Supper Smiths

the 1st of February

2013-02-01T18:27:00.001-06:00

Today marks the 8 year anniversary of my first date with SmithCale at our beloved alma mater, ACU.

SmithE is six months today, she was getting her sweat on with us <sans sweat>

and it's been one year since Lolo's passing.

While it saddens me that SmithE will never know Lolo, I'm happy to have known her and am better for it.

Upon revisiting this picture, I realize her message lives on.

Family.

Food for Life,

BSmith, forging one day at a time

It's OK to be OK

2013-01-25T14:36:00.001-06:00

Since SmithE goes to bed around 6 p.m. ,bless her, it practically makes eating out dinner an impracticality. She's saving us so much money, which also proves she is ours.

Sometimes dinner is just OK.

Even though you made your own apple chutney and added curry flavors to your beef, which SmithCale and I discussed might be a spiritual dilemma for most Indian peoples.

Times where creativity isn't a disaster, but isn't the stellar winner you'd hope it would be.

The flavors are muted. Not harmonious.

Just OK.

Then there are times when you don't notice your failings until the bitter end.

Like adding the preferably non-edible end of a green onion in a bowl of stir-fry.

It'll pass.

Cooking is like anything you do. There are good days, great days and just OK.

Even the OK days are a gift and the great days to be treasured.

Food for Life,

BSmith, forging one meal at a time

Pork Sandwich Pizza

2013-01-23T11:32:00.000-06:00

Personal Note: Remember when we made Tamales? We had leftover shredded pork that I had frozen in two-person portions. Remember also when I used to make my own pizza crust? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Well, I still do from time to time, but I am known to stock up on these, also a fan of their pitas and Naan bread, when they go on sale and shove them in my freezer for dinner in a pinch.

Plan of Attack:
1. Heat oven
2. Decorate pizza
3. Bake

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp yellow mustard
6 oz pulled pork
¼ C red onion, chopped
1-2 oz. Shredded cheese of choice
4-5 dill pickle slices, chopped
Scooping ketchup

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Spread mustard onto crust and top with cheese, pork, onions, pickles and dollops of scooping ketchup.

3. Bake 10-14 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is desired crispness.

4. Enjoy!

Food for Dinner,

BSmith, forging one meal at a time

Mobile Entertainment

2013-01-18T14:59:00.000-06:00

Since I cancelled my XM subscription last August after being endlessly hassled by the customer "service" rep., my car entertainment didn't matter because I had a baby.

But when I went back to work in October, and my county-of-work was 90 miles away, entertainment was necessary.

DID YOU KNOW PODCASTS ARE FREE, sometimes it takes me a while. These hardworking people spend their spare time entertaining us, for FREE. I wanted to share the podcasts I am currently enjoying:

The Manic Mommies

source

I listened to almost all 300+ episodes and have literally LOL'ed, which is sometimes hard to explain especially when it's about loose dog stools after having swallowed 1/2 a nerf football, carpet staples and decorative berries.

They led me to my next obsession:

Naptime Radio

source

with Heather & Kate. Hilarious. Warning: Do not listen if you take yourself/motherhood/parenting seriously.

Finally for the foodies

source

Lynne Rossetto Kasper has the best voice ever. She describes food in such a way that would make the pickiest eater pine for orange glazed slow roasted pork loin with braised Brussels sprouts and double pear tart with caramel drizzle for dessert. Get ready stretchy pants.

Food for Entertainment/Education/Different POV,

BSmith, forging one day at a time

My Height Limit

2013-01-16T10:51:00.002-06:00

I realized a little too late, that I had reached my height limit for my heels.

For those who know me, know I enjoy a good pair of heels. At church certain people remember me for my shoes. I guess I could be known for worse things.

Last Saturday my cousin got married in Tyler. So, of course, I wore heels. The wrong ones.

How high are they? Embarrassingly. They are my standing/sitting pair, not my walking pair. They look deceptively walkable in the picture, they aren't. Mistake #1.

I would have been just fine if I could have just slowly walked into the church, the reception hall and back to my car. Too bad the reception hall was across the street up a hill. Mistake #2.

Luckily my Nanny is 87 and she and I needed a ride up the hill. But then I left before she did and I was too proud to take off my shoes to walk down the hill. Mistake #3.

I DID NOT FALL small victory, but I took a very slow walk of shame like a newbie in heels across broken cement and across the street. By the end my right ankle had decided I was too old to be doing this and began to start bowing and giving out.

So my new rule is that if I can't carry SmithE and walk at the same time confidently I won't wear them. Don't worry that's still pretty high, and only in Gianni Bini brand and MIGHT look like these

Someone is about to find the deal of the year at Goodwill.

Food for Safety,
BSmith, forging one day at a time

New Year's Resolutions

2012-12-31T10:15:00.001-06:00

Every previous year it's been my tradition to never have any New Year's Resolutions. Maybe because I didn't have a baby, but instead all the free time in the world.

So I'm starting a new to me tradition of having resolutions for 2013.

First:

To start our training back up in February and be ready to run another half marathon in May. SmithCale is already carbo-loading for it. (I'll also accept suggestions for which one! Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please!) Then I'd like a new road bike for my birthday to start the journey towards a triathlon, because SmithCale broke my current bike with stray trash <-sadly, another true story

Second:

Since SmithE routinely goes to bed at 6 p.m., God bless her, I'd like to not only begin a work-out DVD, but routinely FINISH a work-out DVD including stretching instead of stopping at 30-35 minutes. (Since Christmas I'm already doing better on this! I stopped my plyocide DVD with only 4 minutes left! Baby steps)

Third:

Spend quality time with SmithE every time she's awake, because everyone says they grow up too fast. I'd rather bounce her on the bed and listen to her ridiculously cute giggle, seriously heart melting, than mop my floors anyway.

The list seems a little selfish, but that's what resolutions are for right, RIGHT? And I know better than to ask God for things like patience or any other potential cringe-worthy character building. Newborn was enough for one year, thank you.

Fourth:

To actual utilize a babysitter. Many have offered but none have been accepted. It's time to go see a movie or eat at a restaurant again.

Fifth:

Get more involved with any ladies events and not let SmithCale guilt me into being lazy, sooo hard to resist.

Any resolutions for your 2013?

Food for a New Year,

BSmith, Forging one day at a time

Christmas 2012

2012-12-29T13:14:00.001-06:00

Christmas for our branch has always included multiple stops around Texas which is a very large state.
I worried and worried about how SmithE would handle the strange beds, strange people and other schedule interruptions. But, I knew we would have to trudge forward because for us Christmas means time with family and she'd have to get used to it or get over it!

The initial trip to Corpus Christi, fabulous. She only got upset when we stopped.
Then FriDAY went pretty well, until Friday night. SmithE decided to show us her displeasure by teething (i.e.screaming)

Right before the storm

But then Saturday went much better! She smiled, let everyone hold her and even managed to squeal in delight a few times. She got upstaged in energy by her cousin, Linus (born July 13th), lemme tell you that boy loves to jump.

Eleanor with Grandma O'Bryant favorite picture

Christmas 2: Garwood, TX

On Sunday morning we got up and met SmithCale's family at church, and yes, Clayton, we were late. Someone had to poop her pants TWICE.

Later that day, the men did what they did best look at animals and tell dirty jokes (<Sean)

On Christmas Eve, the ladies started our new tradition of making the annual Christmas ornament. This year we made Owls in honor of Eleanor's nursery and because they were SO CUTE.

CHRISTMAS OWLS! Mine is the grey one (from left) with the shiftiest eyes, he's very un-trusting, we're working through it.

Then because SmithE refuses to go to bed much beyond 6 p.m., she got to open her first traditional Christmas Eve gift early. It's always pajamas, SmithCale. Always.

Then SmithCale stole an Amazon gift card from his mother, TWICE, in the White Elephant exchange.
He looks devastated.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Christmas 3: Rochelle, TX

After opening our Christmas presents in Garwood, we packed up, again, and headed to our next to final destination, M & Poppa's.

White Elephant exchange #2, where SmithCale stole more Amazon cards.

I think SmithE was just about Christmased out lounging on Cousin Amy.

All in all, the Smiths had another fantastic Christmas. She never cried once while traveling and napped/slept in every strange bed we put her in thank you sleep training. I'm getting emotional just looking at these pictures knowing next year she'll be bigger, but that's how it goes. Thanks again, SmithCale, for the amazing pictorial memories!

Food for Christmas Memories,

BSmith, forging on day at a time.

Geordi La Forge

2012-12-14T12:43:00.001-06:00

I think all that Star Trek: The Next Generation watching my parents did when I was a kid is now expressing itself in the strangest way.

We have a small mirror that attaches to the headrest in front of SmithE's car seat so that we can see what she's doing back there. Usually staring, she's so rude :)

Whenever we go "out", it is normal for us to put a headband on her. So that less old men will call her a boy.

Every once in a while she grabs in and pull the headband over her eyes, thus creating the Geordi La Forge effect. AKA Geordi La Forgin'

TWINS!

The reference came up again when SmithCale created our Christmas card. I thought his rendition of my glasses made me look a little Geordi-esque. He disagreed, so I lost the redesign argument.

Food for Klingons,

BSmith, forging one day at a time

Eighty Seven

2012-12-10T16:06:00.000-06:00

Norma Ruth Ray Thompson was born December 8, 1925 along with her twin, Buddy. Sadly Buddy died several years ago and I never remember meeting him.

On December 8, 2012 we celebrated her 87th year along with her only two surviving brothers, three children, two grandchildren, one pouty grandson-in-law and a happy namesake baby. SmithCale was pouting because 2 weeks after Thanksgiving he FINALLY realized he had forgotten his beloved camera charger at his parents. I had to convince him that using the point-and-shoot camera was fine and you can't NOT take pictures, the woman is EIGHTY SEVEN. (which may or may not have been said in a whisper yell)

No party is complete without a festive touch.

or a skulking 20 something.

Disclaimer: (so I don't get gripe-vibes sent my way) SmithCale was very pleasant while at the party, I just like to pester him. And he expects this treatment.

I gave SmithE a pep-talk before we left, seeing as she's been cranky since her 4-month shots and bottom teeth that are trying to emerge: No screaming while Nanny holds you, it's her birthday! The stars aligned and that prayer vigil worked, she was quite pleasant the whole party. This time.

Food for Longevity,

BSmith, forging one day at a time

tamales

2012-12-10T15:51:00.000-06:00

Tamales

Personal Note: SmithCale has literally been begging for me to make tamales for probably a year. And I’ve ignored him because the idea of it overwhelmed me. Then I had no excuse when Cooking Light not only had a recipe, but pictures on how to make them. After reading over the recipe, I saw ways I could make a few short cuts, so I decided to try it. We bought all the ingredients and I squared away a Saturday to leisurely prep the meat, masa, etc. Then SmithCale and I rolled tamales while SmithE swung in her swing. All in all, it took about an hour for us to roll about 2 dozen tamales! With all seriousness, if you are coming to our area and want to hang out; we can make tamales! Because what else am I going to do with all this extra lard??

Plan of Attack:

1. Prepare filling

2. Prepare Masa

3. Make Tamales

4. Steam

Ingredients for 2 dozen:

Filling:

3lbs Boston Butt (pork shoulder roast)

1 C chopped onion

9 crushed garlic cloves

1 tsp toasted cumin seeds

1 small can chipotle chiles in adobo

1 C chicken stock

1 tsp orange zest

1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ tsp ground coffee

Masa Harina:

2-1/2 C chicken stock

2 ancho chiles

1 C frozen corn kernels

4 C instant Masa Harina

1-1/4 tsp salt

1-1/2 tsp baking powder

½ C chilled lard

Dried corn husks

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees

2. Soak corn husks in water 30 minutes before assembly!

3. Prep filling: heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper and brown on all sides (for about 10 minutes); remove pork from pan.

4. Add onion and garlic to the Dutch oven and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in cumin, chipotle chiles in adobo; sauté for 1 minute (keep head away from pan)

6. Add 1 C stock, orange zest, cocoa powder & coffee; bring to a boil

7. Return pork to pan, cover and bake for 3 hours at 300 degrees. When pork done, shred with forks and return to sauce.

8. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees

9. Prep masa: in a bowl add 2-1/2 C stock, frozen corn kernels, and ancho chiles. Microwave for 2 minutes on high.

10. Remove stems and seeds from ancho chiles, then blend in a blender until smooth; set aside.

11. In a food processor, combine masa harina, salt and baking powder.

12. Add lard and pulse until crumbly

13. Turn on low and slowly pour in corn/chile blended mixture until a dough forms

14. Lay corn husk flat

15. Add 3 tablespoons of masa and mash into a rectangle (4”x3”)

16. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling down the side of the rectangle and roll the corn husks until one side of the rectangle meets with the other.

17. Twist the ends of the corn husks, or tear a corn husk into strips and tie the ends of your rolled tamales

18. When finished rolling, place them in a broiler rack

19. Add 2 C HOT water and place a soaked towel on top of tamales (not your best towel)

20. Place in oven for 25 minutes

21. Rewet towel and add 1 more C of hot water to pan

22. Steam for 20 more minutes

23. Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes

24. Enjoy!

They freeze really well too. Just bundle 5-6 with plastic wrap and cover with heavy duty aluminium foil. To reheat steam for 8-10 minutes.

Food for Authenticity,

BSmith, forging one meal at a time

SmithCale Braves the World with SmithE

2012-12-02T18:58:00.000-06:00

Starting a few weeks ago, SmithCale now doesn't work Fridays. So I suggested he and Eleanor get out of the house. Because she doesn't want to sit around and play video games all day.

SmithCale is convinced his car will spontaneously explode if he ever attempts to drive our daughter around in it. I didn't know why. There are no indicator lights on or obvious problems. So Friday I decided to leave them my beloved car, Ru, and drive his car to work.

I think I see the problem, it's almost 9 years old and isn't as nice as mine. Car envy, SmithCale?

They were supposed to go get Ru inspected. First inspection *sniff sniff*. But the line was too long, so they went to the Asian market instead. To say that SmithCale was excited to share this gem with her: understatement. I'm sure he can't wait to take her there when she's older and let her pick out anything she wants. Because Asian twinkies aren't as bad for you, they're filled with culture.

And, bless them, they brought back some of my favorites! Steam buns filled with red bean paste (that I reheat in a bamboo steamer, naturally), and red bean ice cream. Red beans are better for you because they're beans with lots and lots of sugar.

Less crying + Lots of smiling= SmithE turning 4 months (AKA new favorite age)

Oh, that? That's SmithCale's favorite thing: Sriracha. Which she probably won't like until she's 18.

Food for Culture,
BSmith, forging one day at a time

Next up: Handmade Tamales

Newborn (R)age

2012-11-30T18:48:00.003-06:00

Disclaimer: The following is my personal, sometimes raw experiences of the first three months of my daughter's life, whom I love very much. I bow to the greatness of the millions of mothers who have come before me and have exhibited much more grace than I did even when blessed with a perfectly healthy baby. Any judgments are not welcomed, but all understanding comments are. If you are pregnant or love newborns, read at your own discretion and please remember all children are different.

The entire time I was pregnant, people kept congratulating us. They would tell us how exciting it would be and how much joy would follow.

Some were honest that the newborn stage wasn't their favorite, while others swore how sweet it would be.

Then Eleanor was born, and thus began our journey into the newborn stage.

It really is cruel. You're body is put under tremendous stress being pregnant, then the physicality of labor and to top it off, you'll never sleep for longer than 2-3 hours at a time at night for months if lucky.

And if you're breast feeding, like I was, all feedings are left to you.

I knew breast feeding would be difficult, but her first two weeks were filled with breast feeding angst (a whole post unto itself is needed), her losing weight and exhaustion. But, Eleanor was still sleeping most of the time, and we were able to make all the appointments we needed to.

Then something flipped. She hated naps and nighttime. From 3 weeks until somehaze around 2 months she would cry, fuss and would refuse to be put down from 6-10 p.m. every night.
EVERY NIGHT.
EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.

She would sleep fine during the night, waking to eat and going to sleep most of the time, but that process would still take me about an hour each feeding.

The morning would always start with such promise. First nap would happen, second nap, then usually the snowball would occur in the afternoon. By the time SmithCale would get home from work the fussiness would set in.

I hated the evenings. It seemed like SmithCale always found time to play video games while I would sit in the dark bouncing on the yoga ball with her and cluster feeding her every two hours for an hour just to keep her quiet.

My life was in free-fall. I've never been depressed in my life, but the buckets of tears I cried for weeks after her birth said otherwise. The uncertainty of everyday and my inability to understand newborn-ese would leave me in tears and praying I would just go to sleep in my exhaustion and not wake up.

One night, she wouldn't go back to sleep, luckily SmithCale woke up to help. I remember just opening the blinds in the office and staring out the window, unblinking for who knows how long thinking, "how is this my life?". Then once they had both gone back to bed, I still couldn't sleep, and stared at the ceiling until almost morning.

I mourned the loss of my former life, which I loved very much, before she was born. I was angry that SmithCale was the one who really wanted children, and here I was doing all the hard work seemingly all by myself and feeling like a failure the entire time.

I missed my freedom. I felt foreign in my post partum body. And I couldn't imagine how my life would be a semblance of normal ever again.

Whenever I'd share with other mothers, some would give me an understanding "I've been there" while others would just offer pity and the hope it would calm down soon.

Then by 8-weeks I headed back to work and SmithCale began working from home. That helped my morale more than anything. Getting out of the house alone for hours helped my return to normal.

After a few weeks, it became abundantly clear sleep training was necessary (once again, another post unto itself).

At 3-1/2 months I decided to start weaning, and now that she's almost 4 months (tomorrow!), I can say that my psychological state is so much improved.

To sum up the newborn period, it was trying to say the least. I couldn't understand why nobody was truly honest before she was born about how ridiculous it would be.
Until I realized, even if they would have told me, I wouldn't have believed them.

And that maybe all these other mothers knew something I didn't; It would get better and you will be ok.

Now I know they were right.

So moving forward, I will also congratulate the newly pregnant and newly mothered because it's all part of the journey.

Food for Life Lessons,
BSmith, forging one day at a time

Coming up next time: something foodie and involving cute baby pictures.

Before the Shift

2012-11-27T16:57:00.005-06:00

I don't even feel compelled to link to the last post that's been up for over a year, but last most of you had heard, we finished the 13.1 World Vision Marathon in Dallas.

As momentous an occasion that was, and still is, it does kind of pale in comparison to the life I've lived since then. SPOILER: SmithCale and I are planning to run another 1/2 Spring 2013

Two weeks after, on Veteran's Day weekend 2011, I traveled to Jacksonville, FL to spend the weekend with my BFF, Amanda!

There I marked off another life goal of skydiving, and little did I know, I jumped out of the plane while pregnant. Pretty sure they warned against doing that in the hundreds of papers I signed beforehand.

Then on December 5, 2011 I found out, definitively, I was pregnant.

Then it felt like we waited forever.

We found out "it" was a girl.

I was so blessed to have a wonderful pregnancy. I ran three 5k's and did a lot of things most people wouldn't think a pregnant woman should do. P90X2

Spring Hill 5K, 20 weeks pregnant

Alpine Christian Academy 5K, 24 weeks pregnant

Abilene SPCA 5K , 27 weeks?

Firecracker 1-mile fun run with Hallie Burgess, who I gave a piggy back ride during because she was going too slow <- true story, 35 weeks pregnant

I know I know when I say this (I can already feel the eye-rolling), it's going to sound weird, but I never really "looked" that pregnant. Which really I'm ok with, because I really didn't want they extra attention.

One thing I learned throughout my pregnancy, was that there comes a point that choices have to be made. They just do. About birth plans, breast feeding, epidurals, nursery colors, names, cloth diapers, registries, etc.

Most of which deserve a post unto themselves, so don't worry we can commiserate about each one.

Then this happened.

Eleanor Ruth Smith born August 1, 2012 a 2:04 p.m.

To be continued,

BSmith, forging one day at a time

COMING SOON

2012-11-26T15:34:00.000-06:00

Relaunch of SupperSmiths this week!

Please allow me to dust off journalism skills and upload more pictures, opinions and, of course, food.

I'll be back once SmithCale finally finishes my new design!

Just because it feels wrong to have a blog with no picture, here's a praying mantis that SmithCale photographed.

Food for Sanity,
BSmith, forging one day at a time (famous words for people with babies)

Half-Marathon Photo Recap

2011-11-09T08:16:00.002-06:00

I apologize for the month-long hiatus, I blame the time change (which said excuse only occurred last Sunday), and because I wanted to wait for our pictures to come in.

We finished what we set out to do and finished the half with a time of 2:25!

Here's what mile 10 looked (and felt) like,

then ended with a dramatic sprint to the end.

I just have a two comments:

A. Above ending picture we loved so much it has now replaced our 8x10 wedding photo.

B. If you want to know more about a person, train for anything with them. Nothing helps evoke teamwork like months of training and pain. I thought I loved SmithCale, but now I know without a doubt that he is the most loyal, loving man ever.

I'll just end with two more confessions:

1. I've been listening to Christmas music on Pandora since Nov. 1

2. I'm trying to refrain from putting up our tree.

Food for Life Goals,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

Miles for Mission 10K

2011-10-05T08:12:00.003-05:00

It's all becoming real now. We are officially registered for our 1/2 marathon in less than 3 WEEKS (gulp.)

As luck would have it (haha, yeah I'm sure it was LUCK), our church hosted a 5k/10k run to raise money for missions and it perfectly coincided with our training schedule!

We couldn't have asked for better weather! SmithCale was amped because he finally got to wear his Adidas Star Wars Rebel jacket he got in Montreal (even if it was for 10 minutes)!

I had a feeling it was going to be a great race because I got the number 45!

Yeah for multiples of 5!

We blew our Alley Run 10K times out of the water.

SmithCale finished in about 55 minutes, winning first place in his age group.

I came in at 1:01!

They gave away homemade salsa as prizes for the winners (a gift after my own heart), which I will politely ignore that SmithCale said it was better than mine. I think it's only because that jar will filled with so much pride.

As a side story, he also received a free peach milkshake from Chick-fil-a (in his right hand in the above pic). Since we sadly don't eat out that much, he wanted to stop and pick it up on the way home because if not we'd probably forget about it and never use it.

The window guy joked about how funny it was someone wanted to milkshake at 10 (my thoughts exactly), but I said that he just dominated 6.2 miles. Without missing a beat window man said, "whipped cream and cherry then!"

That truthfully was the about 2nd milkshake in the course of our marriage and was gone by the time we got home (in about 10 minutes), again I think pride made that one taste better.

Food for Training,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

Baby Zoe Shower

2011-10-03T07:49:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've taken a ride on the lazy train, but my house is cleaner, my rest is sort of fully rested and projects have been worked on.

Yesterday it was finally time to shower baby Zoe+Monni+Jim with love and presents!

Jim's coworker, Sarah, made this stunner of a diaper cake!

Hostesses caught being candid

Glowing Monni using her Jedi skills with her right hand.

You are very loved already Zoe Elise!

Stayed tuned to read about SmithCale's 10K age-group win!

Food for Sharing the Love,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

Szechuan Fried Rice

2011-09-20T07:54:00.003-05:00

Chef’s Notes: Knowing that we wanted stir-fry was the easy part. I set up the scene with buying mushrooms (actually two packs of mushrooms. You know when they tell you don’t go to the store hungry cause you’ll buy junk. SmithCale buys almost a pound of mushrooms…) and a bell pepper. Then I took a gamble. Rice on the side? Noodles? Szechuan sauce for sure. What about protein? When in doubt, blob it out (i.e. throw it all in one wok!). SmithCale always sneaks a jalapeno or two into our cart at the store, I think he does it just to challenge me and see where I’ll find a place for them. Because I hate to waste anything!

Plan of Attack:

1. Cook Rice

2. Chop

3. Wok

Ingredients for 2:

½ C jasmine rice

Wok oil

1” fresh ginger, peeled and minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ C snow peas, cut diagonally

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips

1 jalapeno, seeded and julienned

6 oz mixed mushrooms

2 eggs

1/4 C Szechuan sauce

Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Cook rice according to package directions
Heat wok oil in a wok over medium-high heat
Add ginger and garlic, sauté 1 minute
Add snow peas, bell pepper, jalapeno and mushrooms; sauté 5 minutes
Add rice, then crack eggs onto mixture and scramble 1-2 minutes
Mix in Szechuan sauce
Top with cilantro
Enjoy!

Food for Life,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

Furry Greek Tragedy

2011-09-19T08:05:00.003-05:00

Butters had a very traumatic Friday.

She went in to get her teeth cleaned, and heaven help us if we need to do that again.

Fool her once, shame (and guilt) on you.

So, needless to say she got to do whatever she wanted to this weekend. Thankfully that short list included napping and lizard watching.

Here she is showing off her arm buzz-cut.

and just for a little laugh, my fave picture of first time I tortured her when we sprayed for bugs and had to wait outside.

Food for Kitties,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

Umami Soup

2011-09-14T19:06:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been picking up nasal strips and Medjool dates (current SmithCale OBSESSION) from your favorite health food store and see something that will forever change your dinner?

Yeah, me neither.

Until today.

I was in our local Drug Emporium which is the only place for a hippie to get their organic fix surrounded by flax seeds, granola and dried fruit.

Then I saw it. The biggest, most glorious Kale I'd ever seen. At only $1.99 a bunch (and trust me it was a BUNCH), I knew my evening wouldn't be complete without it.

So I came home and essentially cleared most of our veggie drawer into a soup, which I do have to say turned out pretty delicious.

I named it Umami Soup because try as SmithCale might he couldn't think of a single thing to change. Which is weird, because usually he has an opinion on EVERYTHING.

Me with my head-sized Kale

Umami Soup

1. Reduce

2. Simmer

3. Wilt and Serve

Ingredients for 4:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 C grape tomatoes, halved (or 1 whole tomato, chopped)

1 tsp garlic-chili paste

5 C water

2 tsp chicken bouillon

3-4 oz sausage, sliced

1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed

6 oz mixed mushrooms

1 bunch kale, stems removed and cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat
Add tomatoes salt and pepper and reduce for 5 minutes
Add garlic-chili paste and cook for 1 minute
Add water, chicken bouillon, mushrooms, sausage and butternut squash. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until butternut squash is softened
Use a ladle to transfer about 2 cups of mushrooms and butternut squash with broth (try to avoid the sausage) into a blender and pulse until smooth and return to pot.
Add kale into the pot to wilt for about 3-4 minutes until vibrant green.
Enjoy!

Food for Life,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

Sausage Bread Casserole

2011-09-12T07:58:00.003-05:00

Chef’s Notes: SmithCale is the definition of a Momma’s boy. So when he spoke with his mom yesterday and she requested more recipes, he promptly took pictures of dinner. In honor of you, Diane, a savory recipe baked in the ramekins you gave me last Christmas!

Plan of Attack:

1. Toast

2. Brown

3. Combine and Bake

Ingredients for 2:

4-5oz (3-4 slices) bread, cubed

Cooking spray

¼ + 1/8 C shredded cheddar cheese

3 green onions, chopped

¼ + 1/8 milk

1/8 C chicken broth (or water)

4 oz sausage links (we used chicken)

1/4 C fresh parsley (or 1 Tbsp squeezy parsley)

2 large egg yolks

2 large egg whites

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees
Place bread cubes on a baking tray sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 10 minutes; set aside to cool
Heat a skillet to medium-high heat, add sausage and cook until nicely browned and cooked through; cut into chunks; set aside.
While bread is toasting and sausage is cooking, in a large bowl combine ¼ C cheddar, green onions, milk, chicken broth, salt and pepper and egg yolks
In another small bowl whisk the egg whites with a beater for 1 minutes until frothy; set aside
Once bread has cooled slightly (only about a minute or two), add to the green onion mixture along with the sausage
Fold in the egg whites, being careful not to over mix
Divide into 2 ramekins sprayed with cooking spray and top with remaining 1/8 C shredded cheese
Bake for 20 minutes
Enjoy!

Food for Life,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

P.S.- you shouldn't be eating this today because it's Meatless Monday, but I'll forgive you even if you do.

Ode to 9/11

2011-09-11T19:21:00.005-05:00

Just up in glory land we'll live eternally.

the saints on every hand are shouting victory

source

their songs of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore

source

and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

source

Oh Lord, you know, I have no friend like you.

source

If Heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?

the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Food for Remembrance,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

Grilled Veggie Salad (with Couscous)

2011-09-07T07:31:00.003-05:00

Chef’s Notes: I would first like to thank the people who send me recipes to try (and manipulate)! This one was sent by way of Holly Wesson, a mother and member of the most beautiful branch of the Hunt Clan. We missed you at the reunion this year!

Plan of Attack:

1. Couscous

2. Grill

3. Combine

Ingredients for 2:

2/3 C couscous

Cooking spray

1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into large strips

1 zucchini, cut lengthwise

½ yellow onion, sliced into ¼” rings

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

¼ tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

½ C grape tomatoes, halved

1 C cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

¼ C crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

Cook couscous according to package directions
Heat grill pan to medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray
Grill the bell pepper, zucchini and onion in batches until all our nicely charred (about 10-15 minutes)
Once veggies are grilled dice them into forkable pieces and place in a large bowl along with the cooked couscous, olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper, tomatoes, cannellini beans; toss to combine
Divide between two plates and top with feta cheese
Enjoy!

Food for Life,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

My Kind of Fast Food

2011-09-06T08:11:00.002-05:00

Before we even left for Montreal, I had enough foresight to plan out what we'd eat when we got back.

Knowing that we would not want to go to the store on Monday!

Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Potato Salad

1 baggie shredded Crockpot chicken

1/4 C favorite BBQ sauce

1/4 C water

sliced Red onion

Squash Pickles

thawed buns

I Forgot I Wanted Potato Salad

Chef’s Notes: So Labor Day has gotten me all messed up! It’s Tuesday, right? Or aka a Monday dressed up like a Tuesday. I’d like to share what to do with two tiny potatoes sitting in your pantry and you lack the desire to haul yourself to the store. God bless pantry staples!

Plan of Attack:

1. Boil

2. Chill

3. Combine & Chill

Ingredients for 2:

2 small potatoes, cubed

2 Tbsp mayo

1 tsp mustard

1 Tbsp white wine vinegar

¼ C red onion, diced

¼ C bread ‘n’ butter pickles, diced

Parsley (fresh or squeezy)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place a metal bowl in the freezer
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add potatoes and boil for 8-10 minutes. Once potatoes are soft, drain and place them in the bowl from the freeze and put bowl back into the freezer. (this is to expedite cooling)
In a small bowl whisk together, mayo, mustard, vinegar, onion, pickles, parsley, salt and pepper.
Once the potatoes have cooled (about 2-3 minutes), gently stir in mayo mixture
Enjoy!

Au Revoir Montreal

2011-09-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

By Saturday we had enough courage to travel a little farther via the Metro, so we headed north to the Olympic Park and Botanical Gardens.

The 1976 Summer Olympics were held in Montreal. Obviously someone forgot to keep the stadium in repair.

Atop the torch was a little flame, that had fallen over; alas he had lost his spark.

Just 1.5K up the road are the Botanical Gardens

They are separated into sections: China, Japan and First Nations (aka Native Canadians)

Both SmithCale and I agreed that the Chinese gardens were our favorite.

We were drawn in by the colors, characters and charm.

Mark one off for SmithCale's bucket list.

Lotus flower!

These were found in the Japanese section and are known to be popular is most Japanese gardens.

There was also a little bonsai (is there any other kind of bonsai?) section. This tree is 270 years old!

I couldn't get over all the history it had lived through, but SmithCale made an excellent point; Not only had it survived through all those events, but it's far more fascinating to know someone had to continually take care of it!

Quick trip through the child-filled insectarium

*Unpictured trip back to the Atwater Market for artisan bread, cheese and Quebec smoked meat lunch*

*Also an unpictured nap*

Finished up our last meal in Montreal on Crescent Street

AAA Beef with roasted red pepper, grilled zucchini, portobello mushroom and top with baba ghanoush! (<--SmithCale said mine was better, and eggplants are in season. You should make some!)

Au revoir, Montreal! (and sweaters until November)

Food for Travel,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time