A Little Help In The Kitchen

I think I have probably mentioned before how much I love my Kitchen Aid mixer. Mr. Lucas got if for me for Christmas several years back, best gift ever. This thing is awesome and indestructible. So, for my birthday this year Mr. Lucas gave me the pasta attachments, second best gift ever. 

There is nothing quite like homemade pasta. It melts in your mouth. 

I made whole wheat fettuccine. You mix the dough in your mixer. Once you have made the dough you divide it into several small balls that are fed through the lasagna attachment to flatten it all out. 

Once you have one nice long flat piece of pasta dough you run it through one of the pasta attachments that cuts the dough into the type of pasta you would like. My attachments make lasagna, fettuccine, or spaghetti.   

Then you add it to boiling water and it cooks really quickly! 

I made sun dried tomato pasta with Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Yum.

 I think I may be addicted to pasta making. I also made a lasagna from scratch which was so good. We ate it all before I could take any pictures. :)

Cheers! 

A Nice Warm Bowl Of Chicken Chili Soup For The Soul

I love Chili. Maybe it's a Texas thing. But, I love it, year round even. I decided to branch out a little and make a chicken chili this time. I usually use ground beef or ground turkey for a hearty chili. I've heard of chicken chili but honestly...it didn't really strike my fancy until, I saw a nice looking recipe in one of my South Beach Cookbooks. I changed one little thing and it turned out so yummy! It made enough to feed an army. So, I was able to freeze the left over (even after  I took some for my lunch the next day) to have next week. I need to get better at making a lot one night and freezing the rest for the following week. That would save me so much time and I am certain I would love myself for it later. Yeah, note to self...do that more often. Anyhoo, without further ado...

White Chipotle Chicken Chili

2 tablespoons evoo

3 medium onions, chopped

4 large garlic cloves, minced

2.5 lbs boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes (yeah, I don't get that technical, just chop it up and don't mind the measurement, it will be JUST fine.

1 tablespoon chipotle Chile powder (I used my Santa Fe School of Cooking red Chile powder)

4 teaspoons ground cumin

salt to taste

3 19oz cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

3 cups lower sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup fat free half and half

1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese (I used the most fantastic Vermont white cheddar from Trader Joe's)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, stir, and cook until soften, about 4-5 minutes.Push the onions to the side of the pan and add the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with the Chile powder, cumin, and salt. Cook, stirring, until most of the chicken is opaque on the outside, 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in 3 cups of beans and 2 cups of chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Partially cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 8 minutes. 

Meanwhile, is a food processor, combine the remaining beans and remaining 1 cup of broth. Process until a smooth puree.

Stir in the bean puree and half and half into the soup. Divide the soup among 4 bowls and serve hot sprinkled with cheese and cilantro. I also topped with a lime wedge.

Cheers!

Oh, P.S, I promise to start posting some crafty yarnie things soon. My hands have been full with my little pup. Somehow, I don't think she is going to allow me to spin yarn. But I am going to give it the old college try. I have been wanting to spin, I feel the urge, it will happen soon!

Getting Corny

I love corn and even better, I love corn bread. So, I find it only fitting to share with you this recipe that my sister gave me years ago. It is a recipe from a friend of hers. My sister served this corn bread at her wedding along with pumpkin soup and it was to die for. I could go for some pumpkin soup right about now.

Yummy Corn Bread

1 c corn meal

1 c whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

2 tsp baking power

2 tsp baking soda

2 eggs

1 can cream corn

1 c milk

1/2 c canola oil

1-2 tbsp honey

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Before mixing together, measure 2 tbsp oil in 10 inch cast iron skillet (must use a cast iron skillet because it makes a huge difference). Then, put in oven to heat up for about 5-10 min. Sift together first 5 ingredients. Seperately beat eggs, add oil, milk, honey, and cream corn. Add liquid ingredients to dry mixing quickly and thourouly.  Pour into the preheated pan. Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes.

If you wanted to change it up try adding sharp cheddar cheese with jalapeños for a kick. I may even add a little rosemary next time too.

Cheers!

Getting Fancy In The Kitchen...Sort Of

I often find myself cooking the same things over and over again becuase I know how to make them, have mastered the recipe, and know exactly the amount of time it will take to make it. I opt for the least amount of time always. Now, I have been trying to broaden my horizons a bit and will branch out to make something out of the comfort zone. So, I went with Apple and Rosemary Pork Roulade from Cooking Light. I love cooking light because not only are the recipes amazeballs they are well put together and you are given the exact amount of time it will take to prepare and cook. What I love even more about Cooking Light is that I now can download it to my iPad. For some reason, reading a magazine is so much more fun on the iPad. This was fun becaue I have never "butterflied" anything, much less stuffed it with yummy goodness. So folks, I give you my first attempt!

Make it if you are a carnevor. It is pretty nice and very conducive to the Fall food category. :)

Impromptu Pigs

So, Sundays around the Lucas house hold consist primarily of football. I, however, do not partake in this event. I have learned that I do not speak in the living room while football is on and walking in front of the TV is forbidden. I have also learned that when bad words are spoken they are not directed at me. Rather, only directed at the TV station and the computer station where the fantasy football is monitored regularly throghout the day. I have learned to carry on my day with no question. I have learned that I am free to do whatever I see fit on Sunday, as long as I do not disturb the system of manhood in the living room. I am okay with that. I have also learned that the man being in the living room will eat pretty much anything I feed it since it does not get off the couch at all during this sacred time.

As I was chatting with my sis via skype, she suggested that pigs in a blanket fair well as a nice sporty appitizer. I didn't really have the makings for it...so I thought. No little smokies and not the proper ingredients to make a nice dough. But, alas, I discovered I did have some turkey kielbasa and some grands biscuits. The man beings tastebuds will likely respond to this! I just cut the turkey keilbasa down to somewhat of a little smokey size, added some great cheese from Trader Joe's and wrapped those suckers up with the buiscuit dough and there you have it. Impromptu pigs in a blanket. That equals a happy manhood system in the living room.

Cheers!

Yummy Lunch Wonderful Weather

Finally! Texas has cooled off! I am doing my happy dance now. Plus, not only has it cooled off it has been rainy as well. Cool rainy weather...I couldn't ask for more! This kind of weather makes me motivated to be a bit more creative...in the craft room and the kitchen! So, I perused my new issue of cooking light and found a great recipe for Italian sausage hoagies. It was delish and plenty was left over for dinner so I didn't have to cook twice in one day. I also spray painted my front porch furniture. I love it so far. I have a few more things to do before I post pictures. Living the good life today folks. 

Cheers! 

A Girl And Her Grill

It's hot here in Texas right now and I don't like to be hot (and still dream about moving to the Pacific Northwest). So, in order to keep things nice and cool inside my house I cook outside so I don't have to turn the oven on. I absolutely love to grill. I'm not saying I'm a pro at it but I have fun when I do it. My first grill I purchased several years ago. Unfortunately...it got a little rusty which I am not certain is the safest to grill on. I am still on vacation..my last day...so to help cope with that I decided it was time to move on. Out with the old and in with the new...Infrared Grill is where its at! 

Mr. Lucas LOVES when I purchase things that take hours to put together...I am sure you sense my sarcasm here right? But, no matter what project I have him piecing together he always does it for me willingly and does a mighty fine job I might add! I'm a lucky gal.

I present, my new infrared grill! 

I have been very interested in grilling pizzas. Now, I have the proper grilling equipment so that is exactly what I did. 

I made whole wheat pizza dough in the bread oven. It is a very simple recipe and the bread machine does all the work. 

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe:

1 1/3 cups water

2 tablespoons olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all purpose flour

3 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons yeast

finely chopped garlic (as much as you want)

Put all the ingredients in that order making sure to put the liquids in first. When you add the yeast make a "well" with your finger in the center of the flour (making sure not to breakthrough to the liquid) and add the yeast in the well. It mixes better that way. Then, put your machine on the proper dough setting.

Once my dough was done I divided it into 3 parts and rolled out to make individual sized pizzas. You can make one big pizza or several small ones.

 

 I coated the dough with an olive oil and garlic salt mixture.

 

Place on the grill. I cooked 2 minutes per side. Infrared grills cook a few minutes faster so if you have charcoal or a regular propane grill you may need to cook longer. You don't want the dough to be fully cooked at this point because you need to put your toppings on then place back on the grill for a few more minutes to complete cooking.

You have to be quick when cooking the dough/pizza so its good to go ahead and have all your toppings outside with you. Once the dough is almost done, take it off the grill and add your toppings. I made a mozzarella, garlic pesto pizza; veggie pizza (I sauteed the veggies prior to cooking the dough) with goat cheese, and pepperoni herb pizza. If you want sausage or anything else that needs cooking, do that prior so you can have it ready to go. I also had my citronella candle burning to keep those pesky mosquitoes away! 

There you go, that's it! The pizzas are so much fun to make, super easy, and super yummy! It is amazing how different the dough tastes when its grilled. It has a great flavor!

 

Cheers!

Lovin' Leftovers

I really do enjoy cooking, but I have to admit, during the weekday after I have worked all day I get a bit lazy at it. I tend to make the same, oh...10-12 different recopies over and over again. I do this because I know the recipes by heart and I don't really have to think about it, I can just toss it all together. I do like to plan ahead and make at least one dish that we can use as left overs the next day. Meatloaf is one of those dishes that makes a lot and we can just heat it up the next evening for a quick and easy meal. The thing I love most about meatloaf, is making the leftover loaf into a meatloaf sandwich! Super easy and very tasty! Plus, I still had the wheat bread loaf I made this past weekend. So, here you go.

Butter your bread. I like to use Smart Balance butter...Mr. Lucas prefers otherwise. But since I do the grocery shopping, I win. Then sprinkle with garlic salt. 

Put one slice of bread, butter side down, on the preheated panini grill. Then add cheese of your choice. I used mozzarella. 

I warmed up my meatloaf  first and then placed it on the bread.

Add the condiment of your choice. I used mayo and Mr. Lucas likes ketchup.

Place the second slice of bread, butter side up, on top.

Close the grill and let it get to cooking!

Just a few minutes later, meatloaf sandwich! 

Cheers! 

Top O' The Mornin' To Ya!

Happy St. Patty's day! Mr. Lucas was feeling the love of his heritage this morning so he made breakfast. This my friends, is a rare occurrence. You see, he claims he cannot cook but, I think I know better. I think that he can cook but doesn't want to start doing it because then I may ask him to make dinner more often! He is very mathematical and I keep telling him cooking IS math. You measure the ingredients and throw them together. Even the temperature you cook at is mathematical. I don't think he is quite convinced. I am cutting him a break since he is in school. He graduates in May and will have an enormous amount of free time on his hands. What he doesn't know is when he has all this free time, I will be teaching him how to cook. But, for now, I will settle for a fried egg on top of a piece of toast. It was quite yummy! 

Cheers! 

Tyler Florence, You Are Tha BOMB!

Jeff wanted fajitas for dinner. I thought that was a great idea because I love fajitas! I wanted to try a new way to make fajitas than my dull usual way. So, I perused the Cooking Channel website (I love Chuck Hughes by the way. Couldn't resist adding that in). I found a fantastic recipe but, at the time I had no idea how fantastic it really would be. I mean, man, these fajitas were better than any I have had in a restaurant and that's the truth! Make this recipe! It is a recipe by Tyler Florence, he is pretty awesome too. Yum!

Cheers!

A Nice Little Snow Day Here In Funky Town

The first snow of our winter season has arrived. It is not often that it snows in Texas.  When it does, I love it. Everything seems so peaceful.  I drank my coffee and looked out the window for quite some time watching the huge snowflakes fall from the sky. Then, I realized that my 2 gardens were exposed and I was not at all prepared for this freezing weather! So, I hurriedly put on my winter gear and my rain boots and covered all my plants.  This is actually the first time that I have worn my rain boots. I got them for Victoria but since my luggage was already packed to its fullest, I had to leave them behind.

 Since it was rather wintry outside I felt like having comfort food for dinner. So, I cooked up a new recipe that came in my cooking light magazine this month. It is a little different, but so good! I present, Beef Tagine with Butternut Squash!

Oh, I have also been holding out on you guys. I CAN"T believe that I have not posted a picture of my very own hand carded and hand spun yarn! So, for the big reveal, here it is!

Now, for the hard part, what do I knit with it?  I was able to spin about 100 yards but it is very thin and delicate. I am thinking I need to make something dainty with it. It definitely has a dainty vibe to it.

I am afraid I may be withdrawn from blogging for a week or so. I have plans to paint my living room. Oh, it is a drab and dreary dark green. What on earth was I thinking in the first place for painting it that color to begin with? Well, I am on a mission this year to get every room painted and freshened up! So, I begin with the living room!

Cheers and Happy Winter!

Rah Rah TCU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Alma Mater just one the Rose Bowl! Wahooo!!!!!!!!

I grew up living less than a mile from TCU and going to the football games at Amon Carter Stadium. Then, one day I actually went to school there and got my first degree in Social Work. I am so proud of my Alma Mater! Just a friendly little shout out to the Frogs!

OK, back on track. Happy New Year everyone!  This morning to kick the new year off I made a breakfast pull-apart bread.  A co-worker brought this one day at work and it was so good! Then I found out how easy it was to make. Oh, and it was a good as I remembered.

First you cut up onions and bells.

Then while your onions an peps are cooking you take 3 cans of Grands biscuits.....

And chop into fourths...

This recipe calls for 2 pounds of bacon. Now, I do love some bacon but 2 pounds of bacon seems a bit ridiculous and a heart attack waiting to happen. So I fried up 2 ounces of bacon and also chopped up some turkey sausage. Not that the sausage actually had to be turkey, but, I do tend to eat healthy regardless of what what this post looks like and typically have turkey sausage on hand for breakfast on the weekends. But, anyhow, I guess what I am trying to say is, I fried up bacon and turkey sausage and mixed it together.

Then I took each biscuit and dipped it into melted butter. 

Yeah I know, Paula Deen should be on hand but she is at the Rose Bowl! 

I put one layer of biscuits, one layer of bacon and sausage, one later of onions and bells, and one layer of cheese, into a bunt pan. 

I repeated and ended with a layer of biscuits on top.

I popped it in the oven at 350 for about 30 minutes but that really was not long enough. I would crank this up to 375 for at least 45 minutes or so. Just keep an eye on it so it does not brown on top. I actually placed a piece of foil on top for the last 30 minutes. 

 It turned out perfectly!

We pulled it apart and then.............

Ate it up with a bit of New Year Mimosas! 

Then, after we ate, I chilled out all day and knitted up my Victoria yarn and watched the Rose Bowl. I also learned how to card wool but I will post about that tomorrow! Until then!

Cheers and Happy New Year! 

Tuesday In Tularosa

This morning, I got up, made myself a little “great start” breakfast, and sat out on the deck. I think sitting on the deck has been my favorite part so far on this vacation. The weather is beautiful and you can’t beat this view!!

Jeff and I found a gas station and “cocktail lounge” called Club Gas, never heard of such a thing. But, you can also get vodka shots at the gas station and this is still all too new to me. In Texas, can’t buy liquor on Sunday or after 9pm on every other day.

They also have really neat flowers here called Red Hot Pokers. I want to go to the local nursery to pick up some to plant at home.

Later this afternoon we drove to Tularosa and went to the Tularosa Vineyards for a little wine tasting. Jeff and I picked up a bottle of Sangiovese.

They have a winery mascot. He was the biggest yet sweetest dog I have ever met. Apparently he is 6 years old and has grown up on the winery.

On Monday we also went to the Relleno Bros Winery for a tasting and Jeff and I picked up Dolcetto del Cielo. So, I guess you could say we are having really good luck with finding wineries. The unfortunate truth is that there are absolutely no knitting or fiber stores in this area of New Mexico! I am very disappointed. So, I took my disappointment and spun with it…..with a little roving I brought up here. Good darn thing I did!

Okay, back to the Tularosa trip…I am getting a little out of order here. After the wine tasting we went to the Three Rivers Petroglyph site. My dad kept calling them, Pyroglyphs, ha!

It was about a one mile hike up a rocky cliff and the view was amazing on the way up.

We saw some really interesting petroglyphs.

After our afternoon hike, we stopped in at the Three Rivers Trading Post. Jeff and I talked with a nice Native American who told us about his Grandpa Four Bears and the traditions of his tribe, which goes back to the leather birds.


After our little mini day trip, we all headed back to the house and I cooked red trout, asparagus, and roasted sweet potatoes. We also had a little of that wine we got from the winery!

Cheers!