The Pursuit - Travel, Food, Cooking & Colorado

Free HR Advice: Check Your Email

2012-02-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Paper applications are primarily a thing of the past.   From the HR side, online applications give a wider pool of candidates (not just those who walk in, but those who find us online) and the application software makes it easy for HR professionals to sort and review applications and resumes.

The reality is that the majority of people who apply for a position will not receive a phone call (but if you do, please check your voicemail).   That being said, you need to check your email frequently when you are in the job search.   Many programs will send an automatic response that you application has been received.   This doesn't mean that a real person has actually looked at your application or resume, but that it has been received by the system.   It's probably also a good idea to check your spam or junk folder as these responses may be filtered by your friendly email provider.

You may be asked to take some kind of survey or assessment as a part of the application process. This will also come through email.   If you rock the interview and the company likes you and wants to move forward with you, they may send you new hire paperwork, background consents or electronic I9's that need to be completed.

Sadly, disappointment also comes via email.   If you don't meet certain criteria simply based on your application (ie you request $100k per year for a position that pays $12/hour), you will get a "Thank you for your interest" email.   If you interview but another candidate is selected, you may get a "Thank you for interviewing" email.

The bottom line? Phone calls are few. Please check your email.

My Bake MS Campaign 2012

2012-02-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

In 2005, I moved to Colorado.   In 2006 I was introduced to the Colorado Bike MS because we had a company team.    In 2006 I volunteered with the National MS Society and in 2007 I volunteered with our team at our award-winning team tent.   In 2008, I decided to get my own bike and challenge myself to raise the money and ride the 150 miles.   Yes. 150 miles.   On a bike. Westminster to Ft. Collins and back.   I rode for three years and then last summer opted to go on vacation to Israel instead.

Late last summer, MS became personal.   No longer was it just a good cause where our team raised a lot of money ($158,000 in 2011).   No longer was it just the silent auction, the carb party, and a two days of sore legs.    Last summer my sister was diagnosed with MS.

This year, as a part of my fundraising campaign for the ride, I'm putting my culinary skills to good use as well.   You make a donation.   I bake you a treat.   And I bike 150 miles closer to a cure for MS.

Denver Friends
If you make a donation of at least $25 on my participant page for the Colorado Bike MS, I will bake you a treat of your choice.   You can use it to bribe or thank your child's teacher.   You can lie and say you made it.   You can put it in your freezer and break it out after you finish your diet.

Friends Everywhere Else
If you make a donation of at least $30, pick a treat that will ship well and I will send it to you.

What Can I Have?
Feel free to pick a recipe off my Traveler in the Kitchen page.   Or if you find another recipe, I'm willing to try it and see what happens.   If it turns out well, I'll give you a shout out when I post the pictures here.

Click here for my participant page for the 2012 Colorado Bike MS.

My sister and I at the finish line at the 2010 Bike MS
Every mile, Every dollar working towards a cure!

Cereal Bars - Take 1

2012-02-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am lazy in the morning. Even pouring a bowl of cereal is really more than I'm capable of doing before 8am in the morning, so when I'm getting ready for work at 6am, it's got to be hand held. Bananas are the ultimate handheld. I also really like Clif, Luna, Lara, and Odwalla bars. The downside? That they are usually at least a buck a piece at the grocery store. If they are more than a dollar, I won't buy them, but if they are on sale for 88 cents a piece? I consider that a shopping victory.

I've been tempted to try and create my own version of a breakfast bar. This was my first attempt. Not too shabby if I say so myself. It also gave me an opportunity to use some Colorado local products that I bought on road trips last fall.

What you need
3 cups honey nut O's (I used some brand made with wind energy that was on sale for $1.50/box)
1 cup honey nut crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup of Honeyville Maple Hazelnut whipped honey (warmed in the microwave for pouring)
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup pumpkin butter
1/8 cup ground flax seed
dash cinnamon
splash vanilla

What you do
Mix the honey and peanut butter together in a bowl. Mix in all other ingredients and work together with a spoon or your hands until all cereal and oats are incorporated into the mix.     Press mixture into a 9x13 pan lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray.   Refrigerate until firm.   Pull foil out of the pan and cut into squares.

What I will do next time
I think that I will melt the peanut butter and honey (and pumpkin butter, if I use it) in a sauce pan to bring it more to a liquid consistency. It may help evenly coat the bar ingredients and hold them together better once they've cooled.     This really was just an experiment seeing if I could use ingredients I already had on hand to make a tasty morning snack.

Denver makes the news
When the weather is the top trending topic on every local media outlet as well as on CNN and the Weather Channel, you know it's a big deal.   There is even a twitter hashtag #snOMG.    It started snowing on Thursday night and continued through this morning.    My sister put the "weather ruler" on top of the air conditioner outside yesterday and it was covered this morning, so we got at least a foot.    I didn't get a snow day yesterday, so I'm adopting a snow day attitude today!   Hello lazy.

Free HR Advice: Know Where You're Applying

2012-02-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

"umm...where are you located?"

Yet another awkward question that you don't want to ask when you are talking to a recruiter about a position.   In the world of online applications you can sometimes apply for multiple positions within the same company. Not all of those positions are located in the same place....like the city you live in.

This isn't so much an issue if you walk into a local business and apply directly for that location. For those who are completing applications on their laptop at home in their bunny slippers while drinking coffee, there is definitely the opportunity to spam a company with applications to positions all over the country from an entry level janitor in Jersey to the VP of Sales in Silicone Valley.

Online application programs all vary, but for many, you should have the option to either pick a geographic location by state, city or by individual business location (Store #____ on _____ Street in Denver, CO).

When you go to a company's website and click the careers link, you will probably be taken to a site that shows all their jobs where you can search by position, field, location, etc.   Please pay attention.

Sometimes I'll answer a call where the applicant on the other end says, "I applied for ______ position at your location last week, and I wanted to check that you got my application." After searching in the application database for all applications received by our entire corporation, I find that that he/she has actually applied to a location in Dallas.

Even if you have successfully applied to positions in your desired location, please research where that physical office / property / store actually is in the city in question.   That way when you're talking to the hiring manager on the phone and they ask "Are you familiar with where our _______ is?" You can confidently answer, Yes!

Free HR Advice: Why Do You Want To Work For Us?

2012-02-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

You've successfully navigated the often frustrating world of (primarily) online job applications, and you get a call from a recruiter.    Every phone interview or screening is a little bit different, but the odds are they are going to ask you some variation of this question.

Why do you want to work for _____________ (insert company name here)?

Do your homework and be prepared to answer this question.   This question should not come as a surprise to you.   You should not be hmmming, ummming or responding with "Wow that's a difficult question."

Hopefully you've done a little research on the companies where you are applying.   Look at their website. Look at their career page.   Look at their community involvement.   Talk to friends who work there. If it's a public business (retail, hotel, restaurant, etc) walk in to get a feel of the location.

I beg you. Do not answer this question with "I need a job."

It's true.   It's a tough economy right now.   Companies may be getting hundreds of applications for a single posted position.   Most companies are looking for a person who will be the right fit for their culture, team and the service that they provide.   Most companies are looking for more than a warm, breathing body who needs a job.   They can afford to be picky.

So even if you do need a job, any job, simply to pay your rent and buy groceries, please take a few minutes to prepare a better answer to the question Why do you want to work for us?

This is a chance to highlight your skills, knowledge, experience, and to show the recruiter that you've done a little homework about their organization.   Use it to your advantage.

Recipe: Avocado & Grapefruit Relish

2012-02-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Grapefruit,

It's been a while.   A long while.   I go to the store and walk right past you to get to the bananas or the blackberries.   I've forgotten how good you are. Sweet and tangy at the same time. A nutritional win any way that I look at you.   I promise I will put you back into my fruit rotation.

Love, Jenni

I found the recipe, Spiced Turkey with Avocado-Grapefruit Relish, at Sunflower Market, a grocery store here in Denver (and elsewhere in the western half of the country).   I didn't have turkey cutlets. I did have frozen, store-bought, turkey burgers, and sandwich thins, so I opted to use the relish with a burger.    The relish is so good that you can eat it straight out of the bowl, like my sister did with the leftovers tonight.    Put it on everything. Or nothing.

What you need
1 large ruby red grapefruit
1 small avocado, peeled, pitted, diced
1 small shallot, minced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
pinch of sea salt

What you do
Slice the grapefruit in half. Use a sharp knife to cut out all sections - don't get any of the white pith or the dividing membrane.   Dice the grapefruit pieces and put into a medium bowl and squeeze remaining juice in the bowl as well.   Add avocado, shallot, cilantro, vinegar, and honey. Toss well to combine.

The turkey burger was improv, but I sprinkled the patty with chipotle chile powder, sea salt, and dried parsley then put it on my little George Foreman grill for a few minutes.

Free HR Advice: Evaluate Your Email

2012-01-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

I set up my first Yahoo email address when I was in college.   I still have that email address today.   Pre-Facebook, friends knew that they could find me at that address even if they didn't know where I lived or what my number was. That email address was based off a nickname.  It's fine for friends, it's fine for me to get notifications from my vet or offers from Groupon.   I wouldn't put it on my resume.

Most applications are all done online.  You will get notifications of openings via email. You will get "sorry you weren't selected" notices via email.  You will take assessments and surveys via email.   You have a great interview and they love you and offer you a job? You may get an offer letter via email.

Email addresses are free.   It's ok to sign up for a new one just for your job search.

Your ringtone can be a first impression once you've gotten past the application stage.   Your email address will probably be seen first. On a resume, most people put their email address right below their name.

Imagine seeing this on a resume:

First Name Last Name
123 Maple Street Denver, CO
ilikebigbutts123@________.com

How's that for a first impression?

Go ahead, be judgemental.   What's your first impression based on these made up email addresses?
babyblueeyes1212@______.com
bootycall9@_________.com
mustlovekitties321@_______.net
godsgirl7@_______.com
bigboyxxx@_______.com
sparklepony@______.net

Yahoo. Gmail. MSN. Whatever.   Setup an email address that is some variation of your name.
Firstname.Lastname@________.com

Don't shoot yourself in the foot in your job search.  You don't want something this simple to give a recruiter the idea that you aren't serious about your career.

Recipe: Spicy Thai Tuna Salad

2012-01-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Volunteering in Thailand

I love Thailand.

In the summer of 2008, I had a master plan.   I wanted to take a month off work to travel and do international volunteer work.   I proposed it to my manager - I had 3 weeks of paid vacation and would take another week unpaid. His response? Check with my co-workers since they would cover my work while I was away.   They gave me the go ahead and I never looked back.    I chose to volunteer with Cross Cultural Solutions for three weeks in southern Thailand and I had some time for travel before, after, and on the weekends.   If you want more information, click the Traveler Abroad page above and scroll down to Thailand 2009.

Part of loving Thailand is loving the food.   I ate non-stop for a month and came home 7 pounds lighter. I'm going to say it was the heat, combined with eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and very limited processed food (although garlic soft-shell crab potato chips are pretty good).    When I came back from Thailand, I gave the H-Mart, the "big box" Asian grocery store here, a more thorough exploration.   The pricing on fruits, vegetables and spices is very reasonable.    You can find a bunch of fresh basil or mint for 50 cents.

I have a fantastic Thai cookbook, Quick & Easy Thai, by Nancie McDermott - and adapted today's lunch from that cookbook: Spicy Tuna Salad with Chilies and Lime. Next time, I'll have to make a bigger batch.

2 5oz cans of tuna in water, drained
3 tablespoons fish sauce (this is what adds the salt to this recipe, you can always start with less and add to taste)
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1-2 tablespoons thinly sliced shallots (I didn't really measure)
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped roasted, salted peanuts
1 teaspoon Asian chili paste (to taste)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.   Mix gently to season the tuna and break it into smaller chunks.   Cover and chill until ready to serve (then garnish with cilantro, lime wedges and more peanuts if you'd like).   I enjoyed mine on an Orowheat Whole Wheat Sandwich Thin.

Chili Paste from the H-Mart - the label is all in Korean.

Thankfully, the prices on the shelves had a little English.

Spicy Tuna Salad on a Sandwich Thin

Yum!

Free HR Advice: Use Caller ID to Your Advantage

2012-01-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

You're out at happy hour with your friends.   Your phone rings or vibrates and you see it's your Mom.   You make the executive decision that this is not the right time to talk about your goals, aspirations, love life, dog, roommates, health, or what you want to be when you grow up.   You ignore the call and let it roll into voicemail.

The same way that you use caller ID to your advantage in your personal life, do it in your job searching life.

Your phone rings. You don't recognize the number. If you've been submitting applications or resumes, it could be your potential next employer (hooray!).   Think first. Answer the phone second.

How should you answer the phone?
a) "'Sup?"
b) "J-dogg here"
c) "Who's this?"
d) "Hello. This is _________ (insert your real first name here)"

If you choose to answer the phone and it is your potential next employer, you've just made your first impression. Answer your phone wisely.   If it's not a good time to talk or you want to know who's calling first, let it go into your voicemail. Then you can check the message at your convenience and return the call when you are prepared.

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Chili

2012-01-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw an awesome recipe for Triple Chocolate Brownie Pie. There is no way that I can justify making that...at least right now.   So I've been scouting for entree recipes that incorporate more fruits and veggies (and an occasional whole grain if I'm feeling particularly nutritious).    I'm on the Betty Crocker email list and they sent a link to their Best of 2011 recipes.    Not surprisingly they are mostly desserts.   But I found this recipe in the mix.

I love buffalo chicken in almost any form.   Chicken wings have too much wing and not enough chicken for me, but boneless wings (an oxymoron if there ever was) or buffalo chicken sandwiches/wraps....mmmm.    Buffalo chicken doesn't have to be a calorie killer, if you focus more on the hot sauce and less on frying and mad quantities of blue cheese or ranch.    This is an crockpot recipe.   If you do it overnight, you'd better like the smell of chicken chili in the morning.

Adapted from Betty Crocker

Spray your 5 to 6 quart crockpot with cooking spray.   Combine all ingredients below and then cook on low for 8-10 hours.

5 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 medium stalks celery, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
1 28oz can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 15oz can of black beans, drained
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
sea salt and seasoning salt to taste
1/4 cup hot sauce or wing sauce (I added it in the beginning, the original recipe has you stirring it in just before serving)
1 teaspoon white vinegar (added in the last few hours just to balance the flavor)

Light ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, and celery sticks for garnish.   The blue cheese crumbles really tied the whole thing together.   Enjoy!

Recipe: Cinnamon Toffee Blondies

2012-01-28T09:32:00.001-07:00

First, a shout out to my co-workers who gave me a gift of colored plates for my birthday.   So many more options for my food photography.   And possibly more treats for them too.

This recipe is courtesy of Lauren from her blog Keep It Sweet and it was featured as a guest post on A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis.    I followed the original recipe as posted...except for some modifications due to a lack of cinnamon chips.

Where have all the cinnamon chips gone? (You can sing this Peter, Paul & Mary style. Go ahead, try) This recipe calls for cinnamon chips and my local King Soopers doesn't have them.   In talking to a friend about this baking crisis, she said that she would see them in the stores when she lived on the East Coast.   She also said she has a hookup in the ability to get any Hershey's product she wants. Including these.   I admit that I didn't check more than one grocery store, so it could be that there are cinnamon chips in Denver, but that I didn't look hard enough.    So I doubled the amount of cinnamon in the recipe from 1/2 teaspoon to a full teaspoon and was not disappointed.

The other ingredient of question was toffee bits.   Now, sometimes I see the bags of Heath or Skor bits, but I don't know if that's what was originally intended. And I couldn't find them the day I was at the store.  Can you buy toffee bits without chocolate? So instead I bought a bag of Heath miniatures (actually cheaper per ounce than buying a 6 pack of regular size bars) and chopped up 20 of them which provided about a cup of toffee bits.

Are they really Chewy Gooey? Yes. So much so that gettting them out of the pan, even lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray, took a little effort. And I was impatient, wanting to try them while they were still warm.   Lots of love from my friends on the ski trip for these.   And when I left Breck on Sunday afternoon I left the remainder for the crew staying until Monday.   Why? Keeping them out of my kitchen so that I don't sabotage my attempt at healthier eating more than I already have.

Cinnamon Toffee Blondies - Second Batch
My sister scoured a couple different grocery stores, finally finding both cinnamon chips and Hershey's Bit O' Brickle at an Albertsons on Mississippi.   I made a second batch, partially as a bribe to one of her friends and the other for her office (not bringing any to my office, since we're just one month in to a three month weight loss challenge).   These were even better than the first batch. I baked them for about 40 minutes and WOW!

Free HR Advice: Check Your Voicemail

2012-01-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

My sister blatantly admits that if I leave her a voicemail she does not listen to it. Rather she calls me back to see what's going on. If it's important enough for me to leave a message, she figures it's important enough to call back.  She should be thankful she's not applying to work for me.

Assuming that you have gotten far enough in your job search that a recruiter has gotten past your ringtone and left you a message, it is time for you to take that crucial step.   Yes. You must listen to your voicemail.   Who called? Where does he/she work?   What do they want you to do? What number should you call? Who should you ask for?

In our smart phone world of just hitting the most recent missed call, take the time to listen.   Your recruiter or hiring manager will not be impressed with, "Hi, this is Sally.   I just got a call from someone at this number?"    I have a proper name...I'm not just someone at this number.  And if that isn't bad enough, imagine the employee, possibly the recruiter that you're hoping to interview with, answering the phone asking "Did the person who called you leave a message?" and you having to say "Well...I....uh didn't listen to it." Or you lie, claiming that you did not receive a message and hope that the person on the other end was not the person who called you. Either way, those are not the responses of a winning candidate.

Remember the job description? It may have included words like professional, attention to detail, thoroughness, responsibility and personalized service.

When a recruiter leaves you a message you have the luxury of returning the call at a time that works for you.   You're not in the car, you're not in the bathroom, you're not in the line at the grocery store.   You're prepared to sell yourself and answer his/her questions.     You have just ruined your first impression if you haven't taken the time to call the right number and ask for the right person.    That whole attention to detail thing?   We're not kidding.     The lack of attention to detail on your part may lead to a lack of interview on our part.

*Please take this as a fun and common sense approach to navigating the mysterious world of HR and not formal professional advice.

Recipe: Saltine Toffee

2012-01-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is not me falling off the wagon, I promise. I'm still committed to the 95 Days of Glory (although the past two days have made that the 93 days...).   I used the ski trip this weekend as my excuse to try some new sweet recipes that are not part of my healthy eating plan.   But I didn't have more than a sample, and today left the remainder in the mountains for my friends staying over until tomorrow.   So selfless.

I've tried saltine toffee once or twice, but never really looked into how to make it.    Inspired by a recipe that I saw in Taste of Home, I made it for ski trip snacking.

Take your 15x10 inch jelly roll pan and line with foil.    Preheat your oven to 350.

Ingredients:
40 saltines - pretty much a whole sleeve
1 cup butter/margarine
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 - 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped

What to Do and When to Do It:
Arrange saltines in a single layer on the foil.   I ended up breaking the crackers in half to fit the last spaces.   In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in sugar and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Pour evenly over crackers.   I can tell my pan was a little bowed, because I needed to tilt the pan a little bit to get all crackers evenly covered.    Bake for 8-10 minutes (next time, I'll probably go a little longer...that whole bowed pan meant that sugary, buttery goodness didn't cook as evenly as it should have).   Once pan is removed from the oven sprinkle chocolate chips and allow them to melt. Use a spatula to smooth melted chocolate and then sprinkle with chopped pecans.    Allow to chill in the fridge for at least an hour (longer is better for us bowed pan girls) and then break into pieces and store in an airtight container until every last morsel is consumed.

I need more ski trips to justify my baking habit.

Free HR Advice: Mind Your Ringtone

2012-01-20T13:02:00.002-07:00

"So what we get drunk, so what we smoke weed.....we don't care who sees..."
Prompted by spending my Friday at an all day HR conference, learning and earning my PHR recertification credits, I feel compelled to use my break between sessions providing some common sense advice. As everyone who has drawn breath knows: common sense is more uncommon than it should be. Working in HR, we've got what people want both for applicants and current employees. Jobs. Benefits. Training. Promotions. Information. The discount code to buy zoo tickets. The scale for the weight loss challenge. Your W2.
When you're looking for a job, first impressions are key. I review your application and if I think you might be a good fit, I pick up the phone.
Think about it. Your friends might love the song by Wiz Khalifa (the lyrics at the start of this post). You might "like big butts," "wasting away in Margaritaville" and "pimpin all over the world."
But I can guarantee that if the ringback tone on your phone plays a song that's about getting drunk, riding dirty or dropping it low, I won't be leaving a message about your application. And I won't call back.

The Birthday Coupon Bonanza

2012-01-17T07:40:00.003-07:00

If you plan ahead you can eat free, or at least 50% free, with the bogos, for your birthday month at the max and the two weeks around your birthday at a minimum. The key? Sign up for the birthday clubs or email lists for your favorites. It's definitely more chains than independent local restaurants, though last year, just by the virtue of celebrating my birthday in their establishment I got a free pancake at Snooze and cheesecake at Katie Mullens.

Papa Murphy's Pizza - Free cookie dough with the purchase of a pizza...and I managed to use a free cheese bread coupon too!

Betty Crocker (online) - Free Cake Booklet....to make my own birthday cake, I guess

Baskin Robbins - Free scoop coupon
Dairy Queen - Bogo birthday Blizzard coupon
Sonic - Free creamslush, medium drink or tater tots

Rubios - Free entree ($7 value)

Noodles and Co - Free noodle bowl

Starbucks - Free drink of your choice. You need to have a registered Starbucks card. They sent me a

postcard that must be "cheerfully submitted" when I claim my drink.

Bd's Mongolian BBQ - Free stirfry meal

Goodtimes - Bogo Spoonbender. (Another reason to love Goodtimes? I can walk from my house with my dog. Get a Spoonbender for myself and a Pawbender for Chey.)

Arby's - Free 12oz shake with purchase

Buffalo Wild Wings - Free chocolate cake or ice cream

Red Robin - They used to email a free birthday burger. Now you need to have their loyalty card. I should be getting one in the mail, but haven't seen it yet.

Panera - A special treat has been loaded onto my card...I have no idea what it is. I was pleasantly surprised in December when I had a free coffee drink...added bonus!
Dave & Busters - $10 in game play

Tokyo Joe's - Rather than getting free food on your birthday, they surprise you with a freebie on your half birthday. In July. I'll be ready.

If I get more this week, I'll add them to the list. If your birthday is in February you'd best get crackin'.

Recommendations for other birthday coupons? Post them in the comments.

Chicken & Tortellini Soup

2012-01-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

This whole trying to eat healthier goal is already challenging, and it's only day 5 (of the 95 days of glory, that is). Just minutes ago I found a recipe for Cinnamon Toffee Blondies. They look delicious and I can't wait to try them. In April, that is. In the meantime, I'm trying to steer my love of cooking from the channel of chocolate to the sea of salad. So I'm looking for recipes and dishes that I won't be ashamed to put in my food journal.

Ingredients

6 cups of water

5 chicken bouillon cubes

25 baby carrots cut into smaller pieces

2 cups frozen cheese tortellini

1 1/2 cups of shredded cooked chicken

1 can cannellini beans (rinsed)

salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and parsley to taste

In a large saucepan simmer the water and bouillon until dissolved. Add the carrots and simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender. Add the tortellini and simmer until tender 4-5 minutes. Add the chicken, beans and spices and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

adapted from Real Simple

Random Small Victory:

Today at the gym I told my trainer that I bought smoked almonds. He told me that I should return them because they have high fructose corn syrup. I said no. When I got home I checked the label. No HFCS in sight. Jenni - 1point. Trainer - 0.

My Favorite Fruit Dip

2012-01-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

After my first year of college, I had a summer internship with a local university working in food service and catering. I don't remember anything else from that experience (other than the stylish red and blue polo shirts) other than this fruit dip. Three ingredients and it's a winner each time. And now that I'm trying to commit to healthy eating as a part of the 95 days to glory (1 day down, 94 to go) this recipe helps me keep my sweet tooth in check without jumping off the deep end....into a vat of cookie dough, for instance.

1 8oz block of reduced fat cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all three ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Spoon into a bowl or a hollowed out piece pineapple (or grapefuit, or orange) and dip all those nutrition-packed fruits you love. In moderation of course.

Happy New Year!

The Santa Fe Cookie Company

2012-01-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

There are some things in life that should really be this simple. A friend introduced me to the Santa Fe Cookie Company in the fall. The shop is on 16th and Tremont (Republic Plaza) in downtown Denver. The business model is simple. One dollar. That's it. One dollar for three freshly baked cookies. Three cookies to a bag and they are sorted by flavor. You put your one dollar bill or four quarters or twenty nickels in the plastic bottle and leave. You can say hi to the Cookie Lady or just sneak out quietly. Brilliant.

95 Days to Glory

2012-01-02T13:45:00.001-07:00

Tis the season for setting up goals, ambitions, plots and plans for 2012.   I recently saw an Agnes & Phil cartoon where the answer to "What is a New Year's Resolution?" was "A to-do list for the first week of January."  That's not my plan for this year.

On Afford Anything, a personal finance blog that I enjoy reading, Paula recently wrote a post entitled Pick a New Year's Resolution That Won't Fail.   The key point with any goal (or resolution) is that you have to pick something that you want enough.   She writes about her time traveling the world - that experience was non-negotiable, so she focused her time, energy and money towards that goal.   There's a reason that I travel for fun so often.   It is more important than a new car, a flatscreen TV, or expensive clothes.   It's my priority and that's where my focus lies.

The other thing about goals is that you have to pick some that are attainable sooner than others.    If every goal you have will manifest itself in 2014, you're going to have a long wait over the next two years.   A balance of long and short term goals helps keep you motivated because you'll see some results sooner.

So what's with the paper chains? The short green one is the count down to my birthday, courtesy of my sister.    The long yellow and gold one is the count down to our family vacation to Greece.   The wait is easier with a visible way to count down to the fun.

The nickname for the countdown to Greece chain is 95 days to glory. Aka, our short-term goal for this spring. We have committed to ramped up fitness, food journals and streamlined nutrition (as our trainer would say) with the goal of getting into Greece shape. This is a short-term goal.   I can resist cookies in the employee cafeteria for 95 days.    I can commit to getting exercise 4-5 days per week for 95 days.   I can focus on making healthy dinners instead of decadent desserts for 95 days.

I will try to keep you posted on our progress towards glory.   All I know is that when I'm relaxing on the islands in April I want to be rocking sundresses like I mean it.   And......go!

Euclid Hall, Take 2

2012-01-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

In late November I ate at Euclid Hall for the first time. In mid-December, I went back again and took my sister for some "crafted" food before hitting the DCPA for the Broadway revival of West Side Story (which was awesome....I was mentally singing along the whole time!). The food does not disappoint, and this time, it was light enough for me to take pictures.

Hello appetizer! Growing up in the fine state of Wisconsin, we take our cheese curds seriously!

A lame frozen mozzarella stick is not the same.

Served with buffalo ranch for dipping.

My first time ever having Chicken & Waffles.

The chicken was pounded flat and had a light crispy coating...so savory

in contrast to the waffles and maple syrup.

And when cheese curds and chicken and waffles aren't enough, I ended this culinary

adventure with the Bacon Sticky Bun. I'm struggling with the proper

adjectives to describe the caramel sauce studded with bacon.

Just do it.

Recipe: Macaroon Kisses

2011-12-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

I finished my holiday baking last week. This was the final recipe out of my kitchen for Christmas 2011. One day, I looked in my cabinet and said, “Why do I have 3 bags of coconut?” It’s rare that I have extra of anything. This much coconut could cause a crisis. The crisis was averted through the baking of Macaroon Kisses.
Macaroons are sticky. There is no escaping it. Every time I make macaroons I end up with coconut stuck everywhere. If you are using a standard cookie sheet, you can line it with foil (greased and floured). I skipped that line in the instructions and needless to say, if you don’t grease and flour the foil, there is coconut stuck everywhere and sad looking macaroons that are missing half their parts. Moral of the story: Use your silicone baking mats and avoid calamity.

1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 to 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
5 1/3 cups flaked coconut
48 Hershey’s kisses

Preheat oven to 325. Line your baking sheets with foil (greased and floured) or with your silicone baking mats. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk and extracts. Stir in coconut. Roll coconut into balls and put on cookie sheet, flattening slightly. If you keep you hands wet/damp with water the coconut will not stick to you as badly. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Immediately press kiss into the center the macaroon (a piece of York Peppermint Patty is also delicious). Remove from baking sheet and cool on rack (or greased wax paper). Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Peppermint Snowflake Cookies

2011-12-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Just like snowflakes, no two cookies look the same.

At least in my kitchen.

I think I have reached the end of my holiday baking. Treats have been mailed, taken to potlucks, brought to the office, and given to friends. I will take some to my neighbor and pack a big tin in my suitcase. By New Year's, all treats need to be eaten or given away. Beginning in early January we have our annual wellness challenge and I will be on board, getting into "Greece" shape.....but until then, bring on the peppermint, chocolate, coconut, pecans and all other ingredients of deliciousness.

Peppermint Snowflakes are flat and a crispy. Once they have cooled, flip them over and "paint" the bottom with peppermint white chocolate and sprinkles. Innocent and unassuming on top and awesome on the bottom.

Cookies

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter/margarine

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats

1 1/2 cups cornflakes

White Chocolate Peppermint "Paint"

3 cups white chocolate chips

3 tablespoons oil

3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

(optional) sparkly Christmas sprinkles

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, stir until blended. This being Colorado, I added 2 tablespoons more flour to the mix after baking the first few cookies.

Beat butter/margarine at medium speak until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add flour, mixing until blended. Stir in oats and cornflakes. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto a silicone bake mat. These spread quite a bit, so give yourself room or they will bake together. Bake 12 to 14 minutes. Cool slightly then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Lay out wax paper on the counter. Flip cookies over on wax paper.

I did my white chocolate "bottoming" in batches. Per batch, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon oil, using low heat in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Once you remove it from the microwave, add 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract and stir. Spoon white chocolate onto the bottoms of the cookies and "paint" to cover the bottom. Add sprinkles for festive cheer. Once the cookies and the chocolate have cooled, store in an airtight container. Makes 3-4 dozen.

Adapted from the Southern Living Big Book of Christmas

Good Cookie Winner!

2011-12-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hooray, we have a winner! Stephanie, you were comment #5 so you will get your own OXO Good Cookie Spatula. Shoot me an email at travelerforgood (at) gmail (dot) com with your address, and I will get this good cookie on the road!

Thank you for playing along and sharing your holiday treats.

Hooray for Buffalo Chicken Dip

2011-12-14T07:00:00.011-07:00

I'm not sure how I've gotten this far in life without knowing that Buffalo Chicken Dip exists. I like wings, I like hot sauce, I like buffalo chicken sandwiches and buffalo chicken pizza. I was happy to find this recipe on From Cupcakes to Caviar. Janet certainly knew what she was about with this recipe. Click on over to her blog and take a look at the simple delicious awesomeness of this dip. I laughed at her picture because she's right...it's hard to take a picture of dip. A picture couldn't do it justice anyway. Prepare it in advance and stick it in the fridge. Throw it in the oven when you're ready. Then dig in.

**OXO Good Cookie Spatula Giveaway! This has nothing to do with buffalo chicken dip, except that you could use the spatula to shovel this dip directly into your mouth. Thursday December 15, is the last day to post a comment here to win a new spatula of your own (and support a good cause).

Why I Love Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

2011-12-13T22:11:00.001-07:00

Don't forget that this Thursday, December 15 is the last day you can enter my OXO Good Cookie giveaway. Click here for the details - all you have to do is post a comment on the Good Cookie post about your fave holiday treat!

I could have been 5 years old or 20. The drill was the same. Anytime we visited my grandma, my sister and I would sneak to the basement and look in the freezer. October through December was the optimal time for this search, but sometimes we would luck out, even in the summer. For any kid with a sweet tooth the freezer was a gold mine. In assorted Christmas tins would be spritz butter cookies, cordial cherries, candy Christmas trees, toffee, and peanut butter cups. She would give tins of candy and cookies to her neighbors, her hairdresser, and her friends. Whenever I do the same, I feel like it really is a family tradition.

My grandma loved Christmas. Our stockings, embroidered by name, would be hung on the staircase. A tree with just animal ornaments would be in the kitchen picture window. There was a tree in the living room and the family room. Uncle Holly and Aunt Mistletoe figures would be hanging from the light fixtures. My memories of her house at Christmas are some of the most vivid ones I have of Christmas as a child. It was a sad Christmas Day in 2007 when she passed away. But after that year, the sadness returned to joy. She loved Christmas. Our joy in the holiday can only honor her life.

My grandma was the only person I knew who made her own peanut butter cups. This recipe may not be the exact same, but it is pretty close. Get ready to spread your own Christmas cheer this year.

Peanut Butter Filling

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup butter/margarine, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all filling ingredient together until smooth. You can chill for 15-30 minutes to make the filling easier to form into patties. Line a mini-muffin pan with festive holiday liners. My pan has 24 openings.

Milk Chocolate Coating

Melt 1 cup of milk chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of oil on low heat in the microwave until melted then stir until smooth. I melt 1 cup at a time just so that it doesn't cool while I'm working with it. With the PB filling above (and probably 2 bags of chocolate chips) I made about 36 cups.

Once your chocolate is melted, spoon enough chocolate in the bottom of each muffin cup to cover the bottom. If you are feeling industrious, use a small decorating paint brush to brush some chocolate up on the side of the liners (about halfway up). Place mini-muffin tin in the fridge for the chocolate to set. It should only take 10 minutes or so.

Take the peanut butter filling and shape into small flat-ish discs (how's that for a definition?). You don't want the peanut butter center to touch the edges of the muffin cups. Once the chocolate has set in the muffin cups, place a peanut "disc" into each muffin cup. Top each cup with enough melted chocolate to cover the peanut butter completely and to get a smooth top (rather than a chocolate covered bump). Put the peanut butter cups back in the fridge until the chocolate sets. Store in a Christmas tin of your own. Goodwill sells them this time a year for under a dollar. Peanut butter cups freeze well and will be a special treat for your family when they scavenge in your freezer when you're not looking.