

For some, that name brings back a ton of memories and for others, it sets them off on a wild chase of finding that "mystery ingredient" that makes the drink seem so unique. While doing some research I noticed over and over the many copy-cat recipes from people who think they have found the answer. The funny thing is that though creamy, no ice cream or yogurt is used, and though really rich in orange flavor, no concentrated frozen orange juice was used. Normally I am all over copy-cat recipes that may use an ingredient that has nothing to do with the original but takes on the same look, taste, and feel in the finished product. But in this case, only the original would do.

I can honestly say that I am pretty close to this particular subject as my very first "paying" job was at an Orange Julius in my hometown mall. I remember some of the requirements were that you had to be able to lift 50lb bags of sugar to pour into giant drums with water to make the "simple syrup", or I should say, "sugar water" as I was trained to say. We also had to be able to cut and juice 75 oranges in 10 minutes using an electric juicer, something I still bet I could do today.

At the time, I was excited to get this job because I had loved Orange julius when I was little and it was a real treat when Mom would take us out for one. I had also always wanted to know what the "secret" was that made them so good. I remember asking my manager one time what was in that powder that made the Julius's so special. Her reply was simple: "It's a secret." The funny thing was that the ingredients were printed on the box and the bags of powder were always lifted out of it before any of us could see. I worked there in the early 80's (before Dairy Queen acquired the brand) and smoothies were just starting to become the "new" health craze, so they had extended the menu of Julius flavors and offered raw eggs for protein. We also served hot dogs and hand cut fries. For the longest time I had thought the "special powder" was malt. But years later and after lots of research, I've discovered that it was egg white powder mixed with dry milk and vanilla flavoring. Thats it! That's the "secret ingredient"! But it's not just the secret powder that makes it an Orange Julius - it's also the directions to make it. So here you go, no need for copy-cat recipes that use yogurt, frozen orange concentrate or ice cream. Just get these ingredients and a good blender and before you know it your friends and family will be saying "Give me an Orange Julius!" I'm jus' sayin'!

Orange Julius

The original Orange Julius as I was trained to make them in the early 80's

In your blender do the following in this order...
1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (I swear this makes a difference)
1/2 cup simple syrup (I never said this was a healthy smoothie, just a treat)
1 tsp. dry milk powder (Seems like a little but it works)
1 tsp. egg white powder (you can find this in your bakery aisle where the cake mixes are)
1/2 tsp. of vanilla (this is the only part I differ from because vanilla powder has to be purchased on-line or in a specialty bake shop)
Now fill the rest of the blender up with crushed ice (Why crushed ice? Because it blends quicker with the powders to create that frothy lightness)

Thats it! That's the real deal my friends.

2011 - My Favorite Photos and Posts

2012-01-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes looking back can give us inspiration for the New Year. I thought I would take a few of my favorite posts from last year and dust them off. I'm jus Sayin!

30 Days of Gratitude Day 30 - My Lifetime Partner

2011-12-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Yeah! (insert jazz hands here, I did it!) I pulled off 30 days in a row of blog posts. I know for some this is nothing and you may be shaking your heads and rolling your eyes. But for me, this is HUGE! Taking time everyday to find a topic, write a thoughtful post, take/find appropriate photos, and get it posted before midnight was quite a feat. Which leads me to what the hardest part of this whole project (adventure!) was for me. Everyday that I wrote a post stating what I was grateful for, I had to strategically figure out a way to not include my wonderful husband, for everyday he gives me reasons to be grateful. **Disclaimer Alert **This is where it's about to get super sticky sweet and mushy so you have my permission to bail now if your not into that kind of stuff.

24 years ago tonight, I kissed this sweet, geeky, long-haired friend of mine at a New Years Eve party. He was my drinking buddy back then and my go-to guy friend on who's shoulder I could cry on about my other boyfriends or hang out and have fun with when I was bored. (I know, sounds kind of mean and selfish, right) It was, in fact, that kiss that changed my life forever. The moment I kissed him, he went from being that "guy friend" to something more. Something, at the time, I had no idea I would appreciate until the years and the stories unfolded. If you know us, then you know that I am not talking smack when I say he is my best friend. He is all those funny love stories rolled up in a cheesy taco. That whole "he completes me" stuff, he is that, too, but for reasons that are different to me. When he vowed to take care of me through sickness and health I don't think he knew exactly what he was getting into. We started our family as a surprise after being told my chances for pregnancy were slim. In fact, we were only married a few months when we found out I was expecting - so much for the first year get to know each other! He jumped into fatherhood with the typical excitement, fear and determination to be a great Dad and he has succeeded far beyond those goals. At one point in our marriage, I asked him if we could take my Grandmother in to live with us (thinking it would be short term). Many other young men (rightfully so) would have said that was too much of a burden, but not this guy. He said yes without hesitation and that short term plan became 3 1/2 years of taking care of her. He is gentle but not to be mistaken as a pushover for he is one of the strongest men I know. He supports each of us in this family with our goals, desires, and crazy ideas. He has never raised his voice to me ONCE! Do you know anyone like that? Believe me, I am not an easy person to live with at times and I have given him more than enough reasons to shake his head and want to run for the hills, however, he continues to love me daily with no conditions.

At this point he is probably smiling because here is the part a lot of people don't know. He is also my editor. Yep, every single blog post that I write, he does a check on to make sure my spelling and punctuation is legit. (Hey Hun feel free to add any thoughts in here because the cats out of the bag now and they know you're my editor.) Editor's note: thanks for the extended shout-out, but just because I'm "editing" doesn't mean I'm not making mistakes too... and for the record, I think you're giving me far too much credit... jus' sayin'!

When I took on this project I had to seriously ask him if he could be there every night to edit and put those cute little frames around all those photos (something I vow to learn in 2012). As you guessed it, he said "of course I will" and "you can do this Hun." Gosh, I could not get mad at this guy if I tried, not to mention that I absolutely never get tired of looking into his eyes (oops, sorry! Got side tracked just thinking about him). He works from home - I can't tell you how many times I get asked "doesn't it drive you crazy with him being home all the time?" They are shocked when I say "I love it!" He is upstairs in his own world and never bothers me with my daily duties, yet on the flip side, if J or I need to talk to him about something urgent he stops whatever he is doing and gives us that time. I'm sure as he is reading this, he is wanting to wish he could delete 90% of this because he is humble like that and truly doesn't believe it's true. He is quiet and observes, he does not put people down, he is sarcastic and fun with his closest friends and family members. He will not be the guy that stands out with the bold obnoxious laugh at a party but he is that guy that loves to have a good time and loves hanging out with friends. He sees our roles as equal, but is always a gentleman. He is respected in his workplace, with his friends, and within our family. He is an accidental writer, a tequila lover, a gardener, and a great listener. Most of all, on those days where I am going completely stir crazy, he can always, always make me laugh! And yes, to end this yucky, sticky sweet stuff, 24 years later we do actually finish each other's thoughts, and I am forever grateful to have a partner in life that I can do that with... I'm jus' sayin'!

30 Days of Gratitude Day 29 - The Grateful Heart Project

2011-12-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

As I come to the end of my 30 days of gratitude posts, I am taking stock in what being a part of this project has meant to me. To be sure, it has made me stop and appreciate some of the little things that I may normally take for granted and for that, tonight I am thankful for not only being a part of this project, but also for two specific people.

First, thank you to Jote of the Bless Her Heart blog. She is the local blogger behind "The Grateful Heart Project". This little adventure seems to have taken off and gotten lots of other local bloggers inspired enough to take part in writing about something they were grateful for everyday for 30 days. I'd recommend visiting her site to see the blogroll of wonderful writers taking part. When I had first heard of the project through the AFBA, I was skeptical, but only because the thought of posting everyday for 30 days during one of the busiest times of the year was borderline insane for me. Then, one of my new and quite lovely food blogger friends talked me into it. So second, thank you to Maggie of the From Maggie's Farm blog for helping me see that this project was doable. In my humble opinion, she is the queen of combining different themes into her daily posts and was a true inspiration. Check out her wonderful blog post and see for yourself how talented she really is.

For the project itself, I first thought I would tackle it by jotting down a list of themes or ideas that I was thankful for. Somehow, that list got shuffled away on my desk and probably eventually ended up in the trash. No worries though, as that was something I am also grateful for. Without that list, I was able (forced?) to think daily about my gratitude and write what came to me in the moment. Being that I generally blog about food, my second concern was "Do I write about food that I am grateful for?" Or, "How will I be able to incorporate food into the things I am grateful for?" How about photos? I have never posted without including photos. Clearly, I was making this far more difficult than I think Jote had originally intended. I realize I do that more often than not, making things harder on myself instead of just breathing more, being a little more flexible, and taking a more relaxed approach. So that's what I started doing - breathing more and letting the things that I was thankful for just happen. Looking back now, I know that I learned some valuable lessons with this project. Yes, It is possible to post everyday. Yes, it is OK not to expect your readers to read every post. It's just as important for me to write what I feel and get it out there without worrying if anyone is actually reading it. Yes, it's ok to not write about food all the time. And most importantly, how cool was it that I, along with a handful of others, were taking time out everyday to really think about what we are thankful for... I'm jus' sayin'!

30 Days Of Gratitude Day 28 - Mom's Help

2011-12-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

I know I've already used a "ghost writer" on Day 22 but tonight, can I just be honest? I am so very exhausted and, frankly, the only thing I can be grateful for at this very minute would be my fluffy pillow.

At dinner tonight I was talking to my Mom and telling her how tired I was when I thought to myself "Why not ask her to write a post?" She is one of my biggest fans and she actually has poetry that has been published. This would make the "30 Days" project a three-generation thing since I had my daughter write last week and now my Mom tonight. I am honored to have her write (and happy that she is bailing me out so that I don't miss a day). So without further adieu, I would like to introduce my mom, Marlene... Enjoy! Who knows, maybe she might like this and I can give her a future gig doing a "Mondays with Marlene" column... I'm jus' sayin'!

Grateful for The Elderly & Music

As I am getting older myself, I have found how important it is for the elderly to enjoy good piano music and singing! I am in several retirement homes every week and others once a month. To see the joy on their faces as we start to sing or play is such a blessing to me! I have about two dozen singers at the Heritage in Austin with many disabilities from arthritis to dementia, and yet they know all the words to the familiar songs. One lady doesn't even know what page we are on, but if it's a song she knows her eyes light up and a certain radiance comes from her being! I'm convinced music keeps us young! We did caroling in the hallways last week and everyone said it was so much FUN! Of course, we had to rumble along slowly to allow for their walkers. But once in place they sang with gusto! People came out or their apartments and either joined in or clapped lustily when we were through. We give a concert about every 6 weeks and will be working on Love Songs next. We'll have to include "You Make Me Feel So Young!" More and more people are moving into this age group, and I am so grateful God has me able to entertain and work with them!

Marlene

30 Days of Gratitude Day 27 - Catching Up

2011-12-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

I bet you thought I was referring to catching up with housework, yard work, that pile of laundry, or re-organizing the Christmas decorations, right? Although those are all wonderful things to catch up on (insert sarcasm here) that's not what I'm grateful for tonight. Rather, I am grateful for the chance to catch up with a friend I have not seen in awhile. A sweet friend of mine came over this morning. This is a friend that I used to see a lot of, especially when she lived with us for a short time, but with her busy job and our sometimes chaotic schedules we don't get to hang out as often.

Today she spent the whole day here at the house. You might think we would take the opportunity and go to lunch, go shopping, or even get manicures but no, we did something even better. We sat around doing nothing but catch up on each other's lives. We enjoyed leftover Christmas prime rib made into sandwiches for lunch, Manhattan cocktails in the afternoon, and delicious BBQ for dinner. We laughed at life and enjoyed watching a great documentary. I am so very grateful that our schedules allowed us this day because catching up with good friends beats catching up on the laundry anyday... I'm jus' sayin'!

"Yes’m, old friends is always best, ‘less you can catch a new one that’s fit to make an old one out of."
~ Sarah Orne Jewett

"To keep a new friend, never break with the old."
~ Russian Proverb

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend — or a meaningful day."
~ Dalai Lama

Manhattan

2 oz Bourbon (I used Knob Creek)
1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes of aromatic bitters

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 2-3 ice cubes. Stir gently with a cocktail spoon. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry. (We also included a blood orange twist)

30 Days of Gratitude Day 26 - Useful Gifts

2011-12-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

It's just amazing what a little light can do. My wonderful husband has been a huge supporter in all the crazy things I've tried over the years. Whether jumping out of an airplane, glass blowing, or starting a hundred craft ideas only to keep finding out that crafting is really not my specialty. Every time I come to him with a new idea or desire he listens to me and asks me questions and then next thing I know he is figuring out a way to get me started.

One thing I do love and have always tried to learn more about is food. Whether it's cooking, prepping, catering or teaching, I love all aspects of it. A few years ago after working on a television set, I told my husband that I thought I wanted to try taking my food styling skills to a higher level. That meant getting a new DLSR camera and I fully expected him to say "Hun, we just can't afford that right now." Luckily for me, this conversation took place right before receiving our tax refund as well as his annual company bonus. He must have felt I was worth investing some money in a good camera because we bought one not long after. Since then, I have taken more photos than I had in my entire lifetime, trying to learn what works and what doesn't while trying to get the picture I wanted. Without any photography classes - something I still need to invest in - I have fumbled my way through and gotten a couple great shots along the way. More importantly, I feel confident that my photos are getting better and not worse.

One thing that I have started to get tired of is having to wait to take my photos during the day because taking them outside is the only way I can really ensure good lighting. This is where my gratitude comes in. As part of being a huge supporter of my ambitions and ALWAYS pushing me to do better, my husband also tries to get me the tools needed to do the job right. For Christmas this last week, he got me a soft-box lighting kit and some lens filters. Now I can start working on my shots indoors while waiting to take that photography class. And if it's dark and rainy outside or super late at night, well, now I don't have to worry about waiting for that morning light... i'm jus' sayin'!

And if you don't believe me, the photos below are ones I just took and while I still have a lot to learn, I can already see the difference. The photos on the top are without the soft-box and filters and the ones on the bottom are with them...

"Photograph: a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art."
~ Ambrose Bierce

"You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it."
~ Author Unknown

"The camera can photograph thought."
~ Dirk Bogarde

30 Days of Gratitude Day 25 - Leftovers

2011-12-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I am blessed to have not only a fridge full of leftovers but also a ton of cookies, candy, and assorted breads from neighbors that should last me well beyond the New Year. I'm estimating that I won't have to go to the grocer once this week and that's including produce. I know some folks are not big on leftovers but I have a different approach. I really enjoy remaking them into new dishes. I just look at those leftovers and pretend they are in a picnic basket on "Chopped" and start pulling things together. This is a trick I use because my husband was never a big fan of leftovers, so I'm always up for a challenge and making them into a different dish is fun. This week is a "catch-up" and relaxing week before school and work start up in the New Year. So having a fridge full of leftovers will be a welcome addition to menu planning and a blessing to our food bill... I'm jus' sayin'!

"Leftovers in their less visible form are called memories. Stored in the refrigerator of the mind and the cupboard of the heart."
~ Thomas Fuller

"The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found."
~ Calvin Trillin

"My favorite time of day is to get up and eat leftovers from dinner, especially spicy food."
~ David Byrne

Here's my list of some leftovers...

Prime Rib
Potatoes au gratin
Yorkshire Puddings
Apple Salad
Brussel Sprouts
Apple Sauce
Gingerbread
Creme Brulee
Shrimp Scampi
Leeks
Potatoes
Paté
Mushrooms
Tangerines

Here are some of the dishes I'm making using the above...

Mini Wellingtons using prime rib, mushrooms, paté and some puff-pastry from the freezer.
Mini-gingerbread trifles using the ginger loaf and creme brulee with some candied tangerines.
Spicy shrimp chowder for lunch using potatoes, leeks and shrimp.
Granola parfaits for breakfast, layering apple salad and granola in mason jars.
Apple french toast bake using cut up Yorkshire puddings, eggs, vanilla sugar and applesauce, baked in a casserole.

Take the left-over challenge in your fridge and see what you can come up with and let me know.

30 Days of Gratitude Day 24- Being Full!

2011-12-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

I'm going to make this as quick as possible because that phrase "Put a fork in me, I'm done," is pretty much where I'm at right now. Yes, I'm tired but my fatigue comes with gratitude. My stomach is full and I am so incredibly thankful for all the food that I was able to cook for my family today when so many go without. My legs are tired from standing all day in the kitchen but so very thankful that I have a kitchen and that I have food to cook for my family. I am physically tired from getting to bed late and then getting up early for family events, yet I am so very thankful for my family and being able to share these times with them. Yes my plate is full. Full of blessings. Full of Hope. Full of Love. Full of food. And most of all, full of gratitude... I'm jus' sayin'!

Say good night GirlGoneGrits! (Good Night GirlGoneGrits!)

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
~ William Arthur

"When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears.”
~ Anthony Robbins

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
~ Author Unknown

30 Days of Gratitude Day 23 - Silent Nights

2011-12-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

Silent nights don't come every night, so when we have them we relish them. I remember the first time I recognized a "silent night" - our first born slept through the night for the first time and it was such a blessing. Now I am feeling the emptiness of our first silent Christmas Eve without him here. It's bittersweet but certainly something to be grateful for as he begins to make his own way in the world.

So many silent things to be grateful for this year that my list would run on forever if I let it. When we were little my Mom would tell us the story of the birth of baby Jesus and then she would play Silent Night on the piano. I would pretend that the angels created that song when our Savior was born. Now amongst all of the commercialism of the holidays it's hard to find silence. Always the optimist, I believe it's out there - you just have to look a little harder these days to find it. It might be the silent smile you see in a child's eyes when they see a tree light up for the first time. Maybe the grateful silent sigh from the homeless man you just gave a hot cup of coffee and a couple dollars to. Perhaps it's the silent thank you on that person's face that you just let go ahead of you at the stop light. These are all kind-hearted gestures that cause us to pause and silently reflect upon.

Tonight at 11:00 o'clock, I will go with my family to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at church where I will again be reminded of that Savior when we sing Silent Night and that hush comes across the congregation when we blow out the candles. I'll come home with my family and before the last light is turned off, I will relish with my husband the silence of this night. I will lean in to kiss him goodnight and I will say a prayer of gratitude for all the silent blessings that the Savior has given us this year... I'm jus' sayin'!

"Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

~ Joseph Mohr

30 Days of Gratitude Day 22 - Ghost Writers

2011-12-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we get really hurried and forget our commitments. Today was one of those days. I was so busy running errands and getting last minute things together that I totally forgot about my blog. We had a wonderful dinner with our neighbors next door and then when we came home I realized that I had forgotten my blog. I was kind of tired but did not want to break my commitment to carry on my posts for the 30 Days of Gratitude. That's when my lovely daughter piped up and said "How about letting me write it tonight?" How could I refuse an offer like that? So tonight I am grateful for my ghost writer, my sweet girl.

I am grateful for my wonderful neighbors. I love when families can come together and have a nice dinner and talk. I also love when the family is so nice and have awesome children. The greatest time is when the parents can have a conversation and the children can just play and play and play. Something really cool about my neighbors house is the secret passage in their coat closet that leads to a fun club room and the parents let them write and paint on all those walls. Today, when I went over for dinner, I was given the chance to name that area, which I called "Sala" (which is a combination of the two girls names) . I also enjoyed having a delicious dinner, even though my father antagonized me on how I should have the steak instead of the vegetarian dishes. After dinner the neighbor came over to our house for a bit. We talked some more and he told me how I was a huge impact in their children's lives and what a great family we have. It makes me grateful that other's see what I already know about my family I am jus' sayin'!

"In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.”
~ Eva Burrows

“The best inheritance a parent can give to his children is a few minutes of their time each day.”
~ M. Grundler

“Of course if you like your kids, if you love them from the moment they begin, you yourself begin all over again, in them, with them, and so there is something more to the world again.”
~ William Saroyan

30 Days of Gratitude Day 21 - Helping Hands

2011-12-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes all we need is a helping hand. Today I experienced a lot of helping hands. The first thing this morning my daughter got up and started helping me with the house-cleaning. She dusted, vacuumed and mopped the floors for me. This was such a huge help and it gave me a moment to work on the baking for the day. She also went grocery shopping with me. When we were finished and I was leaving the parking lot, traffic was heavy enough that I had to wait for what seemed like forever for someone to let me in. That friendly wave from a stranger telling me to go in front of them was such a welcome relief. When we went to pick up lunch someone gave up there spot in line to open the door for us. Because I had so much help today I noticed I was able to really slow down and not feel so rushed with my "to do" list. I had time to watch a movie with my daughter, took time to watch her create a gingerbread house and dinner was not rushed. It's amazing how much you can get done when you're in the right frame of mind. Being grateful for helping hands seems to be something I tend to take for granted. I got so much done for others today because of those helping hands early on. When I was thinking about what to write tonight I realized It was earlier than usual for me to be sitting down behind the computer. Seems like all those helping hands today really gave me time to use my hands and type this up early... I'm jus' sayin'!

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”
~ Flora Edwards

"The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.”
~ Swedish Proverb

“Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.”
~Jesse Jackson

30 Days of Gratitude Day 20 - Friends with Lemons

2011-12-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Every year at Christmas we start preparing for the making of our annual batch of Limoncello. Unfortunately, our beloved Meyer lemon tree that usually provides us with more than enough lemons did not fair well from a couple of winter freezes this year. That cold snap kept our tree from producing a crop this year but I have no doubt it will be stock full of blossoms again next spring. For now, though, we have to think outside of the box. One year, we had a limited crop and my lovely brother shipped us some of his Meyers from his tree in California. We were not exactly sure how we were going to do it this year. The price of these precious lemons can be ridiculous at local stores - especially when we are used to picking them from our own tree. This is where my gratitude comes in. Earlier today I noticed my friend Kate the very talented author behind "The Hip Girls Guide To Homemaking" post on facebook that she was excited to have gotten her Meyer lemons from her local farm. Curious, I asked her where the farm was. Not only did she tell me, but she offered me some of her beautiful organic stash. So tonight we drove over (with J singing carols and observing all the lovely lights along the way) to her lovely little casa. With a ton of thanks and gratitude to Kate, we will be making our limoncello this year and bottling it for our annual SXSW party. Funny how thinking outside of the box led us to a friend's box... I'm jus' sayin'!

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A friend in need is a friend indeed."
~ Latin Proverb

"I get by with a little help from my friends."
~ John Lennon

30 Days of Gratitude Day 19 - Dates

2011-12-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

On any given night out, my husband and I normally love having our darling little teenage daughter tag along with us. She is fun to hang out with and the plus side is that she loves our friends and they love her so it's never a burden on either end. However, once in a while, we get the opportunity to just be adults and go out alone. We get to go have adult conversations and even see movies that don't include talking animals or vampires (not that I don't have Team Jacob spirit!). Tonight was one of those nights. J is off with her friends and Grandma and we get the night to ourselves. I am thankful for these moments to catch up with the one I love without having to use a filter. Dates have always been important to us and I am thankful that we have collectively agreed on this for over 22 years. We, or should I say I, don't have the stamina to stay out as late as I used to and curling up by the fire to watch a movie has almost the same appeal on a "date night" as a night out on the town. So tonight I have gratitude for Grandma (hanging out with J) as well as for that handsome guy who still wants to hang out with me... I'm jus' sayin'!

"Always do something that requires you and your date to talk."
~ Steven Hill

"I would say that the surest measure of a man's or a woman's maturity is the harmony, style, joy, and dignity he creates in his marriage, and the pleasure and inspiration he provides for his spouse."
~ Benjamin McLane Spock

"When a wife has a good husband it is easily seen in her face."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

30 Days of Gratitude Day 18 - Food Swaps

2011-12-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

I know I have mentioned this before but one of the coolest food events that I attend roughly once a month is the ATXSwappers food swap. I've met some really good friends through this group and always, always come home with a basket of unique and delicious homemade goods. It's because of this that I jumped at the opportunity this past November to be a part of a super-cool food blogger swap set up by Jodi Bart of Tasty Touring, a friend and fellow Austin-based food blogger. She asked members of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance if they were interested in swapping with local Boston food bloggers. She then set those of us that were interested up with a swap partner in Boston. I could not have been set up with a cooler, hipper blogger. Pam from Cave Cibum has good taste and this is how I know – she is a regular shopper at Trader Joe's, something I used to do weekly in California ten-plus years ago and now only get occasionally when my husband goes on business trips. She loves to read and in fact, she actually has three blogs and works in a book store. You can check out her reading blog here. It's funny, between the two of us and only exchanging a couple of e-mails, we somehow basically put the same types of items in our swap boxes. She sent local honey, I sent local honey. She sent local chocolate, I sent local chocolate. She sent a copy of Edible Boston and I sent a copy of Edible Austin. I swear, neither of us knew what we were putting in each other's package. I think this is just how food lovers think. We only need to know preferences and allergies and we can pretty much take off with the task from there. So tonight, as I am continuing to munch on some of the local Boston goodies from Pam, I am grateful for the opportunity to trade food and to meet new friends. Or maybe I should instead simply say I'm grateful for a food blogger's version of a pen pal, the food pal... I'm jus' sayin'!

30 Days of Gratitude Day 17 - Lazy Sunday's

2011-12-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

Not a whole lot to say about this one. You just can't beat coming home from a beautiful church service of Christmas lessons and carols, a little light clean-up around the house to be ready and organized for the upcoming week, something delicious simmering on the stove, and finally a fire to keep us warm on a chilly Sunday in December. The relaxed look on my precious family's faces as we curl up together to watch a movie or take a lazy afternoon nap. Yep, I can't be any more thankful then this. I feel like the richest lady in town... I'm jus' sayin'!

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”
~ Etty Hilsum

"One can enjoy a wood fire worthily only when he warms his thoughts by it as well as his hands and feet."
~ Odell Shepherd

"After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.”
~ Oscar Wilde

"Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter."
~ Brad Henry

30 days of Gratitude Day 16 - Christmas Cards

2011-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

I know it seems like many of the things that I am grateful for are related to the holidays. Well, it's true and I just can't help it! Tonight I am going through my mail and reading about friends and family near and far. I look forward to these annual letters and cards because it's the one time of the year when I get the chance to catch up on family business, if you will. I find out about new births, graduations, passing of loved ones and pets. I get to hear how one has made the "team" or that our youngest has just left for college. Some letters are bittersweet while others filled with joy. But all of them bring me a smile because it's the one constant I get every year. I remember when I was younger, my Mom would get so many of these Christmas letters and cards and I would think "Why does she get so excited over these long, drawn out letters, I mean do we really care that their kids got straight "A's" or that so and so started a new job?". As I got older – and especially since I moved to Texas – I can't tell you how much I look forward to those pictures and that information just as my Mom used to. Being able to sit down with a cup of tea and read about those report cards and announcements of new jobs makes me feel just a little bit closer, even if it is only once a year... I'm jus' sayin'!

Here is a link that will give you some great tips on writing that letter in case you might just want to give it a try.

30 Days of Gratitude Day 15 - Ornaments

2011-12-15T05:01:00.000-08:00

I just finished putting the last ornament up on our family's formal Christmas tree. Yes, I said "formal" Christmas tree because I also have a funky Austin tree in my kitchen and each person in my house has their own personal table top tree. (No, I'm not Martha and it's really not as elaborate as it may sound.) As I was taking out each ornament it occurred to me that I have so many memories wrapped up in this tree. I'm so thankful that I can look at each one and be reminded of a special moment in our lives.

I am reminded of my honeymoon with the sweet little Canadian Mountie ornament and so thankful for the years we have had together...

Or our beginning years, when we did not have money for fancy ornaments, I took photos and hung them (we still have them)...

The year my sweet little girl gave up her pacifer to the angels - it hangs every year to remind her that she is secure in herself without material items...

I have my sons first walking shoes hanging on a limb - it makes me thankful just knowing he is healthy, as well as a great reminder we sometimes need to take baby steps to succeed!

I have precious hand painted ornaments from friends given over the years, as I hang them I am reminded of their love...

I have ornaments from other countries that remind me of special visitors we have had...

I have those sweet little handcrafted ornaments that the kids made over the years in school - a reminder of how thankful I am for their education...

I have special ornaments from students that make me thankful for having those years of teaching.

I have an old pipe ornament that is an exact replica of the one my Daddy smoked - I'm so thankful that I can remember that cherry cavendash scent of tobacco...

Each ornament, whether made with popsicle sticks or hand blown glass, carry a price higher than gold for they are heavily ladened with love and memories which to me is the very heart of Christmas... I'm jus' sayin'!

"The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.”
~ Aristotle

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”
~ Roy L. Smith

30 Days of Gratitude Day 14 - Good News!

2011-12-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today I got some good news! I actually jumped for joy! I think we get good news everyday – it's just some days we don't always perceive it as "Good". I remember not long ago when a close friend told me that she had been diagnosed with cancer. I remember how sad I felt when I first heard the news. But It was not the sadness that I remember so much as the spirit and tone she had. I remember her saying she was going to "kick this cancer's butt" and remain positive, even on the worst days of treatment. I was so taken by that. Her faithfulness paid off and she remained true to her vow. It didn't matter how sore her throat was, how isolated she had to be from her loved ones, or how nasty her stomach felt, she persevered and gave it all up to God. So today, she got the call from the doctor with the news that they had indeed "kicked its butt" and it was gone! Tears of joy cannot come close to showing how happy I am over this news. On that same note, I know that there are many others suffering from cancer and other illnesses right now. I don't know what God's plan for them is. I have several on my immediate prayer list now that I pray daily for and hope that comfort will come to them soon with good news. It's sometimes hard hearing news, whether it be good or not so good. I struggle just like the rest of the human race to come up with words that make sense of it all. Being able to say the right thing at the right moment is hard. Sometimes it's not even words. Sometimes it's just a friendly ear to listen and a warm hug, a hot meal, or simply a smile that says I'm here waiting to hear that good news right along side of you. I am grateful today that I am surrounded by such amazing people that I can share in whatever news they have and I can shout for joy or cry along side of them. Most importantly, however, I can be there when they share the news... I'm jus' sayin'!

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"
~ Anne Frank

"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell."
~ Lance Armstrong

"Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway."
~ Emory Austin

30 Days Of Gratitude Day 12 - Prayer!

2011-12-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember, prayer has been a part of my daily routine. It's the first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do before I close my eyes at night. This is how I was raised. My Mother taught us at a very young age to just talk to God and in doing so, remember that it doesn't have to be complicated because it should be like talking to a good friend that you trust.

I've never been one to preach and nothing scares me more than someone that relentlessly tries to convert you. Like I said in yesterday's post – if you show your light, others will follow. However, with that said, I can honestly say for myself that I am sincerely grateful for being taught so young how to give all of my worries and concerns to a higher source. I take prayer very seriously and when a friend reaches out and asks me to pray for them, I do! I don't just casually say "Your in my prayers". No, with me, it's the real deal. Being able to cast my cares and concerns up to a higher power has proven every time to lighten my load.

The next time someone comes to you with a heavy heart or your having one of those less than stellar days where one more thing will send you over the deep end, take a moment, close your eyes and have a quiet chat with the One who brings you inner peace. You never know - you might just find more to be thankful for in your surrounding circumstances than you realized - I'm jus' sayin'!

"A simple grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer."
~ Doris Lessing

"Action is the normal completion of the act of will which begins as prayer. That action is not always external, but it is always some kind of effective energy."
~ Dean Inge

"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."
~ Corrie Ten Boom

30 Days of Gratitude Day 13 - Music

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Being the daughter of a classical pianist, I'm often asked if I play too. I wish! Unfortunately, the music gene stopped with me. It's not that I didn't try – I took piano lessons but for whatever reason it just would not stick (the notes that is). I grew up in a family of artists and musicians you would have thought I'd have gotten some of that, or at least learned something along the way. Alas, I seemed quite content being the page turner for my Mom when she needed it. Music was all around us and not just classical. I could recite show tunes and love ballads and country music and even some rock n roll. No genre of music was off limits in our house. I have to say that even with all that music we would listen to on the record player, nothing beats hearing it live and I cannot tell you how much appreciation I have for the musician who can pick up an instrument and just play effortlessly. I have respected musicians my whole life. No surprise that I even married one. What musicians give when they play is a pure gift.

One of the most wonderful treats growing up was that most nights my Mom would play the piano as we were going to bed so I actually had my own personal music box to send me into dream land. Tonight I find myself truly thankful as I watch my daughter play violin for her 3rd year now at her school's winter concert. I am thankful for her teacher and for the time and love that she has given her these past 3 years. I am thankful for the Christmas Carols they play that give me goosebumps and that warm feeling of the season. I am also thankful for my Mom for raising me to appreciate all of life's music. Tonight, as I sit back and listen to the music, it makes me realize that even if I can't play a keyboard, violin, guitar or drums, all I have to do is stop and listen to the music that is all around us. I'm jus' sayin'!

"Everywhere in the world, music enhances a hall, with one exception: Carnegie Hall enhances the music."
~ Isaac Stern

"He has Van Gogh's ear for music."
~ Billy Wilder

"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music."
~ Billy Joel

30 Days of Gratitude Day 11 - Lights!

2011-12-12T15:48:00.000-08:00

Lights, lights, lights! They are all around us this time of year. The lights on houses and buildings. That light in the eyes of children when they see Santa. That very important light that was shinning in the sky one cold evening a long time ago that led three wise men to the King of kings. That light that shines in the window for the loved one that is serving overseas. That light that burns in your heart for that very special someone. The beacon in a lighthouse that lets sailors know they are almost home. Yes, tonight I am grateful for all of these lights and more! One of my favorite traditions is the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. We are all handed a candle when we enter the church and at the end of the service, when we all sing "Silent Night", we turn to the person next to us and light our candle off of theirs. It's so spiritual and stunning to see hundreds of candles illuminating God's house.

"Don't try and put out the darkness; Just turn on your light." This quote is written on an index card right under my calendar and was given to me by my Mother, who has reminded me for years to "be the light". What a wonderful thing to be grateful for because when you think about it - it does not cost you anything and it draws others too you. Sounds like a bright idea to me, I'm jus' sayin'!

"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change."
~ Earl Nightingale

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2

"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it."
~ Margaret Fuller