Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Chili/Herring Salad

Visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday for more yummy recipes.

Packing, in preparation for the big move, is taking a lot longer than it could. Perhaps I should not be stopping to look at each cookbook before placing it in the box.

Many years ago I worked as a chef, or a cook, or someone who slaves in a hot kitchen, places platters of food on a buffet, and watches the vultures people attack. My job was to make hors d'oeuvres at a dance club. In many ways this was a super cool gig. I had free rein in choosing the menu, received a decent wage, and had an assistant.

Always on the look out for new recipes, I was overjoyed when my mother presented me with a rather fun cookbook, which I still use today. Not being a big fan of meat, I buy it less than six times a year. When I do, this chili is one of our favorites, proving that adding chocolate to anything, makes it better. Just in case I might forget, that this is our favorite, and it is yummy, I wrote those words on the rather soiled page. I bet the brown mark is chili powder.
Click to enlarge.

Herring was always often on the menu during my childhood. I introduced it to my husband, along with Chubs, sardines, and Whitefish.
This salad, which I make with potatoes, since canned are sort of icky, in my opinion, is a great blending of flavors, and textures.

Yummy!

While I was working in a grocery store yesterday, the sweetest man approached me, asking if I wanted to try a tomato. Without thinking, I popped a piece into my mouth. As my taste buds applauded, he explained that this was a Campari tomato.

After I swallowed, it hit me that the proffered sample might not have been washed. The produce manager was, after all, serving us from the cardboard tray in which the tomatoes were sold. The tomato was delicious enough for me to bury my foodborne illness fears, hoping I would be offered another red piece of Heaven.

This was timely, as I had recently read a newspaper piece extolling the virtues of these tasty treats. They are an item the writer refuses to forgo in these troubling economic times. I now completely understand.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Harvest Stuffing

Visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday for more recipes!

Not being much of a traditionalist, I served Indian food for Thanksgiving.
Maybe that is why I have a hankering for stuffing in the spring.
In my book, there is only one way to make stuffing. It must have fruit.
My mother made stuffing in this manner, and so do I.
This stuffing is great hot or cold, with a big glob of cranberry sauce.
Plus, you end up with a jar of wheat germ, which is yummy sprinkled on yogurt.

Harvest Stuffing

1 c. shredded carrot

1 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. ground sage
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 c. dry bread cubes (I use bagged)
2 c. finely chopped and peeled apple
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/4 c. wheat germ
1/2 to 3/4 c. chicken or vegetable broth

In a skillet, cook carrot, celery and onion in butter until tender but not brown.
Stir in sage, cinnamon and pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, apple, walnuts and wheat germ.
Add cooked vegetable mixture.
Drizzle with enough chicken broth to moisten, tossing lightly.
Use to stuff one 10 pound turkey, or bake in a casserole, which is what I do.
Makes 10 servings.

Door to Door

I propose a National Do Not Knock Registry*. Five seconds ago I stood at my door, while a man asked me if I knew where the deaf person lived. He just happened to notice the deaf child sign, and gee, what do you know, he had something in sign language to give him or her.

WTF? I mean, huh?

(gettin' that cursing under control is proving to be more than a tad difficult)

I told him that I had no idea where anyone deaf lived.

Deaf people read. Not only do they read, but when they want information, they find it the same way that hearing folks do.

Oh, and with the use of videophones, they can call ANYONE.

BG often tells me, "We can do anything, except hear."

DUH!!!

Do not think that I am picking on Jehovah's Witnesses. Yes, I am 99.9% certain this gentleman caller was visiting to impart religion. Just a hunch because he was neatly dressed, polite, and had a skirt wearing female companion. Either that, or criminals are becoming even craftier than I imagined.

If I want information about
RELIGION, WINDOWS, ROOFS, PIZZA, or HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE

I will find it on my own. DO NOT knock on my door.

Back to Jehovah's Witnesses.

I believe they really, really think I would benefit from their teachings.

This was evidenced on a gynecology table.

Yes, I was in stirrups, when a doctor asked me,

"Would you like to see your grandparents again?"

He did have the decency to remove the speculum as he started his explanation.

Part of me wanted to scream, "Just do the darn (proud of me?) pap smear!"

Instead, I asked questions.

Being that it has been six years since this fun took place, the details escape me.

EXCEPT for one thing.

Pretend I am kneeling in the corner near the Hostas
Maybe the kneeling position appeared to be an invitation for salvation
or maybe I just looked lost in my own yard.

In the past, when I have had discussions with Jehovah's Witnesses (Yes, years ago, while gardening, I struck up a conversation, asking bunches of questions, prompting many return visits), they seem to have always been converts from a Christian religion.

NOT THIS TIME

Nope, this man converted from Judaism.

I would like the statistics on the probability of Jews becoming Jehovah's Witnesses.
Want to wager that it is pretty low?

It gets weirder.

My friend, who had suggested this doctor, was completely astounded upon hearing of my experience. This doctor had delivered all three of her babies, not once mentioning religion.

There must be something about me that makes me a target.

I know, it is all done with good intentions, or in the case of roofers, window companies, and gardeners, with the hope of making a buck.

STILL, stay away from my door.

*Do Not Knock Registry

Trace Adkins Concert

It makes me happy when Pumpkin Girl shares her fun times.

Waiting and waiting...

NB went off to buy PG a t-shirt, which she desperately wanted.
He came back empty handed, claiming the credit card machines weren't working.

Later that night, when PG was about to hit the hay, she spotted the t-shirt on the bed.

Awwwww, isn't that romantic?

I wonder where he had hidden the t-shirt.

Now Honey, you can't blame her
For what her mama daddy gave her

-or her silly bloggin' mommy-

Wood

Disney - Not Norwegian

Norwegian Wood

I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me.

She showed me her room, isn't it good, Norwegian wood?

She asked me to stay and she told me to sit anywhere,

So I looked around and I noticed there wasn't a chair.

I sat on a rug, biding my time, drinking her wine.

We talked until two and then she said, "It's time for bed."

She told me she worked in the morning and started to laugh.

I told her I didn't and crawled off to sleep in the bath.

And when I awoke I was alone, this bird had flown.

So I lit a fire, isn't it good, Norwegian wood.

                                ~Beatles

Because Sugar Tastes Good

While SH and I have been sharing a home for over 24 years, this is the first time that he has ever asked me to make a certain recipe. Even weirder is the fact that my husband subscribes to Eat Better America. Next I will find out he is a secret blogger.

This email arrived this morning:

Oooh, make this...

"Healthified" Monkey Bread

57% less fat • 61% less sat fat • 32% fewer calories fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. Show your love of baking and health with a breakfast favorite that's meant to be pulled apart. From Eat Better America.

Prep Time:15 min

Start to Finish:1 hr 10 min

makes:16 servings

1/4	cup sugar
2	teaspoons ground cinnamon
2	cans (16.3 oz each) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated reduced-fat buttermilk biscuits
1/2	cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4	cup fat-free caramel topping
2	teaspoons vanilla

	In 1-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag, mix sugar and cinnamon. Separate both cans of dough into 16 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Add biscuit pieces to sugar mixture. Seal bag; shake to coat. Layer biscuit pieces and pecans in pan.
	In small bowl, mix caramel topping and vanilla. Pour over biscuit pieces.
	Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Invert onto serving plate. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving: Calories 250 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 3 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 640mg; Total Carbohydrate 39g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 15g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 0%; Iron 8% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 1/2
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

BG requested "the brunch casserole you make for Christmas". So, there you have it. We will be ingesting plenty of fat and sugar on Easter morning. Last I heard, SH was planning to golf on Sunday, leaving BG and me to eat cereal (or pickled beets and eggs!!!). Nope, the weather will not be cooperating for golf, which means I need to make another trip to the grocery store.

I might also try this recipe:

"Healthified" Italian Sausage Egg Bake

42% less fat • 55% less sat fat • 66% more vitamin A fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. Choose an eggs-cellent make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that's trimmed down and ready for any gathering. From eatbetteramerica.

Prep Time:30 min

Start to Finish:10 hr

makes:12 servings

12	oz lean Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1	medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1	medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
2	cloves garlic, finely chopped
1	box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
4	cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (from 30-oz bag), thawed
2	cups reduced-fat Italian cheese blend (8 oz)
2	tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
12	eggs
3/4	cup fat-free (skim) milk
1	teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2	teaspoon salt
1/2	teaspoon pepper

	Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
	In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up sausage with spoon, until no longer pink; drain if necessary. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in spinach.
	In baking dish, mix cooked sausage mixture, potatoes and cheeses. In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, basil, salt and pepper until blended. Pour over mixture in baking dish. Cover; refrigerate 8 hours or overnight but no longer than 24 hours.
	Heat oven to 350°F. Bake covered 1 hour. Uncover; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until center is set. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 235mg; Sodium 630mg; Total Carbohydrate 24g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 4g); Protein 19g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 45%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 25%; Iron 10% Exchanges: 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 1/2 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Medium-Fat Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 1 1/2 MyPyramid Servings: 1/2 c Dairy, 1 oz-equivalents Meat & Beans, 1/2 c Vegetables
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Passover and Easter

Visit Tempt my Tummy Tuesday for more recipe fun.

Pickled Beets and Eggs

These are the best!

2 cans (16 oz. each) sliced red beets
1 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
12 hard boiled eggs, shells removed
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 medium onion, sliced (I use three!!!)

Drain beets; reserve 1 cup juice.

In a saucepan combine vinegar, sugar, salt,
cloves, onion, and beet juice.

Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Add the beets; simmer uncovered for ten minutes.
Put the shelled eggs into a wide-mouth half-gallon jar.
Pour in beets and liquid.

Cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
Turn eggs occasionally to pickle eggs evenly.


Ham with Fruit Chutney

This is yummy!

8 servings

3-pound fully cooked smoked boneless ham
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 jars (16 oz each) fruit chutney (1 1/2 cups)
1 cup dried fruit and raisin mixture, chopped
1 cup frozen small whole onions
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Place ham in slow cooker.
Sprinkle with pepper.
Mix remaining ingredients; pour over ham.

Cover and cook on low setting 6 to 8 hours.

Haroses

My favorite part of Passover!

6 peeled apples, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup chopped walnuts
3 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoon sweet red wine

Combine all, mixing thoroughly.

Add wine as need. Chill.

Makes 3 cups.

Trifecta of Terror

We've gotta get out of this place
if it's the last thing we ever do
We've gotta get out of this place
Girl there's a better life for me and you

We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place
by the Animals

Snow on April 6 wasn't reason enough to complain

I excitedly present

The Trifecta of Terror
a.k.a. the Balding, Graying, Dull Mess on my Scalp

What prompted me on March 5, at 9:30 AM to take a photo of my hair before coloring?
Like any other teenager trapped in a middle aged woman's body,
I enjoy grossing out people.
I just had a hunch that this scary sight would be blog-worthy one day.

It only took one month and one day!!!!

Yeah, I can stop blaming my genes on my balding.

The real reason is Pittsburgh!

According to totalbeauty.com my lousy locks are due to

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION,

No. 3: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

It's not called the "Pitts" for nothin'. As the most polluted city in on this list, your hair will be calling Green Peace on a daily basis. Pollution has been known to cause premature balding, graying and dullness.

The 13 Worst-Hair Cities

These towns have the worst conditions for hair.

Is it time for you to call the movers?

• No. 13: Eugene, Oregon

• No. 12: Albuquerque, New Mexico

• No. 11: Cincinnati, Ohio

• No. 10: New Orleans, Louisiana

• No. 9: Tucson, Arizona

• No. 8: Houston, Texas

• No. 7: Fresno, California

• No. 6: Pensacola, Florida

• No. 5: Phoenix, Arizona

• No. 4: Las Vegas, Nevada

• No. 3: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• No. 2: Olympia, Washington

• No. 1: Corpus Christi, Texas

Sunday Stealing: Our Third Meme About Blogging

Sunday Stealing: Our Third Meme About Blogging

1. How did you come up with your blog title OR what does it mean?

West is the name we use for our business.
One of these days we will legally change our last name.

2. What are your general goals for blogging?

I don't have goals, per se.
Enjoying the friendships that I have formed through blogging has brought me much joy.

3. Do people “in your real life” know that you blog and do they comment on your blog OR is it largely anonymous?

My younger daughter, and two of my "real life" friends, are readers. I have made blog friends who are now real life friends, as well.

How often do you post (x per week)?

It varies.

4. How often do you read other blogs (x per week)?

EVERYDAY!!!!

5. How do you select blogs to read (do you prefer blogs that focus on certain topics or do you choose by tone or…?)

I find blogs through blog lists, or comments.

6. Do you have any plans to copy your blog entries in any other format, 0r do you think that one day, you’ll just delete it all?

I might save it.

7. What are the things you like best about blogging?

Friendships

8. What are the things you don’t like about blogging?

The posting confines of Blogger can be an issue.

9. How do you handle comments?

I haven't had any problems.

10. Do you have any burning thoughts to share on blog etiquette?

Nope

11. Any desired blog features?

I love when people write about themselves.
Deep thoughts, as well as personal quirks, hold my interest.

12. Have you suffered blog addiction?

I prefer not to label it as such.

Keen on Keane

In the car last night, SH was playing a Keane CD that he received as a gift from PG. Because I am really great at ordering everyone around, especially when it comes to not spending money, PG waited for our visit last month to present the Christmas gift. This made it extra special. She didn't have to listen to me telling her that she wasted postage, and her gift didn't have to compete for attention with her sister's present to their father. Reading this doesn't make any sense to me, either.

Here comes the silly coincidence spooky part!

Because sleep was not coming easily to me last night, I decided to watch television. My recorded stash of Wife Swaps depleted, I turned to SNL, and then Chelsea Lately*.

The Saturday Night Live just happened to be from 5 February 2005 or February 5, 2005.
There is not an ounce, nor gram of significance to that date. You are in luck, as I am too sleep deprived to manufacture a colorful, or even a colourful tale.

The musical guest on SNL was KEANE!!!!

Even when it isn't PMS week, Somewhere Only We Know, makes me cry. Until I got a new phone, I had this song as a ringtone.

While it still makes me sad that BG can't hear pretty songs, I think reading the lyrics, in this case, can still be magical.

I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

So if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
So why don't we go

This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?


*Chelsea's guest was Jerry Springer. Sleeping with my brother in law holds no appeal, and I am wimpy when it comes to cat fights, but airing my family's dirty laundry is my specialty. Jerry Springer's upcoming show "Moms who Blog and Embarrass their Family", was made for us.

I will be...