Another recipe....

Here's another recipe that I tried last night. My youngest daughter said it was one of her favorites so far



Japanese Steak Rolls

Makes 16 Steak Rolls
Total TIme: 45 minutes with Rice

1 lb. flank steak, trimmed
16 8" -asparagus spears trimmed
16 8" -pieces scallion, trimmed
6 T. seasoned rice vinegar
6 T. low-sodium soy sauce
4 t. sugar
1 T. toasted sesame oil

Slice flank steak across the frain into 16 strips, 1/4-1/2" thick. Pound each to about 1/8" thick and season with salt and pepper.


Place one asparagus spear and one scallion across the short end of a strip of beef. Roll beef around veggies and secure with a toothpick. Place on a shallow baking pan in a single layer; roll remaining beef and veggies. Combine remaining ingredients, pour over beef, and marinate 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare Garlic Lime Rice.
Preheat broiler to high.



Broil steak rolls 5 minutes. Remove from pan, tent with foil to keep warm., and strain marinade into small saucepan. Remove toothpicks from steak rolls before serving.

Boil marinade until syrupy, about 5 minutes. Spoon glaze over each serving.

Garlic Lime Rice

Makes 2 cups
Total Time: 25 minutes

1 T. olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
2 T. fresh lime juice
1 t. kosher salt
2 T. minced fresh cilantro
2 t. lime zest, minced.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high. Add garlic; saute 3 min., or until golden brown. Stir in rice; saute 2 min.

Add water, lime juice, and salt; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, or until water is absorbed.

Stir in cilantro and lime zest.

A new recipe, a new drink, fresh veggies/fruit, and some scrapping too!

Well my friend Dina came over on Friday and we scrapped, sort of. You see we always take forever to get down and dirty. First, we talk about our day or whatever then we decide what the drink of the night will be and we decided on a Vodka Americano. This drink is yummy it has Starbucks Coffee Liqueur and Absolut Vanilla Vodka. Shake and strain into a martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans. Here's a pic and a bit more info.


Caffeine Content:
One ounce of Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur has approximately 34 mg. of caffeine, which is what you would find in about 1/6 of a 12oz cup of brewed Starbucks® coffee. Please note: the caffeine in this liqueur does not counteract the effects of alcohol. Please drink responsibly."

I actually made this last night and it was very good. Richard didn't like the texture of the mushrooms too much and that's probably because I didn't use Porcini mushrooms. Although, Richard, Lauren and I thought it had a very good flavor. I will be making this again! :o)

Here are some pics and the recipe:







**Chicken With Porcini Mushrooms**
1 oz. dried porcini mushrooms
1/2 cup warm water
***
1 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 1/2 to 3 lb. meaty chicken pieces (skinned, if desired)
***
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
***
Polenta* (optional) I made mashed potatoes

1. Rinse and drain dried mushrooms. Soak mushrooms in the warm water for 20-30 minutes. Drain mushrooms, reserving liquid. Coarsely chop mushrooms; set aside.

2. In a 12-inch skillet heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes or till browned on all sides (add more oil, if necessary).

3. Carefully add the white wine, salt, pepper to skillet. Simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or till most of the wine is evaporated. Add the chopped tomatoes and mushrooms. Slowly add reserved mushroom liquid.

4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or till chicken is tender and no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a warmed platter.

5. For sauce, skim fat from mixture in skillet. Bring mixture to boiling. Boil 5 minutes or till of desired consistency. Pour over chicken. If desired serve with polenta and sliced tomatoes sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and fresh herb. Makes 4 main dish servings.

Nutrition facts per serving: 423 cal., 22 g total fat (7g sat. fat), 137 mg chol., 414 mg sodium, 7 g carbo., 1 g fiber, 43 g pro.
Daily values: 9% vit. A, 9% vit. C, 2% calcium, 14% iron.

~Better Homes and Gardens Annual Recipes 1996~

I went out to the veggie/fruit garden yesterday and boy was I surprised to see the strawberries still producing. Richard and Lauren planted the carrots a while ago and I have to say there is nothing like eating a carrot that has just been pulled.


And here's a peek of my mini book.






Well of to fold clothes then I need to hit the eliptical trainer!! TTFN...

Remember...

those who died on 9/11 and their families.

Let us not forget those who are fighting right now to keep our country safe.

Just for fun! Got this from here

Found this here:

1) Are your parents married or divorced?
Married

2) Vegetarian?
Not a possibility...I tired once

3) Heaven?
Yes

4) Come close to dying?
No

5) What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
My diamond stud earrings

6) Are you eating?
Surprisingly no

7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
Yes

8) Makeup?
Normally yes...the last two days no

9) Were you usually the dumper or the dumpee in your past relationships?
Both ways I guess

10) Would you ever have plastic surgery?
Never say never...let's all think 20 years ahead....

11) What do you wear to bed?
Mostly t-shirt or tank top

12) Have you ever done anything illegal?
Yes

13) Can you roll your tongue?
Yes

14) Pluck your eyebrows?
Yes

15) What kind of watch(es) do you wear:
Rolex

16) Abortion?
It depends on the situation and I certainly wouldn't want anyone telling my daughter's what is best for them

17) Hair color?
Brown

18) Future child's name?
Well if a miracle happened and I had a daughter her name would be Isabella if I had a son his name would be Anthony Joseph and we would call him AJ

19) Do you snore?
Maybe...don't know I'm sleeping and the dh doesn't complain

20) If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation?
Italy

21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
No

22) If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Buy my husband something really nice

23) Gold or silver?
Platinum

24) Hamburger or hot dog?
Burger

25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Duck confit from Napa Rose

26) Beach, city, or country?
Beach

27) Who was the last person you touched?
Husband...we kissed when he left for work

28) Where do you eat?
Family room

29) When's the last time you cried?
I don't remember...I guess that's a good thing

30) Have you loved somebody so much it makes you cry?
My family

31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?
No

32) Ever been involved with the police?
Yes

33)Believe in Santa Claus?
No

34) Do you talk in your sleep?
Yes, I crack up too I mean belly rolling laughs

35) Beach or pool?
Beach

36) Can you cross your eyes?
Yes

37) What's your favorite song at the moment?
Song Beneathe the Song By Maria Taylor (it's at the bottom of my playlist cause I can't get it to move up)

38) Window seat or aisle?
Aisle, I hate to feel confined

39) Ever met any famous bands/singers?
Yes, Eddie Vedder, Ice-T,...my husband always runs into famous people while travelling

40) Do you feel that you've ever had a truly successful relationship?
Yes, I mean not perfect but successful, yes

41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Twirl

42) Rickie Lake or Oprah Winfrey?
Oprah

43) Would you ever admit to having done plastic surgery of any kind if confronted?
Yes

44) How long does your shower last?
I'm ashamed to say it but about 15 minutes

45) Do you drive a stick?
No

46) Cake or ice cream?
Cake

47) Self-conscious?
Not really

48) What time do you get up?
6:30AM

49) Have you ever given money to a bum?
Yes

50) When was your first crush?
Gosh...maybe in the 6th grade...

51) Where do you wish you were?
Italy

52) Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Yes

53) Ever been given a ring?
Yes

54) Longest relationship?
20 years and still going strong

55) Last gift you received:
Pink Oyster Shell Rolex


56) Last sport you played?
Soccer

57) Things you spend a lot of money on?
Handbags and scrap supplies (just a small section of purses in my closet)



58) Where do you live?
The Garlic Capital of the World

59) High school you attend(ed):
Leigh High

60) Last wedding attended:
My best friends wedding...so fun!

61) Favorite fast food restaurant:
El Pollo Loco/Panda

62) Where do you work:
At home

63) Can you cook?
Yes, not like my mom though

64) Most hated food:
Duck feet

65) Can you sing?
No

66) Last concert attended:
Aly & AJ




67) Last kiss?
This morning

68) Favorite Alcoholic drink:
Martini/a nice glass of red wine


69) Current crush?
David Beckham...I love soccer and well he's hot!

Busy weekend

I am so exhausted but in a good way, here's the run down:

Saturday~ Our daughter had a soccer game at 9:00 am. Our team won 1-0 and let's just say that the other team was brutal. I mean one of the girls on the other team basically elbowed one of our girls on purpose in the back of the head. NOT COOL!!!! Of course she threw the elbow after the play was made and the referee was not looking.

We hosted a party for the soccer team and we had nice time. It was a little hot but we got to use our new fan/mister everyone loved it you can see it here I think we might get another one for the other end of the patio.

Sunday~ Lauren had a friend over and they swam and played until they just pooped out! While they swam I balanced the check book and read up a little on the new camera we just got with our American Express Reward Points.

Later in the day my husband and I went to a wine & dinner paring. Let's just say we had fun.

Here are a few pictures I took with the new camera Auto Mode until I get the hang of it.






P.S. Dina I have been trying to update my music list but they are having trouble with the site so check in later.

Go Toros!!!

We participated in the Wine Country Classic Soccer Tournament this weekend and what an awesome soccer experience we had. We won 1st Place!!!! Our girls did a wonderful job and were very dedicated and skilled to say the least. They pushed themselves when I know they wanted to stop, we had a total of four games in two days. The weather was nice but a little warm in the later afternoon games. We were the youngest team by 1-2years and we only had one sub. The other girls were 13-14 years old and had anywhere from 4-6 subs. All of our games were shutouts. Our Lauren scored a goal and assisted in another! We are very proud of her as it has taken a little time for her to adjust to her new team and position. This is a competition level team (Division I Select) and it was a drastic step up from her Division III Competitive team.

P.S. They also won 1st Place in the tournament before this one only someone accidentally took the 1st place trophy's home with them so we watched as the 2nd place team got their trophy's. Not to worry though we got the trophy's and will hand them out at our soccer party this weekend that will be held in our home.
Go Toros!!!!!!

Not the greatest pictures but better than nothing at all.