Livelovelaugh

Butternut Squash sweet potato soup

2012-01-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

as seen in Clean Eating Magazine
INGREDIENTS:

1 Vidalia onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 lb butternut squash, peeled and chopped
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek-style yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large pot over medium-high, sauté onion, garlic and celery in oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add sweet potatoes, squash, broth, curry powder and turmeric and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sweet potato and squash are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove from heat, cool slightly and transfer mixture to a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth.
Stir in lemon juice and serve with 2 tbsp yogurt and 1 tbsp cilantro.

Nutrients per 1 3/4-cup serving: Calories: 250, Total Fat: 4 g, Sat. Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 46 g, Fiber: 8 g, Sugars: 12 g, Protein: 6 g, Sodium: 319 mg, Cholesterol: 0 mg

Mashed Potato Soup-ohh so good

2011-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

1. 1 medium to large onion-chopped and sauteed in some olive oil till caramelized
2. 3 cloves fresh garlic-minced and add to caramelized onion
3. fresh rosemary- minced then crushed with mortar and pestle-about that much!
4. about 3/4 teaspoons coarse pepper
5. 1/2-1 tsp Tony Chachere's seasoning( I used the Spices and Herbs)
6. about 4-6 cups mashed potatoes(I use Costco's-crazy good- like your Grandma used to make)-mash down with a wooden spoon until not lumpy from being cold
7. stir in about 3-4 cups chicken broth( I used Costco's organic Chicken broth)
8. 1/3-1/2 cup cream or half and half

9. 6 sliced of bacon, cooked til crispy, then chopped
10. fresh chives from the yard- minced

Heat thru on low til barely bubbling. Add the cream, stir in, lower heat even more. Heat thru, ladle into bowls, top with grated sharp cheddar, then minced chives and bacon. Sighhhh.

2011-10-21T18:50:00.001-07:00

Homemade Bread as per Melody Johnson

It takes only a minute to make HMB (homemade bread) and so worth it on a cold and icy day. I use the no-knead recipe from Mark Bittman, but lately have altered it a bit.
I use a half teaspoon of dry yeast in 12 oz of warm tap water, and mix in three cups of bread flour and a half teaspoon of salt. Cover the dough in the bowl with plastic wrap and place somewhere warm. The mantle of the fireplace (gas logs heat our house) was just perfect.
Let it rise until double, then punch it down and add a bit more flour to make it kneadable, but just work it into a nice smooth ball, and return it for a second rise. About an hour later it is ready to shape into a loaf. I used an egg wash to get that golden crust. Bake at 450 for about 30 minutes, and your house will smell wonderful.

Sunday Celebration for Christopher

2011-09-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

My nephew has moved back from LA. This is a big deal because he had just graduated from high school in May and drove to CA with friends to make a living playing in a band. He is very good on the guitar and sings beautifully. But, he is back...he wants to go to school and get a JOB. His mom lost most everything in a fire and Christopher decided that his family needed him and that he needed them. We are all so happy. He is the sweetest young man. Tonight's dinner will be Pork Tenderloin, Crash Potatoes and something else.

Recipe: Crash Hot Potatoes by The Pioneer Woman

Prep Time: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 25 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 6

Ingredients

12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Round Potatoes)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Kosher Salt To Taste
Black Pepper To Taste
Rosemary (or Other Herbs Of Choice) To Taste

Preparation Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.

On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato.

With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil.

Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.)

Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Perfect Pork Tenderloin

By BeachGirl on June 05, 2003

148 Reviews

Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 14 mins
Serves: 4-5, Yield: 1.0 pork tenderloin

About This Recipe

"My #1 way to cook a pork tenderloin or a boneless pork loin because it's ALWAYS moist and tender. It's easy and foolproof! If you like, marinade the roast and rub with any seasonings that please your palate! If you enjoy this recipe and cooking method, you might want to try my roast beef version - Recipe #65987."

Ingredients

1 lb boneless pork tenderloins ( approximate)
salt and pepper
dry seasoning, of your choice ( thyme, savory, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a mixture)

Directions

NOTE: The success of this cooking method will depend upon how accurate the temperature of your oven is and how well your oven retains heat. Adjust cooking time +/- according your individual oven.
Determine the EXACT weight of roast from the meat wrapper. Weight will determine how long to cook the roast.
Preheat oven to 500-550 degrees. Remove tenderloin from refrigerator. Season meat as desired. Place seasoned meat in an uncovered roasting pan.
Bake EXACTLY 5 1/2 minutes PER POUND. Adjust +/- according to your oven's accuracy and heat retention. Turn oven OFF and DO NOT open oven door for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Roast will be done, very slightly pink in the center, and very moist.
NOTE:******* For anyone questioning this method of cooking, it really does reach the proper internal temperature on a thermometer. If you have an oven probe or a thermometer that has a wire that goes through the side of the oven door, by all means use it and set alarm for 140-145 degrees. It should go off before the hour is up. After resting 5-10 minutes, the roast should reach 145-150 degrees.
According to Sara Moulton on FoodTV, salmonella is killed at 138 degrees, and 145 is a safe temperature for pork, although the USDA recommends 160 degrees (meat will be drier).
VARIATION: To make Roasted Veggies along with the tenderloin, peel carrots and potatoes, and cut into about 1-inch cubes. Season as desired and drizzle with a little oil. Add vegetables to pan around (but NOT touching) pork tenderloin. Cook tenderloin as instructed above. The roasted potatoes and carrots should be done when the roast is done. You may need to adjust the size of the potatoes and carrots depending upon the weight of your tenderloin and how long you cook it.

Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread

2011-09-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Serves 6.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups Pamela's Pancake and Baking Mix(Gluten-free)
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, ginger, baking powder, salt, cloves, and pepper.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter in the water over medium heat. Stir the melted-butter mixture into the dry ingredients until smooth. Stir in the molasses and egg.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. With a spoon, drizzle half the chocolate over the batter. Pour remaining batter on top, and drizzle the remaining chocolate over the batter in a decorative pattern.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

Martha Stewart

Crazy Good Macaroons

2011-09-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Crazy Good Coconut Macaroons

¾ can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 tsp almond flavoring

3/4 cups almonds chopped

½ to 3/4 c. dark chocolate chips

2 1/2-3 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

Mix and drop on parchment paper. Put almond on top. Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes.

Magic Potion for Jellyfish Stings

2011-08-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

One of my bestest friends in the whole world recently shared with me her magic medicine for jellyfish stings:

3 regular aspirin-crushed
1- 200 mg Ibuprofen-crushed
1 tsp. Cortisone cream
1 tsp. liquid Benadryl

Mix all into a paste and apply. Works miracles- she swears by it, and she rarely swears!

Kate gets her wings!

2011-04-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Kate received her "wings" this past Thursday. She is now an official helicopter pilot for the Military. She graduated as (sorry, got to brag a little) the Distinguished Honor Grad in her class from Fort Rucker. She will be deploying soon to Afghanistan. We are so proud of her. Her dear friend "pinned" her. She has such deep respect for him He put in many years serving our country. Her dad, top right, is so proud.

Dreams

2011-04-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

I awoke from a deep sleep two days ago from a dream where my mom came to see me. It was the first "real" time since she died March 10th 2010. I have "heard" whisperings and had nudges from her.... you know-this is what she would do or think or say in a certain situation I might have been in. This is the dream. My brother and I were in my mom and dad's bedroom. I was laying on the bed, he was looking out the window. She came in, for some reason her hair was all up in curls with bobby pins(???)She laid down next to me and we hugged for a long time. She let me hug her until I let go. After that, I can't remember her interaction with my brother, all I know is I felt filled with the good feeling I had whenever we hugged like that.
My dad is giving a talk on hospice tomorrow. He is nervous, I am thinking of standing by him...but don't want to embarrass him. he is a gentle humble soul.

Panis Angelicus by Josh Groban

2010-09-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

This has been a very heavy year...many hugs, many tears. My dear mom died in March, her brother, Fr. James Mulvaney, the last Mulvaney of 11 siblings, died two weeks ago tonight. I have some of my favorite classical music on, this music always touches my very soul and brings to my mind those who gifted me with graciousness, gentleness and purity of heart. Ave Maria...my brother Mark sang this at my Uncle's funeral. It was so heart wrenching but soothing at the same time...he had suffered so long, this gentle wise kind man, was no longer weakened, unable to speak. Even in the last two weeks before he died, he was able to give me that sweet little twinkle in his eye, even when the words were gone. I am so incredibly blessed

Simply Life

2010-08-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Today was for my dad, I mean me. I went over to spend it with him... Use to be I spent alot more time at my parents because they "needed" me, at least I thought they did. And I suppose it is true, my mom was very ill and required total care. And I wanted to be there for her and my dad. But what I am realizing now it is was me who really benefited, and still am. She is gone, now since March 10th. I miss her, so much. I remember wondering, ashamedly on some days, will I miss her any more than the parts of her that had already been stripped from her. Oh yes, yes, yes...I miss holding her hand. I miss lying next to her with my arm across her. I even miss her looking at me and wondering quietly how I fit into her world. I miss her laughing at my dad and him singing to her. No more words today...

One of those special moments I almost missed

2010-07-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last week one day at work, I was passing thru the lobby where I work and there was this special needs child "playing" the guitar, from which there was no sound. After a moment, another older special needs gentleman sitting across from her burst into a gorgeous spiritual to music he could hear but not I. Oh, indeed, what a moment. And to think I almost missed this because I was walking too fast.

Planting with Dad

2010-05-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

A lovely morning. My sweet Dad and I went to visit my Uncle who is in his last days. I had stopped visiting because I couldn't bear to see him in such a sad state. As a result I have carried such guilt for being selfish. And so my Dad and I go on Thursday mornings. I think he enjoys having me with him when he goes.
Lunch was at a lovely little French Bakery called Continental Bakery http://www.chezlulu.us/bakerylunch.php: he had a very nice Curried Squash Soup with crusty bread, I had the Vichyssois, lovely. We had to have the Belgian Chocolate Marble Cheesecake. After this delightful lunch we went to his home and I planted a bunch of Amaryllis I have gifted mom over the years. Ahhhh, such a pleasant sweet day.

Finding my groove

2010-05-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have been gone from my blog about 7 weeks. Finding new footing and purpose. Finding my feet and my mom, and my dad. I feel good about my mom. I miss her face and holding her hand and hugging her. But, in the end it was for me, and my dad, and the other siblings. I asked my dad if he has felt her presence...he said "all the time". He tells me he has a broken heart. I think it has been broken for awhile. But he is coming along.

Just taking it a day at a time

2010-03-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

So, alot has happened since my last short post. Mom has been on Hospice. We are so pleased with the care she is receiving. Dad feels very comfortable with the wisdom being imparted to him regarding mom's care.

She is eating very little, drinks some and doesn't talk much. Last week one day I was helping Dad with her and when we were done, he decided it was time for them to sing. (It's funny how I never understood how much this was a part of them.) And so he started "you are my sunshine, my only sunshine", he stopped and looked at her, and waited...then we hear in a very quiet croaky voice, "you make me happy..." quiet tears fell down my face. The I joined in with dad to finish the song.

Another evening when I stopped by, I just spent time with her at her bed-side making small talk. Each time I got up to go, she would say one or two words, I would ease back in the room and she wouldn't say anything else. Finally, the third time this happened, I let down her bed-rail and climbed up next to her in the bed and put my arm across her and she looked at me and said "isn't this nice?" Yes, mom, it is so nice. A little bit later she said to me: "you know the most important thing is how all of you get along". You being me and my 6 siblings. What wisdom she is still imparting.

Change

2010-01-30T15:16:00.001-08:00

Hospice

Is That You?

2010-01-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

One day last week I came into my mom and dad's bedroom and leaned over to kiss my mom, she opened her eyes and smiled her sweet smile and said, "you look just like someone I know". I asked her "if that person was Cathy", her answer was "yes". And so I smiled back and said "that's who I am". We kissed and hugged and moved on...

A Little Out of the Loop

2010-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

I received these very lovely flowers from my sweet Mark, Jeff and Jack upon arriving home from the hospital on Tuesday.I had Trapezium Arthrotomy to my left thumb. This surgery is not for the faint of heart, or even if you are not faint of heart. Basically, the cartilage in my thumbs is gone and the bones rub against each other. My right arm can have no surgeries so I am going to preserve my left since I cannot give up fabric dyeing, sewing or painting. I will wear this lovely split cast for two weeks and then see how things look.

Purging

2009-12-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share something I did tonight as I am working on lightening all the stuff I have. My mom, who is 82 and getting into the last stages of Alzheimers, made my First Communion dress. I have kept it all these years. I haven't known what to do with it but felt by hanging on to it, I was holding on to a part of her former self...tonight I cut a piece of it and am going to put it in my art journal and I threw the rest away. I had a few tears of anguish at first but then felt so much better after I put the rest of it in the trash can. She isn't the dress...I didn't throw away my memories or her.

Blurry week

2009-11-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

Thought thread for this past few days... hospital and surgery for mom, sleeping next to her in hospital bed so she wouldn't get out, good care, verbalizing exactly what would best help my mom in being away from dad and I during surgery, saying no and yes as necessary, saying " she doesn't understand what you are saying", "she doesn't remember", saying "thank you" alot, mom climbing over the footboard during the middle of the night, with dad next to her, her not falling several times, close though, pain med, mom always thankful, many baths, dad grateful, moving their bed upstairs via outside, moving upstairs bed downstairs, Chicken and Dumplings, home again...

Happy Birthday Mike

2009-11-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

He's the dark headed one on the right.
Today happens to be my brother Mike's birthday! Woohoo!I love my brother. He is a very kind, gentle soul. He rarely angers, unless it has to do with the poor. He blesses me and I wish I could make him a delicious meal today. I love you Mike!

Tapas Style Roasted Almonds

2009-11-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

1 1/2 cup of whole blanched almonds.
4 tbsp olive oil or grape seed oil
Coarse sea salt
1 tsp or more of paprika (I used hot smoked paprika)

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Put the olive oil in a roasting pan and swirl it around so that it covers the bottom. Add the almonds and toss them in the pan so that they are evenly coated in the oil, then spread them out in a single layer.

Roast the almonds in the oven for 20 min or until they are light golden brown, tossing several times during the cooking. Drain the almonds on a paper towel then transfer them to a bowl.
While the almonds are still warm, sprinkle with plenty of sea salt and the paprika.

Enjoy!

You probably shouldn't read this next post-unless you have a serious need for dark chocolate!

2009-09-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Three-Layer Peppermint Bark

Adapted from Bon Appétit, December 1998 edited by me (Cathy) and Molly from her Orangette Blog

When you’re shopping for white chocolate, make sure that the words “cocoa butter” appear in the list of ingredients. Ghiradelli is fine. Also, to crush the peppermints coarsely, Bon Appétit advises tapping the wrapped candies firmly with the bottom edge of an unopened 15- to 16-ounce can. I used a heavy glass jar, and that worked fine too.

Another most important point is make sure there are no stray drops of water in the measuring cups, utensils etc. It will absolutely ruin the chocolate and make it “set up”.

17 oz. white chocolate, such as Callebaut, finely chopped
30 red-and-white-striped hard peppermint candies, coarsely crushed
7 oz. bittersweet chocolate, such as Ghirardelli 60%, finely chopped
6 Tbsp. heavy cream
¾ tsp. peppermint extract (or some peppermint oil)

Turn a large baking sheet upside down, and cover it securely with aluminum foil. Measure out and mark a 9- by 12-inch rectangle on the foil.

Place the white chocolate in a pyrex (2 cup size at least) measuring cup. Place in microwave on high for about 1 minute, stir gently and if it is not completely smooth- nuke for another few seconds. Pour 2/3 cup of it onto the rectangle on the foil. Using a spatula, spread the chocolate to fill the rectangle. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of the crushed peppermints. Chill until set, about 15 minutes.

Microwave the bittersweet chocolate in another heavy measuring glass. Melt until the mixture is just melted and smooth. Add in the Peppermint Extract and heavy cream, whisk gently but thoroughly, immediately, until all is incorporated. Cool to barely lukewarm, about 5 minutes. Then remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator, and pour the bittersweet chocolate mixture over the white chocolate rectangle. Using a spatula – make sure you cleaned it after using it for the white chocolate, spread the bittersweet chocolate in an even layer. Chill until very cold and firm, about 25 minutes.

Re-warm the remaining white chocolate in the microwave. Working quickly, pour the white chocolate over the firm bittersweet layer, using your (again, clean) icing spatula to spread it to cover. Sprinkle with remaining crushed peppermints. Chill just until firm, about 20 minutes.

Carefully lift the foil from the baking sheet onto a large cutting board. Break or cut into uniform pieces.(You know, depending on if you are anal or not)

Pack into an airtight container, with sheets of wax paper between layers of bark to prevent them from sticking to one another. Store (hide from yourself) in the refrigerator. Serve cold or, to emphasize the slight softness of the bittersweet layer, let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Note: This bark will keep for up to 2 weeks, (no it won’t) if not more. If you plan to pack it in a tin or baggie with other holiday sweets, be sure to wrap it separately in plastic wrap. Or maybe wax paper and then plastic wrap, so that it doesn’t sweat.

Yield: about 36 pieces, or more, if you cut them smaller

Mom and Dad time

2009-09-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy few weeks. Mom has been sick. She probably has C-Difficile. Lots of medication changes, starting to turn the corner a little although sleeping easily 15 hours daily. Made some yummy Chicken Soup for her and not nearly as good as MaryAnn's Split Pea Soup as requested per Dad.

On a softer note, every time I see Mom, her comment is "you are so beautiful". Last night she wanted me to call David to see if I could spend the night.

Many times when I am resting next to her, when she awakens, she will smile the most beautiful smile and say how much she loves me. Sometimes... just sometimes, I wonder if she still connects my name even though I am sure she knows she knows me. Is this such a sad thought...

Mike comes in Friday-yea!! Raining, raining in Birmingham.

Made some crazy good Peppermint Bark supposedly for Mom's doctor as a thank you for his wonderfulness. I really am going to take him his portion today. See previous post, if you dare.

Update on Daily Granola!

2009-08-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Granola is killer! Addictive; I didn't say the thing about soy milk,however any milk wiould be delicious. Or in a baggy in the purse, hidden away so you don't have to share. Oh my, it is unbelievable!

To Market, to market

2009-08-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday mornings Mom and I spend a little quality time together. She may call it something else...Yesterday I went by 1514, visited a little; Dad pulled out some cash and handed it to Mom. Into the pocket and down to Pepper Place. Off he goes to see Versal and Adam. Friends of a lifetime. What a lovely place to start the day, it was cool, sunny, lots of children, artisans working on their wares, farmers and their children hawking their fruits and veggies. Sigh!!! I love this place! After perusing and tasting, mom spent her money on some beautiful peaches from Chilton County and bought two fresh picked ears of corn. I myself bought some yummy Heirloom Tomatoes. Next as we leave, we stop at my friend Laura Kattus Stacy's Batik Booth. She creates the most beautiful Batik purses, wall hangings, tables cloths, tanks and pillows. We had a sweet, sweet morning. Gee, I love my mom!

Daily Granola

2009-08-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Daily Granola Adapted from Nigella Lawson’s Feast by Molly Wizenberg's book The Homemade Life

The recipe that follows is the way I’ve come to use Nigella’s recipe. Of course, tweak as you will. For example, feel free to use whatever type of nut you like best - just one, or a variety. You could add some flax seeds, if you like, or some shredded coconut. If you like your granola with dried fruit, go ahead and add some - but after baking, not before. And about the applesauce: I like to buy it in those single-serving cups, the kind made to go in kids’ lunchboxes. I used to buy it in bigger glass jars, but I found that it started to go moldy before I could use it all. The smaller containers are very handy that way; there’s less waste.
Finally, I highly recommend eating this granola with plain soy milk. I like it with plain yogurt or regular milk too, but soy milk is especially good.
Dry ingredients:
5 cups rolled oats
2 to 3 cups raw almonds or pecan halves, or a mixture
1 cup hulled raw sunflower seeds
¾ cup sesame seeds
¾ cup light brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. salt
Wet ingredients:
¾ cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/3 cup brown rice syrup
¼ cup honey
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, such as canola or safflower

Set racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Stir to mix well. In a small bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients. Stir to mix well. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ones, and stir well.
Spread the mixture evenly on two rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until evenly golden brown. Set a timer to go off every ten minutes while the granola bakes, so you can rotate the pans and give the granola a good stir; this helps it to cook evenly. When it’s ready, remove the pans from the oven, stir well – this will keep it from cooling into a hard, solid sheet – and set aside to cool. The finished granola may still feel slightly soft when it comes out of the oven, but it will crisp as it cools.
Scoop cooled granola into to a large zipper-lock plastic bag or other airtight container. Store in the refrigerator indefinitely.

Yield: about 10 cups

Tomatoes to die for as by Molly Wizenberg

2009-08-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

"Slow-Roasted Tomatoes with Sea Salt and Ground Coriander

For this preparation, I now choose almost exclusively Romas, even in the summertime. Dusted with a little salt and ground coriander—the (now not-so-)secret weapon that makes this recipe a keeper—they take on a full, almost winey flavor, and they hold their shape beautifully. Don’t hesitate to roast a lot at a time; they
keep well in the fridge, sealed up tight, for several days.

Ripe tomatoes, preferably Roma
Olive oil
Sea salt
Ground coriander

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wash the tomatoes, cut off the stem end, and halve them lengthwise. Pour a bit of olive oil into a small bowl, dip a pastry brush into it, and brush the tomato halves lightly with oil. Place them, skin side down, on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle them with sea salt and ground coriander—about a pinch of each for every four to six tomato halves.

Bake the tomatoes until they shrink to about 1/3 of their original size but are still soft and juicy, 4 to 6 hours. [I usually let mine go for the maximum time.] Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and allow the tomatoes to cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator.

*If the thought of leaving the oven on for 4-6 hours in the summertime makes you overheat on the spot, consider starting a batch first thing in the morning. By the time the day’s heat kicks into full throttle, they’ll be finished, and so will your oven."

Easy and well, good Sunday dinner

2009-08-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, parents coming over, what to have... How about fresh Heirloom tomatoes, sliced, dollop of Costco Shrimp Salad, pine nuts and balsamic vinegar, yummm!

One of those-"oh my gosh" days...

2009-08-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

I worked today in my very busy surgery clinic. I was on my way home and saw an ambulance to the side of the road, a lanky boy with a car who looked very familiar and I realized it was my Nick! He had just been involved in a wreck. A woman darted across the road in her car thru 2 lanes of traffic. He never saw her until the last moment. He, blessedly, was physically okay. We had several witnesses to the accident who confirmed that she was at fault. The policeman and the tow truck driver both shared with Nick how lucky he was. This could have turned out alot differently. Thank you guardian angel!

Wonderful friends, food and rest

2009-07-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

I had a nice week-end with the dearest of friends. We walked the streets of Fairhope, enjoyed the wine tasting at Red and White, ate incredible food, laughed and talked about all of our heart and mind's deepest thoughts and feelings. I am renewed once again...

Beef Tenderloin by Mr. P

Any size beef tenderloin, trimmed
Salt and pepper(that's really all the seasoning)all over
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place on middle rack in oven in a shallow pan, DO NOT COVER. Cook for 6 minutes, turn off oven and do not open it for 2 solid hours. Take out and let it rest for 20 minutes, slice and serve!

Beefsteak Tomato Salad by Wanda

Baby Lettuces, wahed and dried
2 large Beefsteak Tomatoes thickly sliced
Good Goat Cheese, sliced
Bay Leaves, washed and dried
Balsamic Vinegrette, or just some Balsamic Vinegar

Layer as photo shows, divine! A meal in itself! Thanks Wanda!

Best Banana Nut Bread

2009-07-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Banana Bread as adapted from Nigella Lawson’s recipe

3/4 cup golden raisins + ½ cup or so of favorite liquor (I usually use coffee)
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (I use ¾ stick)
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
4 small, very ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

9 x 5 inch loaf tin buttered and floured or with a paper insert
Put the golden raisins and liquor or liquor in a smallish saucepan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat, cover and leave for an hour if you can, or until the raisins have absorbed most of the liquid, then drain.

Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium-sized bowl and, use wooden spoon to combine well. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar and beat until blended.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the mashed bananas. Stir in the walnuts, drained raisins and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture, a third at a time, stirring well after each bit.

Scrape into the loaf tin and bake in the middle of the oven for 1 to 1 and a quarter hours. When it's ready, an inserted toothpick or fine skewer should come out cleanish. Leave in the tin on a rack to cool, and eat thickly or thinly sliced, as you prefer.

Makes 8-10 slices

Lovely morning brunch with friends and family

2009-07-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad!

This is one my most special friends Cheryl. She doesn't like to have her picture taken. She is one of the wise ones I turn to when I am overwhelmed and need some clarifying!

This morning the Amthors, the Wilsons and mom and dad came out for brunch. Kate and her friend were able to join us before they headed off to Fort Benning for 6 weeks. We had a wonderful breakfast of Fruit Salad, Baked Ham and Breakfast Casserole. Rachel and Becky also made Chocolate Chip Muffins and Blueberry Muffins. We had a great visit with many conversations going on at once. We aslo watched the Wimbledon competition. It was very exciting!

I only lost control once when someone mentioned what they thought were some of the training exercises Kate was going to undergo. I was in the refrigerator and dropped a glass container. I excused myself for a few moments, collected myself and carefully boxed up that information and placed it far away from my conscious self. Being the mother of a soldier is not an easy process.

This is Kate and her friend.

West Point Graduation Week

2009-06-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is not the way to see Chicago!

2009-04-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Got back tonight from Chicago. Kate called me Saturday around noon telling me she was feeling badly. She had had too much to drink Thursday night when she and her two friends from West Point sat with a 4 star general(Marine) at dinner. Friday and Saturday she was "dicey" and couldn't straighten up by late morning. After a little encouragement she went to the ER by Taxi, was going to walk the mile and was promptly attended to. She was given alot of IV fluids, pain medication, had an ultrasound then CT Scan. It was quickly decided that she had an appendix full of liquid and needed surgery that night or early in the am. The Trauma Surgeon called me and said they were able to get an OR that night(Sat. about 11) and took her. Her night care after surgery was not good- her IV was leaking and the nurse told her she needed to walk to the nursing station if she needed help...She apparently tried to get me about 4 am crying, but I didn't hear the phone under my pillow. Lucky for them. The rest of her caretakers were wonderful. I got in about 9:30 Sunday am and she was discharged Sunday afternoon. She recuperated at her hotel. She was amazing in what she did as far as walking went. Mainly she is dealing with fatique and bad bloating. I canot tell you how good it felt to touch her and watch over her. Thank you all for your support, calls and love. Ya'll really helped me thru a situation where I was so lost.
Love to you all!
Cathy

So Sad

2009-02-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

I am feeling so sad tonight. A family I know who adopted a sweet daughter from China, I found out thru a mutual friend, died yesterday. She was only 3 but knew a life of love for a year.
Please think of them for me with a thought to the heavens.
C

Peaceful Rest and Sweet Laughs

2009-02-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Breakfast and bridge with the folks this am then...Mom resting in our bed with a hot pack to her back, dad is getting his massage....
Michael McDonough receives 1st Reconciliation this Sat., Mark McDonough turns 6 the same day.
Kate graduates from West Point Saturday May 23rd. If you would honor us with your presence, please let me know, there will be a special lunch afterward and I need to make reservations for you. You of course will be our guest. She also has extra tickets to a special banquet the night before and we would be pleased to have you there.

Tough week

2009-02-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Had a service last night for Aunt Ruth, Mike spoke and was very sweet with his talk. Dad had a 2 for 1- Wallace's wife Virginia died the same day as Ruth. He went to Virginia's viewing(hate that term) first, me and mom eased in at the last half hour and met up with him for Ruth's. Jen sang so beautifully. I always just close my eyes and breathe her gift of voice in ...
Today had Mass at St. Francis...Mike spoke again. As Dad would say, I don't think you can get paid enough to do what he does. Jock and Jumbo were there. We visited after Mass for awhile. I love those guys. Jock told me about all of their animals. He told me he had to sell his mule. He told me why mules are much smarter than horses when I asked him why he would have a mule. He is his mom made over!
Dad called me early this afternoon to tell me he had another infection. He was on his way to the Dermatologist. I just spoke to him and he said they cultured it, put him on an antibiotic and Bactroban cream. I am so glad Mike is living there with them. I work all day tomorrow, then I will go check on him.
It is a cold wet day here. Home made applesauce and MaryAnn's pulled Pork per crock pot for dinner.

Jackson Seifert-Dygert

2009-01-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Introducing our newest family member! Welcome Jackson!

It is a new day Jackson and Barack!

2009-01-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

Wonderful, wonderful day! Just received news from Mark- Jackson was born and weighs 7-3, 18" long and according to Mark has all of his fingers and toes! The sweet dads are flying out tonight and will see him around midnight!
Oh happy day!!!!!!!!!
Cathy

Ruth

2009-01-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

Good morning!
Dad and I connected and he said that Kathleen shared news with him that Ruth has a tumor on her pancreas. Ruth is at St. V's and they are awaiting a consult.
Mark apparently called dad this am about some news.....I guess that is all I am at liberty to say, it is happy news.
Love,
C

2009-01-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Dad called me earlier to let me know that Kathleen Stack was taking Aunt Ruth to the hospital. Apparently she is "yellow". Don't know anything more...will update you when I hear anything. Mom is anxious- not forgetting that her sister is ill. Dad gave her a little wine. He is ok though.

C

PS Just so you all know, I have made a DVD for each of you (birthday presents for the year) of the old films Dad took when we were young. The quality is ok, the filming is wonderful.

FYI

2009-01-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Ya'll,
Thanks for your comments. You might find it easier to just click on "comments" at the end of the post and you can leave your thoughts.

Mom and dad came over last night for cards and dinner. They were fun and happy. Mom won 31 with "31" and also beat us in speed solitaire.

What a happy day tomorrow is!

2009-01-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

Spoke to dad this am, he was at Demetri's for breakfast with mom and their friends. She is doing better, on two antibiotics.
Having girlfriends over tonight for crop, homemade spaghetti and sauteed apples with caramel sauce. Yummmm.
Cold and drizzly here today.
Matt is settling in nicely. Good for us all.

Funny noises and small stresses.

2009-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Do you remember this photo taken at Homewood Park? I went over this am for breakfast and found a mildly stressed dad and sleeping mom. She had another eruption and I know he was picturing St. Vincent's in the very near future. We decided to call Dr. Norris' nurse- Linda who is an angel, I swear! She always meets their (my) needs expediently. She called in 2 antibiotics. He was relieved and we moved onto the next concern of the day which involved the funny sound coming from the heating vent. Dad agreed to call the Heating and Cooling company, they were there quickly and the guy said that the motor was basically fne, just aging if he could put up with sound. He is also getting about 50% efficiency with this 48 year old unit-unbelievable. So you see there are still some dinosaurs in the world.

Julie brought by wonderful mashed potatoes and pork chops that was swooning over! She is such a darling.

Time for Bed! Oh, one last note, I met Debbie Neeves at work in one of my clinic yesterday. She said to tell you hello Theresa!

Forgetting and Remembering

2009-01-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

We have had alot going on. Matt has moved back home and is going to school locally. He feels like it is a better ft, less people in classes, less temptations...

This to say because last week, I spoke to dad one evening, you know- just checking in and he asked how I was, plate full and that kind of concern. I told him we were really doing fine, sorting thru details. I asked him how he was; he hesitated and I asked him what was going on. He told me he hated to bother me with this but he had needed mom to sign something that day and once she had the pen in her hand, she couldn't write her name. Things just didn't connect. He then wrote her name and she was able to copy it.

He said that all this time that he had talked himself into believing that she just had dimentia...I told him I was fine with him sharing this and that the name of what she had really wasn't that important. You know what I mean...forgetting is forgetting. But I guess I was the one really wrong about this. It has been so important to him.

Tomorrow morning I will go over for breakfast.

Matt's Bell Palsy is resolving...Thanks for the thoughts and prayers!

I am traing for a 5K. All this has done for me is remind me how much I dislike running. I am also hard-headed(you didn't know this) and will see it thru.

Looking forward to seeing Mike!

C

Christmas Party at Healthsouth

2008-12-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday(Thursday) is the day I usually spend with mom. I have been working long days and had 2 appointments I needed to attend. However, Dad really wanted me to go with them to the party at Healthsouth, so I cancelled the one appointment and met them there. I was requested to bring a "$5" pie. This became Peppermint Brickle instead. The meal was delicious, or so they thought! One of the Middle Schools did a song and dance presentation that was delightful. Mom spent the afternoon with me. Dad went swimming. Mom went with me to a couple of stores, much rathering to stay in the car. She set off the car alarm while I went in the first store to grab some cooking chocolate, so then she accompanied me in. We went home and she was very concerned about where dad was, for hours. She was thinking I was keeping something from her because she could not imagine anyone swimming in this weather. I reassured her over and over. I also told her that I would never keep anything from her.
Dad joined us about 6 for dinner and a rowdy game of Speed Solitaire. Pat Morris and her 2 kids joined us for dinner and cards. My kitchen was a wreck, loud with laughter and confusion and I loved it. Abby, Pat's 13 year old, soon gave up on Solitaire and joined me in making Peppermint Brickle- alot of Peppermint Brickle. Like I have a 25 pound box of the white chocolate.
Mom kicked butt on the Solitaire, of course, as usual. This is a crazy illness.
On the way home at some point during the day we were talking about the poor, her thought was that we really don't know what poor is...
I put up a Christmas Light Tree on the front windows. You might remember Dad doing this in the past..That really takes a little talent- which I do not have!
Dad put up a Christmas Tree. They are coming out amidst the total chaos that I will have going on bagging up candy orders. They helped me last year and it was too much!! I have 5 teenagers coming over to help. Mom and dad (maybe really dad) love to get in the fray for a little while. Of course there will teenager food- pizza and soft drinks.
I will post photos of Thanksgiving and my Christmas party and charades, both of which mom and dad attended. Mom has not lost her touch!

Belly Laughter

2008-11-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

Boy, did we laugh alot tonight. Mom was pretty hyped up. She and dad went to Tria to pick up a fruit salad to bring for dinner. The salad is another story(have you ever seen watermelon, cantoloupe and pineapple with black beans and olives mixed all together?). Anyway Dad said there was a prayer service going on with local news stations filming when they went in. One of the gals who worked there has been missing for 2 weeks. Unfortunately Mom and Dad happened in on the whole deal. She was pretty upset about the sadness of the situation.
Anyway, we started playing 31 and Mom was so funny. She would clap her hands and make happy sounds when she was sure she had a good hand. And, yes she did win and have more than 1 31 hand. She was ribbing David and was so funny. Did I say she was funny? At one point, all of were laughing so hard we could hardly breathe.
Next we played Speed Scrabble. Dad can whip butt with his average score being over 100 each round. Amazing!
Before they left, I took her back to our room and gave her a massage. I think she would have gone to sleep if I had her back there for just a couple of more minutes.
Side note, Mr. Dominick died Friday morning.
Hope everyone is doing well.

For Better or Worse

2008-11-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

For better or worse

I went over for Dad's famous oatmeal this am, a nap with Mom and then lunch and cards. He showed me his knee- it is much better. He goes back to Dr. N. tomorrow. Before mom and I went for our siesta, Dad was telling me all the things he needed to do. He said he had to go to Sam's, the drugstore and somewhere else I don't remember... I offered to do one of the errands, he was insistent he was not sick and he could take care of it all. And so it goes...
After our rest, dad came in and we ate sandwiches, and played cards upon which mom whipped us soundly! Then we had a race to re-organize the decks and mom beat us again. This disease is the strangest! While we were "going on" mom had left the room...I asked Dad how he "did" it. He said"now Cathy, you know the part about for better and worse? Well this is the worse." He paused and then said- "you know we have been married for 55 years and she is such an angel." At this moment she she said "what?" and he said "you are an angel, aren't you?" She responded with her usual smile and said "if you say so"?
And so another lesson in loving...