Asian Turkey Burgers

Asian Turkey Burgers

Serves 4.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!!

We really enjoyed these -- a great change of pace.

Source: The Grilling Bible cookbook

1 lb. ground turkey

1-1/3 c. French fried onions, divided

1 egg

1/2 c. finely chopped water chestnuts

1/4 c. dry bread crumbs

3 T. Oriental stir-fry sauce or teriyaki baste & glaze sauce

1 T. hot sauce

2 t. grated fresh ginger or 1/2 t. ground ginger

4 sandwich buns

Shredded lettuce, tomato, onion

Combine turkey, 1 c. French fried onions, egg, water chestnuts, bread crumbs, stir-fry sauce, hot sauce, and ginger in a large bowl. Shape into 4 patties.

Grill patties over medium coals 10 minutes or until no longer pink in the center, turning once. Serve on buns. Top with remaining 1/3 c. onions, as well as lettuce, tomato, and onion, if desired.

A Note From The Little Lady: We found this tasted good with additional stir-fry sauce (just a little!) on the bun, taking the place of ketchup's traditional role.

The Time it Takes to Fall

The Time it Takes to Fall by Margaret Lazarus Dean

I usually research my book choices and then request them online via the library's website.  But this one I randomy picked up after spotting it in the "librarian's picks" section.  I didn't know what to expect, but it was great! Got me interested in researching the Challenger disaster...


Booklist review from Amazon.com:

Dean's thoughtful debut novel revolves around the uncertainties of the 1980s space-shuttle program, and the effects on one Florida family. At 12, Dolores Gray dreams of becoming an astronaut, following in the footsteps of her idol, Judith Resnick, not an unrealistic goal for a "gifted and talented" student whose father is a NASA technician. But he is one of many NASA employees laid off that year, and this is the catalyst that catapults the family into a downward spiral. Dolores' mother goes back to work and becomes more and more distant from her family, eventually leaving, to "sort things out," as her father explains. Dolores skips classes, starts smoking, and abandons old friends, changes in her behavior her father does not notice. When the Challenger disaster occurs, all of these problems are exacerbated, with the addition of Dolores' constant worrying about her father's job. In spite of a few too many loose ends and unexplained incidents, this is an intriguing look at some previously unexplored repercussions of a historic event.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes

Makes about 8 sandwiches.

Sloppy Joes are easy and fast.  Kids like them; adults like them.  These specifically remind me of my friend, Stacey, who in high school would request these from my mom!

Source: my mom

1-1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 large bottle Open Pit barbeque sauce

1 onion, diced

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large saucepan, brown ground beef and diced onions.  Cook until beef is cooked through and onions are tender, removing excess grease as you go.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add bottle of Open Pit BBQ sauce and stir to combine.  Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes (or longer) on the stovetop so that the flavors can combine.  Serve on hamburger buns.

A Note From The Little Lady: You could easily prepare this and then place it in a crockpot for easy serving during a party.

Magnum Ice Cream Bars

Magnum Ice Cream Bars

As a Foodbuzz Tastemaker, I've had the priviledge of trying out Magnum Ice Cream Bars.  I chose the Magnum Double Caramel, which is "silky vanilla bean ice cream enrobed in a luscious chocolately coating, rich caramel sauce and thick Belgian milk chocolate."

A little disappointing that there's only 3 in a box.  Makes for a semi-expensive treat.  They are, however, bigger than I expected:

Here it is out of its wrapper:

And after the first bite, the review is that it's terrific!  The caramel makes it for sure:

The Lake of Dreams

The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards

There is a lot going on in this book. The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking to myself, "I think I would pick up a lot of extra details if I opted to read this book a second, or even third, time." The story line seemed a little forced at times, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

Publisher's Weekly review on Amazon.com:

Bestseller Edwards's much anticipated second novel may disappoint fans of her first, The Memory Keeper's Daughter. When Lucy Jarrett returns to her childhood home in Lake of Dreams, N.Y., she learns that her brother, Blake, who's gone into the family business, and his girlfriend hope to drain a controversial marsh to construct a high-end property. Meanwhile, Lucy, who remains haunted by her father's death in a fishing accident years earlier, reconnects with her first boyfriend, Keegan Fall, now a successful glass artist. But when she sees something familiar in the pattern of one of his pieces, and discovers a hidden note in her childhood home, Lucy finally digs into her family's mysterious past. Unfortunately, the lazy expository handling of information mutes the intrigue, and readers will see the reignited spark between Keegan and Lucy coming for miles. All loose ends eventually come together with formulaic ease to rock the family boat. Edwards is at her best when highlighting the strain between her characters. (Jan.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka

Serves 4.

Here's a recipe for Tandoori-style grilled chicken. If you like the flavor of buffalo chicken, you'll love this!
Slightly adapted from: The Grilling Bible cookbook

4 chicken breasts (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1 c. plain yogurt
1/4 c. Frank's RedHot Original cayenne pepper sauce
1-1/2 t. ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 t. paprika
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. salt
1/2 t. ground coriander

Place chicken in a resealable plastic food storage bag or a large glass bowl with a lid. Combine yogurt, hot sauce, ginger, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and coriander in a small bowl; mix well. Pour over chicken breasts, turning pieces to cook evenly. Seal bags or cover bowl and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour or overnight.

Place chicken on an oiled grill. Grill over medium until chicken is no longer pink, about 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Serve warm.

Strawberry Pie

Strawberry Pie

Serves 8.

Before she went to her eternal home, my wonderful and beautiful grandmother, Mimo, gave me some of her cookbooks. All of them I treasure because of who they came from, but a few of them I treasure even more because of their age and appearance. I found this recipe in a compilation cookbook published in 1948 in the same area my great-great-grandfather, Mimo's dad, built the summer cottage at Atwood Lake we continue to use and cherish today.
Slightly adapted from: Out of Tuscarawas County Kitchens cookbook

Crust recipe: Mimo

Crust:

1-1/2 sticks butter

1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour

3 T. sugar

Filling:

1 qt. fresh strawberries (I used 1-1/2 quarts)
1 c. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 T. butter

Topping:

1 c. whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make pie crust by melting butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. Add sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in flour until well combined. Press into a pie plate. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Cut 1/2 of strawberries in 1/2" pieces. Cut the remainer in half only. In a medium saucepan, cook diced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and butter over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add remaining halved strawberries to saucepan and stir to combine.

Pour strawberry mixture into baked pie crust. Chill for at least 6 hours, or until set. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream upon serving.

A Note From The Little Lady: The pie crust is Mimo's recipe and, in my opinion, really makes this pie. It's not hard and you'll get rave reviews, so don't skimp and use a store-bought crust!

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I finally gave in to the trend of reading The Hunger Games trilogy and, as expected, was hooked about 1/3 of the way in. I'm patiently awaiting book #2 from the library wait-list, so I'm not as addicted as some readers, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next books. This is a young adult book, so it's a quick read. I've heard a movie is in the works. I'm curious how that's going to work, due to the graphic nature of the book, but we'll see...

School Library Journal review from Amazon.com:

Grade 7 Up -In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like 'Survivor' and 'American Gladiator.' Book one of a planned trilogy.

Cheesy Enchilada Stack

Cheesy Enchilada Stack

Serves 3.

Oops - horrble phone picture. Good news is that it tastes good!
Slightly adapted from: AllRecipes.com

3 flour tortillas
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 small onion, chopped
1/2 can enchilada sauce
1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium high heat until beef is evenly browned and onion is tender. Remove from heat and stir in enchilada sauce.

Spray a pie plate or round cake pan with non-stick spray and place 1 tortilla in the bottom. Spread with 1/2 can of refried beans. Top with 1/2 of the ground beef mixture, 1/2 of the diced green chiles and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Repeat with another tortilla, beans, beef, green chiles, and cheese. Top with final tortilla and sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired.

Cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

A Note From The Little Lady: If you prepare this ahead of time and refrigerate, increase cooking time to 40-50 minutes. If you prepare ahead of time and freeze, thaw in refrigerator overnight and increase cooking time to 60 minutes.

Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen.

Yum! Densely chocolately, soft, and scrumptious. Be sure not to overbake!

Source: Best-Loved Cookies cookbook

2-1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/3 c. cocoa

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 c. butter or margarine, softened (2 sticks)

3/4 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. packed light brown sugar (I used dark brown and it worked equally well)

1 t. vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl on medium speed until creamy. Add eggs; beat well.

Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8-9 minutes or until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

The Blue Bistro

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Planning a vacation? Go get this book and pack it in your bags right now. It's the perfect beach read. The setting is Nantucket Island, the main character works in a bustling, "to-be-seen" restaurant, and all the restaurant's guests are wealthy vacationers living the high life. It's got more depth than some stereotypical beach reads, but still light enough to keep you carefree on your vacation. My only disappointment? I wish the ending could've been a little brighter.

Publishers Weekly review from Amazon.com:

The pricey, popular bistro of the title is the real star of Hilderbrand's fourth novel set on Nantucket. After years of hotel employ, peripatetic Adrienne Dealey, 28, lands her first restaurant job within hours of disembarking on the bucolic Massachusetts island. She's got a lot of learning to do as assistant to co-owner Thatcher Smith. Adrienne's soon attracted to the handsome Thatcher, and he seems to return her feelings. But just what is his relationship with his partner, the famous, utterly reclusive chef Fiona "Fee" Kemp? And why will no one talk about her? Hilderbrand specializes in beach reading (Summer People; The Beach Club); the plot doesn't go too far beyond standard romance and the characters don't reach beyond the conventional (though Adrienne does drink a bit more than the average heroine). But the complexities of running a bustling, ambitious restaurant in a summer hotspot are absorbing, and as Adrienne develops survival techniques with the customers and staff, readers follow her progress with genuine interest. Though the romance is a bit tepid and a subplot involving Adrienne's father's new girlfriend doesn't add much excitement, this is still a perfectly enjoyable beach book.

Two Easy Subs to Freeze

I keep these subs in the freezer for an ultra-quick dinner, spontaneous picnic, or, most often, weekend lunches for The Mister.

Italian Sub

6 hoagie buns

1/2 lb. Pastrami deli meat

1/2 lb. smoked ham deli meat

1/4 lb. Genoa salami deli meat

1/4 lb. sliced Provolone cheese (12 slices)

Creamy Italian salad dressing

banana pepper rings

Split hoagie buns and assemble sandwiches, distributing meats and cheese evenly among the buns. Add creamy Italian dressing and banana pepper rings, and top with other half of bun. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; freeze. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in refrigerator overnight, or defrost in microwave for immediate consumption.

Buffalo Chicken Sub

6 hoagie buns

1 lb. Buffalo chicken deli meat

1/4 lb. sliced Provolone cheese (12 slices)

Buffalo sauce/marinade

Split hoagie buns and assemble sandwiches, distributing meat and cheese evenly among the buns. Add some Buffalo sauce and top with other half of bun. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; freeze. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in refrigerator overnight, or defrost in microwave for immediate consumption.

Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy Potatoes

Serves about 20-24.

Ahh yes, Cheesy Potato Season has pretty much arrived. You know... backyard barbeques, family cookouts, potlucks with friends. Cheesy Potatoes often make an appearance, they're always devoured, and guests never tire of seeing them on the spread.

I have failed you by not offering a photo of the wondrous, cheesy middle... I apologize for that.

Source: My mom

2 lbs. frozen hash browns, thawed

1 pt. sour cream

1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 c.)

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz. package)

1 t. salt

3/4 c. melted butter (1-1/2 sticks)

2 c. Corn Flakes, slightly crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together besides butter and Corn Flakes; combine well. Transfer potato mixture to a 13x9 baking dish. Top with Corn Flakes and melted butter. Bake for 1 hour.

Happy Ever After

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

We finally arrive at book 4 in the Bridal Quartet by Nora Roberts. The first three, in case you're interested, are Vision in White, Bed of Roses, and Savor the Moment. This final book focuses on Mac, the organized wedding planner of the girls. Her focus on progress and accomplishments has driven her away from commitments in the past, but she keeps getting drawn back to one guy in particular. Of the four books, this was probably my least favorite -- a little too predictable and cheesy (although they all have the cheese-factor to a certain extent!), but how could I not complete the series?? If you're an avid reader and planning a wedding, aim to read the whole quartet -- you will enjoy the content, you won't be burdened by the length or difficulty, and, who knows? You may even pick up some new ideas!

Booklist review from Amazon.com:

As wedding planner for Vows, Parker Brown manages to make every wedding the perfect day for her clients. From demanding brides to feuding guests to last-minute menu changes, Parker can handle anything and anyone with aplomb. Nothing and no one rattles her, until Malcomb Kavanaugh unexpectedly kisses her one day after helping her fix a flat tire. At first, Parker dismisses the kiss as just another twist to Malcomb’s always flirtatious nature, but as it turns out, the sexy auto mechanic really is interested in starting something with Parker. Somehow, though, the whole idea of a serious romantic relationship with Malcomb is enough to rattle her. Roberts, the reigning Queen of Romance, brings her Bride Quartet series to a splendidly satisfying conclusion with another deliciously sexy and delightfully humorous contemporary romance that perfectly celebrates the importance of love, friendship, and family in any woman’s life. --John Charles

Peanut Butter Chewies

Peanut Butter Chewies

Makes about 4 dozen.

Appropriately named, these cookies are chewier than your typical peanut butter cookie. Personally, I like the addition of the chocolate chips, but do whichever you prefer!

Source: Best-Loved Cookies cookbook

1 Butter Flavor Crisco stick or 1 Butter Flavor Crisco all-vegetable shortening

1-1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

1-1/2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar

2 eggs

1 can (14-oz.) sweetened condensed milk

2 t. vanilla

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1-1/2 c. pecans OR chocolate chips, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine 1 cup shortening, peanut butter, and sugar in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat in eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix into shortening mixture at low speed until just blended. Stir in pecans or chocolate chips, if using.

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake one cookie sheet at a time for 12-13 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. Do not overbake. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Grill season!

Grill season!

One of my favorite things about spring is firing the grill back up and eating dinner on the patio. Grill meals usually require little preparation, yet are almost always hugely satisfying. Maybe it's because we don't have the opportunity to grill year-round. Well, we do, but WE, personally, choose not too. For me, it's the experience of grilling I love. Sitting outside and sipping a cold drink while the food cooks. Eating outside afterward. Ahh... I love it all.

Here are some personal GRILL FAVORITES:

- pictured above: Grilled brats with a fresh side salad

- Teriyaki Chicken

- Honey Cumin Glazed Pork Tenderloin

- Skeen Burgers

- Flank Steak Teriyaki

- All-In-One Bacon Cheeseburgers

- Tiger Shrimp

- Whiskey Hamburgers

- Smoky Barbequed Pork Tenderloin with Molasses Mop

- Pesto Turkey Burgers

Happy grilling!

Housekeeping

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

The main character, Ruthie, experiences a few different caretakers after her mother's mysteriously death. Both she and her sister struggle to figure out themselves, their situation, and their lives. This isn't a light, happy book. But it's real and it's written very well. Although not set in the same time period, it has a Laura-Ingalls-Wilder-feel to it. Something about the quest for survival in a rural area.

Publisher's Weekly review from Amazon.com:

Their lives spun off the tilting world like thread off a spindle," says Ruthie, the novel's narrator. The same may be said of Becket Royce's subtle, low-keyed reading. The interwoven themes of loss and love, longing and loneliness—"the wanting never subsided"—require a cool, almost impersonal touch. Royce narrates natural and manmade catastrophe and ruin as the author offers them: with a sort of watery vagueness engulfing extraordinary events. Occasionally this leads Royce to sound sleepy or to glide over humor. But she expresses Ruthie's story without any irksome effort to sound childlike, and she avoids the pitfall of dramatizing other characters, such as the awkward sheriff, the whispery insubstantiality of Aunt Sylvie or the ladies bearing casseroles to lure Ruthie away from Aunt Sylvie and into their concept of normality. Originally published in 1980 and filmed in 1987, Housekeeping is finally on audio because of Robinson's new Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. The novel holds up remarkably and painfully well, and the language remains searching and sonorous. Anatole Broyard wrote back then: "Here is a first novel that sounds as if the author has been treasuring it up all her life...." And because the author's rhythms, images and diction are so original and dense, this audio is a treasure for listeners who have or haven't read the book.

Beef Enchiladas II

Beef Enchiladas II

Serves 6.

Basic, basic. Easy, peasy. But perfect for families with kids... and families that rely on make-ahead meals... and families like us -- two adult "kids!"

But you've been warned, enchiladas are hard to photograph! I've gotten an "F" every time I've tried!

Slightly adapted from: AllRecipes.com

8 flour tortillas

1 lb. ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 can enchilada sauce

2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

(This photo shows 4 enchiladas in an 8x8 baking pan.

You can bake half and freeze half for another meal.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is evenly browned and the onion is tender. Remove from heat and stir in 1 to 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. On each tortilla, place an equal amount of the beef mixture. Roll up and place, seam side down, in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Top with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and cheese is completely melted.

A Note From The Little Lady: If making ahead of time and refrigerating, increase cooking time to 40-50 minutes. If making ahead of time and freezing, thaw overnight in refrigerator and increase cooking time to 60 minutes.

Fruity Pebbles Treats

Fruity Pebbles Treats

Makes about 24.

Rice Krispies Treats... with a twist! These are fun, colorful, and super sweet! A great thing to make with kids, because it's so easy. I like to increase the amount of butter and marshmallows to achieve an extra gooey treat.

Slightly adapted from: Fruity Pebbles box

6 c. Fruity Pebbles cereal

1 stick butter

1 (10-oz.) mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

Stir in cereal and mix until evenly coated. Press mixture into a greased 13x9 pan. Cut into squares when cool.

Such a Pretty Face

Such a Pretty Face by Cathy Lamb

This one's a little longer than most, but it's a great read! I never found myself bored and wishing the book would move faster. The jumps back and forth between past and present help keep you attention as you follow the life of Stevie Barrett as she comes to terms with her experiences, her body, and herself.

Booklist review from Amazon.com:

In Such A Pretty Face, author Lamb does not skirt around her heroine’s many problems. The book opens with a tragic memory from Stevie Barrett’s childhood that would go on to define her life, and she eventually finds herself entirely alone and dangerously overweight. Her life is a restricted one in which she contantly feels secluded and lonely. After she undergoes weight-loss surgery and loses so much weight that she is literally half the woman she once was, Stevie slowly begins her own healing process. However, her path to healing is not a smooth one, and she soon finds herself facing many troubles: she runs into difficulties at the law office where she works, suffers from a crippling shyness around the opposite sex despite her new slim figure, realizes that her best friend is unsupportive, and must deal with a strained relationship with the aunt and uncle who took her in so many years ago and whose anniversary party she now must plan. Lamb writes Stevie’s story with humor and brutal honesty, and the result is an affecting portrait of one woman’s heroic journey from tragedy to her own version of happiness. --Claire Orphan

Rosemary Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Rosemary Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Makes 5 sandwiches.

Super tasty and easier on the waistline than traditional mayo-laden chicken salad. You won't miss it!

Source: Cooking Light magazine

3 c. chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs. uncooked)

1/3 c. chopped green onions

1/4 c. chopped smoked almonds, optional

1/4 c. plain fat-free yogurt

1/4 c. light mayonnaise

1 t. chopped fresh rosemary

1 t. Dijon mustard

1/8 t. salt

1/8 t. freshly ground black pepper

5 sandwich buns

Combine first 9 ingredients, stirring well. Spread 2/3 cup of chicken mixture over each bun and serve.

Laughing Cow Alfredo Sauce

Laughing Cow Alfredo Sauce

Serves 2

I love this sauce! It's rich and creamy but not all that bad for you. Serve over penne, add chicken and some garlic bread and you've got yourself a very tasty meal!

I can't remember where I originally got this recipe, but here's one source: SparkPeople

3 wedges Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese

1 T. parmesan cheese

1/2 T. margarine

1/2 c. skim milk (or fat-free half-and-half)

1/2 t. garlic powder

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until cheese is completely melted and mixture is smooth. This will take 15-20 minutes.

Serve over cooked penne pasta with grilled chicken strips, if desired.

Easy Labor

Easy Labor by William Camann, M.D. and Kathryn Alexander, M.A.

I'm expecting a wee baby girl on July 14 and The Mister and I could not be more thrilled. In an attempt to educate myself on the different options out there, I decided to read this book, among others. Out of all the books I read, I thought this one did the best job of offering the most trustworthy information without trying to sway you one direction or the other. A great read for first-time moms wanting to know more about the labor and birth process, and the different options available to you. It also stresses the importance of speaking up for yourself and being knowledgeable as a patient, and when to question doctors orders/suggestions.

Reviews from Amazon.com:

A superb book that gives anyone who is pregnant a great understanding of the choices and rationale for those options that make birth easier.
~Dr Michael Roizen, MD, co-author of New York Times #1 bestseller, YOU: The Owner’s Manual

Gives pregnant women a comprehensive overview of all their options for making labor more comfortable.
~ Newsweek

"Down-to-earth prose provides compelling descriptions of labor from moms, doctors, and midwives. A “Great Read”."
–FitPregnancy Magazine

"Provides a road map through the thorny thicket of labor — no matter what path you choose."
–ePregnancy Magazine editor’s book pick

“Best Bet” for labor literature!"
–Pregnancy Magazine

"A thoughtful and thorough look at epidurals, narcotics, hypnosis, acupuncture, and other traditional and nontraditional methods of pain relief, so your choices can be well informed. The authors believe that knowledge is power — in this case, the power to choose pain-relief methods that reflect one’s own values, priorities, and preferences. They deliver the facts and options in a meaningful and easy-to-understand way, while acknowledging feelings and providing reassurance."
–National Parenting Publications Gold Medal Award

“A common sense, down-to-earth approach to discussing pain-relief options during childbirth . . . a must for women wanting the straight scoop on what to expect during delivery!”
–Joy Hawkins, M.D., director of Obstetric Anesthesia and professor of anesthesiology, at the University of Colorado

“Reassuring and informative . . . a detailed and readable presentation of maternal stress, fear, and pain during childbirth.”
–Penny Simkin, co-founder of Doulas of North America International, and author of The Birth Partner

General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken

Serves 2 (take-out-sized servings)

General Tso's is one of The Mister's favorite things to get at Chinese restaurants. Actually, it's the only thing he gets. But we all know that the fried chicken, among other things, in General Tso's is not exactly a picture of health. My revisions make it a little bit better for you and, while I'm not expecting my version to completely replace the need for take-out, I will say that this got rave reviews! It still relies on some modern conveniences, so it's not that hard either.

1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1" cubes/pieces
3 c. mixed chopped veggies of your choice (I used onion, broccoli, red pepper, green pepper, and carrots)
Olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan
General Tso's sauce (find it near the soy sauce)
Asian or fried rice, prepared to package directions

Add olive oil to a large skillet -- enough to just cover the bottom of the pan -- and heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the skillet and, when it's just about cooked through, add chopped veggies to the skillet. Continue cooking until veggies are crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add General Tso's sauce (about 3/4 cup?), and toss to coat. Let flavors fully blend by allowing to cook a few minutes longer.

Serve chicken mixture over prepared rice.

Chewy Brownies

Chewy Brownies

Makes about 24.

April Fools! These "brownies" are actually made with a cake mix!

Okay, that was kind of a stretch...

Either way, these are tasty. They are much more cakey than traditional brownies, though, so don't expect the dense, fudgey brownies that you may or may not prefer.

Source: 101 Things to do With a Cake Mix cookbook

1 chocolate cake mix

1/2 c. margarine, softened

3 eggs

3/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips

1 can chocolate frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together cake mix, margarine, and eggs until the cake mix is completely absorbed. Stir in chocolate chips. Press the stiff dough evenly into a greased 13x9" pan.

Bake 25-28 minutes. When cooled, frost and cut into squares.