Panino Lover

Tis the Season

2011-12-02T13:36:00.002-06:00

Tell me it isn't December 2nd already! I am so not prepared for the holidays this year. By this time I usually have my holiday cooking planned out, recipes picked and often I've already started on some things that can go in the freezer.

So far this year I have done absolutely nothing! I haven't even looked over my recipes. And I was just assigned an absolutely HUGE project at work. How am I going to tell my husband and family there won't be all of the special holiday cakes, cookies and other goodies on the table this season. Heck, I think my brother in law only loves me for my lemon cookies!

Guess I'll have to figure out a way to bake while I sleep. If I get a chance to sleep. Is anyone else already feeling overwhelmed by the holiday season? Tell me I'm not the only one :)

OK, enough whining, it's time to dig in and figure out my plan of action. Oh, and if anybody out there wants to do some of my holiday baking, feel free to speak up!

Budgeting for Christmas

2011-12-02T13:33:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Lemuel Craft

My husband and I decided that for Christmas this year we are going to set a budget and stick to it. Every year we pick an amount that we promise to “stay around”, but every year we go over and end up regretting it because we spend months getting caught up on our credit card bill. We have decided not to buy each other gifts this year and to only buy our kids gifts. I have always enjoyed buying my husband gifts, but the past few years he has been really hard to shop for because there is never anything that he wants. He has more clothes than he could ever wear and he is not, nor has he ever been into electronics. He did tell me that the greatest gift I could give him for Christmas is to save money. I thought of a creative way to do that and looked up “Gexa Energy in Woodway Texas “ online and found out that we are eligible for fixed-rate energy. He will be so happy when he gets our next electricity bill and sees that I actually did get him what he wanted before the holidays were even here.

Fall Is the Perfect Season for Grilling

2011-10-03T14:22:00.003-05:00

I have to say that fall is my favorite time of year, especially for grilling and dining outside. It's when my outdoor kitchen gets the most use.

A touch of cool air has finally hit Florida and I've been inspired to spruce things up. I've added some white bar stools to the table and the transformation is amazing. It really perked the space up. I also bought some new dinnerware made in the USA to brighten up the tabletop.

The new grill lights I ordered should be here this week and the transformation will be complete. My husband has been complaining about that corner being to dark to cook so I fixed him up. Whatever it takes to keep the chef happy, right?

Now I have to decide what we're grilling this week. Shall it be salmon, chicken, shrimp or all three? I may even go all out, pull out the smoker and have a rib feast. What can I say, I'm from Tennessee and smoked pork is always high on my list.

The 5 Second Rule?

2011-10-03T14:16:00.003-05:00

Do you believe in the five second rule? When I was a kid I did. I mean, what kid wants to have to throw away a chocolate chip cookie, especially when it was the last one in the cookie jar?

But after growing up a little, I realized just how much gunk is on a floor. Think about where your shoes have been! Even if the floor has just been mopped, do you really think there's nothing there to worry about?

What got me going on the subject was a little video I just watched on Huffington Post on the subject. It seems they did an experiement where the floor was cleaned, covered with salmonella bacteria and left to dry. They then came back and dropped a sandwich, waited five seconds and picked it up. Testing showed 10,000 salmonella bacteria on the sandwich.

So, do you still believe in the five second rule?

Newsletters from work

2011-09-30T14:15:00.000-05:00

Guest post written by Joseph Finch

Each week, my educator at work emails all staff members a newsletter with updates about things that we are responsible for knowing. We just got new satellite internet fromwww.satellitestarinternet.com, which allows me to check my work email from home, so I do not have to wait until I go to work to read the weekly newsletter. I actually enjoy our weekly newsletter. It always includes personal announcements from staff members, such as weddings or babies being born, as well as updates from our different committees. We are also responsible for taking tests throughout the year that cover changes in policies. Our newsletter gives us reminders of when new policies occur and when to take the tests that cover them. Our educator always adds cute graphics and inspirational quotes to make the newsletter more fun to read. I think that I would like to be an educator some day. I feel like I would be a good teacher and it would be a good change of pace. For now I guess I will just stick with reading the newsletters.

Sexy Chickens, Really?

2011-09-30T14:08:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the picture with the sexy chicken? It all started with a New York Times article on chicken skin. To sex it up a little they included a photo of a, ahh, naked chicken in a come hither pose. After all, how interesting is chicken skin? He needed a way to get someone to read it.

And he succeeded! Most people think it's funny. Of course PETA is up in arms. Personally I think it's a big to-do over nothing. News must have been very light the past few days.

BTW, if you want to see it head on over to the article on chicken skin and check it out. Or else go visit the grocery...

Decision Time on Stoves

2011-09-05T21:48:00.002-05:00

A close friend of ours has been remodeling his home this summer. My husband has been helping him out with all the manly stuff, but now it's my turn. He asked me to help him make his kitchen remodel awesome.

He is single, and can get by in the kitchen, but he is clueless when it comes to appliances. Since he hates shopping I have been showing him things online. We've got things narrowed down and now it's show time. We're going shopping this week for stoves, dishwashers and refrigerators. I love spending money, especially when it is other people's money.

And I can't wait to see my new kitchen...I mean his new kitchen.

Who Knew?

2011-09-05T21:43:00.002-05:00

I know I have a definite preference. Ask my husband what happens if he brings the wrong brand of ketchup home. But I just read an interesting article about how many other people are passionate about their choice of sauce for their burgers and fries.

What was even more surprising was the brand that won the taste test. While my favorite, Heinz, came in second, America's choice took number one. What the heck is America's Choice? Must be some really good ketchup.

Housewives

2011-07-07T10:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the guest post by Esteban Vinson

Does anyone else out there watch those Real Housewives shows? I mean, I know people do because they get such good ratings but I feel like I’m the only one of my friends who will admit to watching any of them! I’m not really embarrassed but they are pretty ridiculous, especially the New Jersey one which is definitely my favorite. Ever since I got satellite from DIRECT.tv I’ve been watching far more trash tv than I ever did before which is fine by me because it helps me zone out after a long day at work! I can’t believe I waste my time watching the stuff that BRAVO airs but man, I really like getting into these crazy reality shows! The ladies on these Housewives shows have a lot of money but they act like kids on a playground…if I ever talked like some of them did my mama would slap me silly! I’m sure it’s just a phase and I’ll get burned out on these soon but for now they’re totally making my life!

Beach Walk Cookies from the Henderson Inn

2011-05-29T11:36:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite romatic spots here is the beautiful Henderson Inn. They shared their cookie recipe and I want to share it with you.

Beach Walk Cookies

1 c soft butter
2/3 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 T baking soda
1 T salt
2 eggs
2 c filling of choice, for example, chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, craisins

Preheat oven to 350. Sift dry ingredients together.Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs to butter mixture one at a time beating after each. Add dry ingredients slowly until just mixed. Add filling and stir to mix. Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Nothing to See Here ;)

2011-05-28T10:26:00.002-05:00

{EAV_BLOG_VER:c5240b75c9cfcda8}

Trying to get my blog verified, nothing interesting LOL

This Key Lime Fudge Will Put You In The Mood

2011-05-28T09:45:00.002-05:00

If you're looking for a sweet treat to put you in a summer mood on this Memorial Day weekend, give this Key Lime Fudge a try. Be warned, it's addictive.

Key Lime Fudge

3 c white chocolate chips
1 (14 0z) can sweetened condensed milk
2 T key lime juice
2 T grated lime zest
1 c chopped macadamia nuts

Spray an 8x8 pan with oil. Combine white chocolate and milk in heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat until just melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add the rest of the ingredients and stir to mix well. Spread in the 8x8 pan and chill 2 hours. Cut into squares.

Ready for a Change

2011-05-09T12:28:00.000-05:00

Guest post written by Steve Peters

It feels good being only a few years away from retirement. I put my kids through college, and I am just going to relish in these last few years at the accounting firm. Some days after work I look back at my career and all that I've done over the years and I feel a sense of proud accomplishment. I excelled in my career and a took care of my family. I have all I could have ever asked for. In my last few years in the workplace, I will be thinking about just where I would like to relocate. With the kids out of the house, there isn't any sense staying in that house forever.

No matter what happens, my home life will be different. When it comes to looking after our family, my wife and I will only have our folks to care for! . We've already been doing that for a little while now. I just helped my mother find a new hearing aid from http://www.hearingaids.miracle-ear.com and helped with finding some new furniture for her apartment. Life is going to be a little different now, but I can definitely say that I'm ready.

The Call Is Out

2010-05-07T15:28:00.002-05:00

They have put a call out in my county for volunteers to help with the oil cleanup if and when it gets here. My husband has signed up for the training class and I am considering it. With my job it may be difficult to put in much time helping with the efforts but I think anything that I can do is better than doing nothing. Even if the efforts to stop the leak this weekend work, there are already hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude already in the gulf. We may never get the mess cleaned up.

Last One?

2010-05-07T15:25:00.002-05:00

My husband went fishing in the gulf yesterday and it's a good thing he did. They closed federal waters to fishing off our coast today due to the oil spill off Louisiana. The whole mess is heartbreaking. I shudder when I think about the wildlife being killed, the environment being destroyed and the people losing their livelihoods. I think we will all be paying for this disaster for many years to come.

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-07T15:12:00.002-05:00

It's Mother's Day weekend. I want to wish all of the mothers out there a very special day. You should be appreciated all year for everything you do but it's nice to have a special day.

My mother is in Texas so I won't get to see her this year. I've already done my shopping for gifts for her and sent them off. It's not the same as being there myself but it will have to do. If you get to see your mother this weekend, be sure to enjoy the time and let her know how you feel. You can never tell her too often.

Goulash and Spaetzle, Yum

2010-04-27T14:54:00.003-05:00

As I search the web reading reviews for the best fat burner products, I have a pot of goulash simmering on the stove. I'm so bad!

I learned the recipe for Ingrid, our tour guide when we were in Austria. It's simple but delicious. I always serve it with traditional spaetzle but I cheat and buy the packaged ones. Don't tell her!

Goulash

4 T. olive oil
2 lbs cubed beef
1 onion, chopped
2 T. good Hungarian paprika
2 T. flour
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2-3 cups of water

Heat oil in a dutch oven and brown the beef in batches. You want them to be well browned. Add the onion and saute. When soft, add the paprika and flour, stir well and cook slightly. Do not brown the paprika or it will be bitter. Add all of the beef to the pan and add the tomato sauce and water. You need enough water to cover everything. Cover and simmer on low until tender, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed. 2-3 hrs depending on the size of the beef cubes. Spoon the beef and sauce over spaetzle or egg noodles.

Watching In Horror

2010-04-27T14:50:00.002-05:00

I have been watching the reports of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico with horror. At first they said it wasn't leaking, then they admitted that 4,200 gallons of crude a day are pumping into the gulf. They "might" be able to fix it quickly. If not, the next try will take months to accomplish. In the mean time animals, the environment and the economy will suffer. I hope the Florida legislature is listening. They are debating right now about allowing drilling off our coast.

My Least Favorite Thing About Summer

2010-04-27T14:45:00.002-05:00

I love living on the gulf coast of Florida, but I hate when swimming suit season rolls around! I get lazy in the winter and usually put on an extra 10 pounds every year. Now that swimming suit season is staring me in the face I am online reading alli reviews. There has got to be something to help me get rid of those winter pounds!

Good News

2010-04-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

I received some great news yesterday. My dear friend from college called me to say that she and her honey are shopping for diamond engagement rings. I am so excited that she has found someone that she wants to marry. She went through a nasty divorce and thought that she would never find love again. She is a wonderful person and her happiness makes me happy. Maybe I can convince them to have a beach wedding here!

Italian Bean and Meatball Soup

2010-04-20T11:07:00.003-05:00

My husband and I are big fans of soups. I make them all the time and often just wing it without a recipe. I had some left over ground beef and it became the inspiration for this soup. It's simple to put together and could be easily modified with other beans or veggies. It would be great with some greens added.

Italian Bean and Meatball Soup

For the meatballs:

1/2 lb ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. Italian herb mix
salt and pepper

Mix everything together and form into small balls, approximate 1/2 tsp each.

For the soup:

2 T. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1 pint chicken stock
2 cans navy beans, drained

Heat large sauce pan and add oil. Brown the meatballs, when they are almost done add the raw vegetables. Saute until the onion is tender and add the stock. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the drained beans and heat well. Add salt and pepper if needed.

Enjoying the Lull

2010-04-20T11:02:00.002-05:00

We have hit the sweet spot here on the gulf coast. It's the time between the winter and spring break visitors and the summer crowds. The weather is beautiful, the beaches are calm and there's nobody here but us locals! I even went to the outlet mall and shopped for Joe's jeans and there was barely anyone there. I got to park close to the stores and walked right into a dressing room with no wait. This will be over soon and I plan to enjoy it while I can.

The Great Outdoors

2010-04-16T15:24:00.002-05:00

My husband has taken off for the weekend to enjoy the great outdoors. He is meeting his son to spend some time in the woods. They will be doing all of those manly things they like to do like riding the atv and sitting around the campfire. Needless to say, I'd rather spend my time in my new kitchen doing more civilized things like cooking on a REAL stove.

I'm in Heaven

2010-04-14T20:09:00.003-05:00

The kitchen renovation is finished. I love it and feel like I am heaven. I have so much counter space to spread out in that I almost don't know how to use it. I find myself working in one little spot!

I've been a cooking fool since I officially broke it in last week. My husband's first request was lasagna so I made him a giant pan of it. After all, he was responsible for the renovations! Tonight I made his second favorite dish, Chicken Scarpariello. Here's my recipe:

Chicken Scarpariello

2 T. olive oil
4 chicken thighs, 2 breasts (or whatever pieces you like)
flour for dredging
salt and pepper
1/2 lb. Italian sausage (we like hot, you can use sweet if you like)
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tsp. dried oregano
8 oz. tomato sauce
10-12 jarred pepperoncini peppers
3 or 4 small red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into quarters
1/2 c. water

Salt and pepper the chicken and dredge in flour. Set aside. Slice sausage into 1/2 inch pieces. Heat oil in skillet and add sausage. Brown and remove. Add the chicken and brown on both sides. When chicken is almost browned add the onions and garlic. When the onions are tender add the sausage back in. Add the rest of the ingredients and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until chicken is tender.

Serve over pasta of choice. We like angel hair.

Tweet This

2010-04-01T13:13:00.002-05:00

My freelance writing has morphed into something else. I am now offering twitter services to companies. The company gives me general information about themselves and I create a twitter stream for them. It can be a little challenging making tweets for car insurance companies interesting but I'm getting the hang of it. One thing I can say is that I now know a lot more about insurance than I did before I started.