Doin' Some Cookin'... Sausage & Roasted Roots

A taste of Fall on your dinner plate! This meal is simple, easy, comfort food and best of all I was able to get Little Man to try something new (well, since becoming a big kid)... sweet potatoes, and he loved them! He loves sausage but refused to try beets because he heard somewhere that they were "disgusting". Oh well! More for me. 

So take advantage of these cooler nights and taste Fall for yourself making this tonight. 

Sausage & Roasted Roots

Adapted From: Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, October 2015

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 12 oz beets, sliced
• 12 oz sweet potatoes, spiraled
• 4 shallots, peeled and quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cooked chicken apple sausage links, scored and halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

And Action:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place beets, potatoes, and shallots on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Roast 15 minutes, stirring half way through.

Stir vegetables, push to one side of the pan. Place sausage, cut sides down, on the other side of the pan. Roast 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

For the sauce, stir together yogurt, mayo, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. Serve with vegetables and sausage. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

Two things that I love are Mexican food and slow cooker meals. Even better when combined.

I had to work from home one day when Little Man was sick and after a morning and afternoon of bland foods I decided the he needed something delicious to eat. He was feeling better and ready to go back to school the next day.

I came across this recipe and figured since I was home and had all of the ingredients on hand this is what we were going to have with a side of refried black beans.

It took less than five minutes to throw everything in the slow cooker. Ridiculously easy. The chicken braised in orange and lime juice and beer. It was a shame that I had to waste about half a bottle of beer since it was opened during the middle of my work day.

The smell was torturous and the taste did not disappoint. The chicken was incredibly tender and I could have drank the liquid by the gallon. So damn good!

The meat can be used in so many ways: tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or good on their own too. Make a double batch and have plenty of leftovers for easy meals through the week.

Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

Adapted From: According to Elle

Made 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic infused olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brown ale
• 1 lime, juiced

And Action:

Rub chicken with olive oil and spices. Transfer meat to the slow cooker. Add the orange juice, beer, and lime juice, cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours (or low for 6-8 hours). Shred chicken with two forks. Enjoy!

 

Livin' It Up... Oddball Comedy Fest 2015 in Austin, Texas

I bought tickets for the Oddball Comedy Fest 2015 for Houston. HOUSTON! 

After a failed Friday night date night attempt due to tardiness (definitely not on my part since "being late" is my biggest pet peeve) and missing the event. $300 down the drain. I was effin' pissed and there were tears and a "F-YOU!!".

Someone knew they were in the doghouse and wanted to make it up to me. Instead, it became a Saturday night date night as an apology and an overnight getaway to Austin since that was their next scheduled appearance. Re-purchased the tickets, packed an overnight bag, made reservations to the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa and drove 3 1/2 hours to Austin. We made it to Austin in just enough time to check into our hotel, change our outfits, and made it 15 minutes prior to the gates opening at the Austin360 Amphiteathre. 

(We were so close to Aziz!!)

We were in the center of the amphitheater and fourth row back!! Talk about prime heckling zone, however, we were not the victims of any verbal abuse. 

5 hours of non-stop laughs!! Of the 15 comedians we saw 14 did not disappoint and I left with sore cheeks and deeper crows feet wrinkles. 

My absolute faves were: Aziz Ansari, Amy Schumer, Anthony Jeselnick, Nick Thune, T.J. Miller, Jak Knight, Big Jay Oakerson, and Jeff Ross.

Aziz cracked me up talking about his girlfriend forcing him to eat pork and drinking his water. 

Amy is stunningly beautiful in person. She was talking about other names for sexual acts and asked the audience if they knew of any that benefitted the lady. A drunk guy shouted out, "Angry Pirate! You cum in her eye and kick her in the shin." Amy went on to demonstrate the act and was so confused how this benefits the lady. Haha!! 

Anthony Jeselnick is extremly attractive in person and has that cool-but-better-than-you vibe which I loved. He explained that how his family begs to be put into his skits and joked about his brother masturbating outside and how his brother thought it was messed up that he was trying to have sex with him. "Say what? No man!"... "but you said to get inside." Yes, you just had to be there.

Nick Thune told us about his dog who ate a VHS tape sized pot brownie and how he's been sober for a year now.

T.J. Miller must have been sponsored by Evian Facial Spray and went on to unload two spray bottles on his face. He was soaking wet. Haha!!

While I cannot remember what Jak Knight joked about I do remember thinking how impressed I was by him and laughed during his entire skit. I had not heard of him prior to the event.

Big Jay Oakerson talked about how you can't just be friends with the opposite sex if you are a female and suggested all of us ladies run through our contact lists of "just friends" and offer up blow jobs. He guaranteed not a single one of them would decline. 

... and Jeff Ross brought audience members on stage who wanted to be roasted. My favorite line... "I've been a pothead but you are a potbody." 

After the show wrapped up we were starving but I had to make sure that I got a tee as a souvenir and one I had my eye on when we first walked in. It says "Never Sold Dope" and was worn by the tours DJ... DJ Trauma. He was incredible!

So onto a midnight snack. We hoped to make it to The County Line for some of the best BBQ but they were closed so we went for Plan B... In-N-Out. Those fries are the best!

Back at the hotel we passed out as soon as our heads hit the pillows. 

This morning I woke up at 6:30, searched the room for a coffee maker but one was not found, and sat out on the balcony to watch the sunrise. Forgetting how clear the skies are I was able to stargaze prior to the sun breaking the hills. It's a breathtaking view and a moment filled with tranquility.

We made it downlotsofstairs for breakfast and enjoyed the buffet. Omni hotels never disappoint with food quality. So damn good.

Afterwards we decided to explore the grounds. Walked a nature trail, played mini-golf, chess, and ping pong for a good hour. Comedy show not included playing ping pong was my favorite activity and ended on that note so we could make it back home at a reasonable time and for football. 

I cannot wait to go back to Austin because I want to explore more of what this beautiful city has to offer but until then I'll curl up on the couch with Aziz's new book, Modern Romance. 

Doin' Some Cookin'... Spanish-Style Gigante Beans

Lima beans, a.k.a. Butter Beans have an incredibly silky texture that maintain their shape through various cooking methods. These beans are an excellent source of complex carbs, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and iron.

Served these beans up as a side dish with pork carnitas and the flavors went together beautifully. So darn delicious!!

Spanish-Style Gigante Beans

Adapted From: Better Homes and Gardens Magazine October 2015 

Makes 8 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 16 oz canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pints cherub tomatoes
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads
• 2 bay leaves
• dried parsley, to taste
• 1/2 cup roasted salted almonds, chopped
• sea salt

And Action:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof pot over medium heat. Add tomatoes, onion powder, garlic, peppers, paprika, saffron, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in beans and 2 tsp salt salt. Bring to a boil. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.

Drizzle the beans with 2 tbsp olive oil, parsley, and pinch of salt. Mash lightly with a spoon. Top with almonds. Enjoy!

Livin' It Up... Parenting In An Age of Technology

I feel like my own childhood was warning enough of what to expect with raising a child and the hard stuff that comes with parenthood. With having a 7 year I'm over sleepless nights, teething, rolling on the floor temper tantrums, and potty training but have now entered into a new set of challenges... dealing with lying, back talking/arguing, and now trying to teach this Little Man repercussions for his actions and transitioning into a bigger Little Man, who as a member of the household, now has family responsibilities... chores, gasp!

The chore chart was born in our household after an iPad addiction and receiving attitude when asked to put it away for the night and it getting taken away until good behavior was demonstrated for "x" amount of time. I wouldn't tell him "you'll get it back in a week", instead, I would let him know that it was my decision to give it back once I felt that he was behaving appropriately. Of course, he needed reminders every once in a while that good behavior would bring it back.

The chore chart was introduced and hung up in his room near his dresser so he would see it every day. It took a brief explanation of what each item meant and what was expected.

Little Man knows if he wants to play with his iPad or watch TV he needs to make sure his chores are completed (obviously with the exception of the "getting ready for bed" item).

The chore chart has become such a lifesaver because it has helped him become more self sufficient, his day has even more structure, and we have not had any poor attitude since.

Milestones, such as Little Man being required to uphold his duties as an active member of the household is somewhat bittersweet. As I mentioned, he's become more self sufficient and that means he needs me less and less. As much as I looked forward to the days that he would be able to dress himself and help clean up the house a part of me is sad that he is growing independent from me.

However, it brings me great joy to watch him learn, grow, and mature with each passing day.

Not going to lie, if I could keep him under my wing forever I would.

Livin' It Up... Weekends Are Perfect For Painting

I do not recall a time I have heard another person mention their New Year's resolutions after the month of January, including myself. Why am I bringing this up? Because one of 2015 resolutions was to try and find hobbies I enjoy.

As a working mom I have lost so much of what made me lust for life. Instead all of my time revolves around Little Man and working. When meeting new people they ask what I do for fun and I give a sort of blank stare and drag out a "um, well...". I've got nothing. I must sound like the most uninteresting person ever.

So I made a list of about thirty things I wanted to do in 2015. Not all of them are "new-to-me" activities but more of wanting to fall back in love with them.

Halfway into the year I can say I enjoy hiking, wandering around museums, baseball games, music, taking naps, making holiday crafts and costumes/art projects, cooking, gardening, at home spa days, cups of coffee in the mornings on the weekend, movies, shopping at Banana Republic and Target, traveling, and reading inspirational quotes.

I have about eight more items to work through and right now painting is what I am currently working on.

(The colors in person are so vibrant!)

I am so not artistic. I need a blueprint for inspiration just like when I'm in the kitchen, I am a recipe follower and rarely deviate. I purchased this "Romantic Love Autumn" paint-by-numbers so I could add more to my Fall decor and I'm a total sucker for scenery photos/prints/paintings. Making art to fill the walls is perfect for someone with champagne tastes on a beer budget.

Paint-by-numbers is totally a brainless cheap project. Being that I make decisions all day long with being a Credit Analyst I am down with an activity like this where I do not have to make any decisions and I can't screw up... or so I thought.

I dropped my paint brush with paint on it numerous times onto the canvas, filled in numbers with the wrong color, painted outside the lines, and drug my hand through the paint. I even found food crumbs on it one night since it was a project I did while sitting on the couch using the ottoman and Little Man would eat near me.

This is a fantastic parent/child bonding activity as we sat side-by-side. I worked on my project and he painted his blank canvas. In my opinion, he is much more artistic than me not needing paint-by-numbers.

(Little Man painting a Halloween scene on canvas)

(Why I need a paint-by-numbers... pathetic!!)

(Song lyrics from the Arctic Monkeys' "Do I Wanna Know?" and my favorite Fall beverage from Starbucks, a Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino... Definitely feelin' the love!!)

Decorating the home is not exactly a talent of mine, nor is painting. But! I did enjoy spending my weekend doing absolutely nothing but painting. Just wish that I could get excited about cardio and carrot sticks but I'm the work in progress.

Check out my painting playlist, "Creating Something Beautiful":

*Red Hot Chili Peppers: Scar Tissue

* Lana Del Rey: Off to the Races

* Margot and The Nuclear So and So's: Cool, Kind, and Lemon Eyes

* Daniela Andrade: La Vie en Rose

* 78 Violet: Today

* Ed Sheeran: Nina

* The Lumineers: Flowers In Your Hair

* Nina Nesbitt: The Apple Tree

* City and Colour: Thirst

* City and Colour: Comin' Home

* Katzenjammer: Rock-Paper-Scissors

* Why?: The Vowels Pt. 2

* Guns N' Roses: Sweet Child of Mine

* Maxwell: This Woman's Work

Doin' Some Cookin'... Easy Fried Rice

A healthy fried rice recipe?!! Oh yea!!

This is a very simple recipe with a handful of ingredients but would be the perfect meal to make so you can use up some of those leftover veggies or throw in some extra egg.

I've also gotten somewhat lazy on work nights so I've been resorting to convenience food items and have been purchasing those steam in the bag brown rices so I don't have to wait 45 minutes for rice to cook and makes for easy side dishes... and now used for fried rice. Even Little Man loved this one!!

Easy Fried Rice

Adapted From: The Beachbody Blog

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 egg whites
• 2 cups brown rice, cooked and cooled
• 8 oz chicken breast, cooked
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced for garnish

And Action:

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add egg whites, stirring frequently for 4 minutes. 

Add rice, chicken, peas, soy sauce, and onion powder. Stir frequently and cook another 3-4 minutes. 

Garnish with green onions and enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Goat Cheese, Tomato, and Parsley Scramble

Scrambles are one of my favorite breakfast items because of their versatility. On the weekends I like to use up veggies and meat that may be near their expiration date and serve the scrambles with toast.

Goat cheese, tomato, and parsley make for a simple yet tasty combination and has a creamy texture.

Goat Cheese, Tomato, and Parsley Scramble

Adapted From: The Beachbody Blog

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 2 egg whites
• sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 oz garlic herb goat cheese

And Action:

Spray a small nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium. Add the tomatoes and heat through, about 2 minutes. Add the egg whites, cooking slowly, about 3 minutes stirring frequently. Add goat cheese and parsley. Cook for 1 more minute. Serve hot and enjoy!