That's a wrap!

I am sitting on my couch patiently waiting for Top Chef Texas to come on. Yeehaw!! If you didn't see last week's episode, well let me ruin it for you right now- I don't think it was Richie's time to go. (His bro-mance with that other guy was a little weird.) My mother and I agreed that we have not yet "bonded" with anyone on the show just yet. Usually by now, we are picking out our favorites and talking about them like we know them on a personal level.

We used to be all about the show Chopped, but slowly we are now watching it just to make fun of people more than for being amazed at the dishes they make. I am not sure who does the casting these days, but they need to start getting cooks who aren't so amateurish. I prefer Top Chef, hands down, over all the cooking shows on tv-just my opinion. (Marcus like Iron Chef the best.)

Since I am killing time before the show, I'll inform you about the best thing about open enrollment season at work. Since, we are all working extra hard during this time of the year, my boss is being very generous to the lovely ladies of the office by feeding us lunch this week and next week. We have the opportunity to pick and choose which restaurants we would like to order from. Today was Canyon Cafe- If you have never eaten there, I would highly recommend it. It's very Southwestern-y with a variety of dishes to choose from. I live for chips and salsa and lucky for me Canyon Cafe makes their tortilla chips a little different- they season their homemade chips with cinnamon! (I think it's cinnamon....) and the salsa has a sweetness to it too. Very distinct flavors going on, but really yummy. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Quesadilla and it came with two dipping sauces - tomatillo/avocado sauce and a chipotle/mayo sauce and a side of cabbage slaw. Did I mention it was yummy?!

After work, I went to my folks house to visit for awhile. My wonderful pops took my truck to get serviced and to change the oil, so while he was out my mother and I just watched some reruns of, what-do-ya-know, cooking shows. As I was leaving, she was preparing the crust/batter to make some fried fish by crushing up some croutons. (She didn't have any cornmeal.)

When I finally got home, there was a very hungry monster waiting for me to cook him something. Tonight's dinner was supposed to be pasta, but I just wanted to make something simple and quick. Considering that Sunday and Tuesday night's dinners were failures, I was a little weary to get back into the kitchen. However, I fought my fears and decided to make him a turkey wrap. I bought some tomato-basil wheat wraps, garlic roasted hummus, a lot of fresh veggies, and lean turkey meat. Put it all together and you get the best tasting wrap ever. Eat your heart out Jason's Deli! ( I really love Jason's Deli.) Marcus absolutely loved it!! He said "It tastes so fresh!" at least twice, and he genuinely looked like he was enjoying it. Aww..Swoon. The side servings were Garden Salsa sun-chips and a pickle! (picture to the right.)

We drink a lot of coffee in this household, and Starbucks runs are not uncommon around here, no matter what time it is. I told Marcus that we had to get coffee soon, because Top Chef was going to start soon. Lucky for us, there is a Starbucks right around the corner from our apartment. I ordered a grande iced coffee, and they accidentally made me a venti. Yep, I'll be up for awhile...

.......continued from earlier.....

Just finished watching Top Chef. Can I just say that it makes me extremely happy to know that Top Chef is in Texas this season? I love everything about Texas and so proud to be a Texan! Okay, I'll calm down now. On tonight's episode, they travel to Dallas and on the way there they are pulled over by a "state trooper" and shockingly, a quick fire takes place!! They had to make a gourmet meal out of "survival" ingredients in cans, boxes, and pouches. Lindsay won this challenge with her little cracker sandwich and vienna wiener soup. Don't ask.

The elimination challenge took place in three very wealthy couple's homes. The couples were to host "progressive parties" for each other and the judges. The chefs broke into three different groups- appetizers, entree's, and desserts. Some of the couples were more adventurous and open minded with the food than others, and surprisingly they were all really down to earth. Not to mention their kitchens were.. how do you say...AMAZING. Some of the chefs got a little carried away with the creative aspect of their dish though, and didn't really focus on making the food Top Chef worthy. In the end, it was Chuy that went home for his dry salmon and Paul that won with his brussels sprouts. I'm gonna miss Chuy!

Have you noticed that my life revolves around food? Ciao!

Meatloaf....meat-joke!

I have to admit that I am currently very upset and frustrated with myself tonight. This past Sunday evening, I decided that I would plan out our dinners for the week and only write the items that we absolutely needed on my grocery list. I was happy as a clam because I actually stuck to my list. (However, Marcus was successful at sneaking in cinnamon flavored marshmallows.)

I decided that Sunday night, before Marcus left for work, I would make a great big pot of minestrone soup and some cornbread. I chopped up all my ingredients, followed the recipe I found online precisely, and let the soup simmer. Okay, well, I kept tasting the broth and I felt like it needed something. So I added salt, pepper, oregano, and pretty much all of the spices that we have in our kitchen. (no joke) Finally, I got the soup tasting the way it should. Then came the fun part- I noticed that the elbow macaroni and the cannellini beans were totally absorbing the broth. It was more like vegetable goolash(sp?) than actual soup as I continued to stir it. On the bright side, my cornbread was phenomenal. One day I might share my cornbread recipe with you all.....but for now its a secret recipe because thats all I got going for me.

Already in low spirits about my dang soup disaster, tonight's dinner didn't get any better. *Sad face* I decided to make meatloaf and mashed potatoes. As I was happily mixing up the meat, eggs, milk, and bread crumbs, I was thinking to myself, " Wow, this is looking good." After giving my hands a workout, I started making the sauce to go over the meat-mustard, ketchup, and brown-sugar. It was starting to come together, or so I thought. I put it in a loaf pan, had the oven already heated at 350 degrees, and set the timer to one hour. I started boiling my potatoes so that they would become soft enough to mash. My future was looking bright at this point.

When the little "ding" went off I told my bf, "Honey, I hope your hungry!" as I removed the loaf from the oven. It looked great and smelled good. I served a good size of the loaf and the taters on a plate for each of us and we started to cut into it. That's when I realized- the meat wasn't fully cooked! Aye aye aye! I put the meat back in the oven for another 10 minutes, and tried eating it again. It was just way to onion-y, even for me and I love onions. It's a sad feeling when you watch someone constantly picking out ingredients of the main entree and shoving them to the side... (Ahem...Marcus! However, I really don't blame you babe.)

In conclusion, my meatloaf tasted like shit. Maybe tomorrow's dinner will be better (cross your fingers and hold your breath.) A wise man once told me, never give up- you think Rachael Ray gave up?

SIDE NOTE: Attached are pictures of my Sunday soup and the meatloaf. Both foods look good, but trust me the were not. (The soup picture was taken right before the broth absorbed everything.)

It's been awhile....

Sorry to all my fans out there who read my blogs and wait desperately for me to entertain them with my stories....not. In all seriousness, I have been incredibly busy during this Thanksgiving-mini-holiday vacay, that having the time to actually sit, write, upload photos, and edit everything seemed impossible.

WHERE DO I START??

Okay, okay..I know. Let's start with Wednesday, November 23rd. I took the day off from my normal-everyday secretary duties to spend time to prepare for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful day; I felt like I was on a mission-a mission to create something great. H-E-B was calling my name and I couldn't drive there fast enough. I have this thought in my head that if you wear comfortable clothing, tennis shoes, and bring something to drink in your purse, then you are set to shop. Those are just the necessities. (Oh, and use the bathroom before you go too. I can't tell you how annoying it is to step foot in a grocery store and immediately you feel the need to pee.) Also, the most important items of all are your list and pen! An ipod is an item I would highly recommend too, only because its keeps the noise out and keeps you focused. I, however, searched high and low through Marcus' office to get his ipod (hi babe!), but turned out he took it to work with him. BUMMER.

So, this shopping trip was a breeze. I found everything I was looking for in a timely manner. I honestly was in no rush, per se, but mentally I was calculating and figuring out how much prep time and cook time it was gonna take me. (Not to mention I still needed to figure out my Thanksgiving outfit! I had to do all of this in one day!) Naturally, on my way to the register, I strolled through the wine aisles and decide that yes, I would like to arrive to my parents house with a bottle of wine in my hands. Then I had a second thought, that yes, I would like to arrive to Marcus' sister's house with a bottle wine as well. I never like to show up to family/friend get-togethers empty handed. H-E-B strategically placed like five men on every aisle to ask "if you needed help finding the wine you are looking for?" I never really know what to say, because I shop for whatever wine is the cheapest. Eventually, I was lured to the sample table and tried quite a few wines and decided to get pinot grigio for my folks and merlot for Marcus' sister.

Once I arrived home, it was just me, the food, and silence. I turned on some music, kicked off my shoes and got to work. What did I make you ask? Well, I made a Banana Nut bread for my boyfriend's family and an Apple Cinnamon Streusel bread for my family. Oh, and of course I made dressing for the Thanksgiving dinner. To be honest, the Banana Nut bread came out pretty decent, but I had the worst luck with the Apple Cinnamon Streusel bread. The streusel was cooking faster than the batter itself. I had to improvise in the end, and was not too pleased with it. I think the best thing was the dressing. The cornbread was so fluffy and buttery-made from scratch I might add- and the sauteed onions and fresh sage just added so much flavor to it. It was the easiest recipe I got online that turned out to wonderful!

Thursday, November 24th - In the past five years that me and my boyfriend have been dating, this has been the first Thanksgiving meal he has eaten with my family. We have always celebrated this holiday apart, for many reasons, and to have him be with all of us was really special. Thanksgiving means so much to my Dad. Other than eating so many great foods, he just loves having all his girls there. Not to mention that my beautiful Grandma and my Godparents, who flew in from Detroit, joined us. Marcus has always said that I get my emotional side from my Mother. Well he learned first hand, that no, it actually comes from my Father. Instead of one person saying the prayer this year, we went around the table and everyone said a little something. It was meaningful and brought tears to everyone's eyes. We have so much to be thankful for!!

I tried my hardest to pace myself, but it was wild. My plate was over flowing!! I did get a lot of compliments on my dressing, mostly from my little sister. (Hi Tress!) My older sister made some scrumptious dishes too. Overall, everything was flavorful and perfect. After we took pictures, laughed, and talked a bit, Marcus and I had to leave to visit his family, which is always a great way to end the night. Once we got there, we enjoyed some more eating, watched some football, and even tried to venture out for Black Friday shopping. (It was unsuccessful.) At the end of the night while we were driving home, Marcus asked me if I had a good Thanksgiving, and I replied, "Yes, I did." I mean, what more could you ask for? I got the best boyfriend, I was able to visit with two loving families, and everyone is in good health! Oh and the Longhorns kicked some Aggie butt!

"Mi Gente Latina!" - Jennifer Lopez

Hola! Como te llamas? Tengo hombre?.....Why am I speaking in Spanish you ask? Because tonight I served up some...como si dice....ENCHILADAS CON ARROZ Y FRIJOLES for my man. That's right, I did and they were delish! Be jealous.

After work, it was either go to Michaels and splurge on some arts and craft materials or go to H-E-B and get some ingredients for dinner tonight. The choice I made is obvious. I already knew that our dinner was going to consist of ground beef, because I actually remembered to take it out this morning and let it thaw before I left for work. I have never really made enchiladas before, but me being Mexican, I knew common sense was going to play a big role in preparing tonight's dinner. Yes, I know I mentioned in a previous blog that I didn't prefer to go grocery shopping without a list, but since I knew pretty much what direction I was going in, the mental list was already forming in my brain. I wanted to keep it simple and affordable. My basket consisted of:

1. Tomatoes
2. Cilantro
3. Jalapenos
4. Avocados
5. Tortillas
6. Pinto Beans (canned)
7. Shredded Cheese
8. Romaine lettuce
9. Enchilada Sauce

Canned pinto beans?!?! Am I crazy? Yes, allow me to explain: BEANS TAKE FOREVER TO COOK. I rest my case. I did manage to make them my own by adding my special touch, so they went from boring and plain to awesomeness.

Normally, I don't like when Marcus decides to go to his man cave/office because then I'm forced to watch movies or T.V. by myself. However, when I am in the kitchen I practically shove him in his room just so he's outta the way. (Hi babe!) Also, I like to surprise him with what I make and today he claims he didn't eat lunch, (how do you forget to eat lunch?) so I knew it had to be a hearty meal that would make him full. I love to feed my boyfriend because (a.) he is really good at guessing the ingredients I used and (b.) he always gives really good feedback and constructive criticism.

Well, needless to say, everything came out wonderful and it took me about 45 minutes to prepare and cook everything. Everyone (Marcus and I) were satisfied. The only thing unpleasant about cooking is the cleanup. I try really hard not to make a huge mess, but really, its inevitable. I just don't like a dirty kitchen and I sleep better at night knowing everything is cleaned and put away. (I am sooo my mother.)

Lucky for those of you who read these things, I took some pictures. Enjoy!

Possum Soup Anyone?

If you are going to be a member of my family, you are going to have to eat....A LOT. There is no such thing as, "No thank you, I am not hungry". It's always, "Sure, I'll have some please!", even if its against your wishes. I live really far, according to my Dad, so I try and make sure that I go and visit my parents, sister, and my grandma at least once or twice a week. (In reality its like 20 minutes, not far at all.) My routine is to pick up my mail, check the fridge and pantry for anything I can steal, and last, interrogate my little sister about what she's been up to.

Well on this particular evening, my dad brought home pizza, Pizza Patron at that. Hey, don't judge LOL. So naturally, I scarfed down a couple of pieces and was feeling comfortably full. About 30 minutes after my dinner, my over-induglence-gluttony was about to begin during my visitation at my Gma's house. She and my aunt had just picked up some Gorditas from a local Mexican restaurant. I honestly did not want any, but like I said in this family food is an offer you can't refuse. "No Grandma, I already ate!" "What? Okay, I'll make you a plate." After pleading with her to, "serve me just a little", I ended up eating a full plate. Ay dios! I was extremely stuffed to capacity and no longer comfortably full.

I would like to take the time and mention that in addition to having a large appetite in my family, the other requirement is you have to have a sense of humor. I can't think of anyone in my family who is not hilarious. We love to laugh - wait, laughing is exercise right? Of course it is! So after all this over-eating, my cousins came over and we laughed and joked and my guilt of pigging out vanished. What's more important to me than counting calories, feeling bloated, and having that sense of guilt after eating a large amount of food, is that food brings my family and friends together. Because it was getting late, I was sad that I had to leave my Grandma's house and go home and get ready for work tomorrow. However, I was not sad to stop eating. Last I heard, there were going to get something sweet to eat. That was my cue to bounce!

Given that I am tired and full/bloated, I just wanted to walk up the steps of my apartment, walk inside, and pass out. Well yeah, that's not at all what happened. It took me literally 10 minutes to get to my door. Why you ask? A BIG FAT JUICY POSSUM WAS BLOCKING MY PATHWAY. I felt frozen and thought that little rat was gonna jump and attack me. They are something else! Eventually I just ran for my life and opened the door super fast.

This made me think of something....next time we have guests over, you better believe I will be making possum soup! Yum!

"I am not a glutton – I am an explorer of food."- Erma Bombeck

Having just moved to this area, my boyfriend and I are still discovering places that really appeal us. We have been going to H-E-B for all of our grocery needs, but today we just needed a couple of produce items and decided to go to Green Fields Market. I was on the phone with my mother when we walked in and literally told her, "Mom, I need to call you back, I am like in awe right now." Marcus' first stop was, of course, at the barrels of coffee beans ("Look how fresh they are!") and mine was the self serve granola and trail mix area. So many choices!! My intentions for this grocery trip was just to go for the ride, but once I was there I felt like I needed to buy something.

When it came down to it, I didn't, only because I felt overwhelmed and didn't have a grocery list with me. (Grocery lists are very important when I go shopping - it really helps me stay on track and not over spend.)

I know sometimes it's a lot easier for me to pick up fast food or to buy pre-made items, but I am challenging myself to really try and cook more. By this, I simply mean trying new dishes and being more adventurous with ingredients. It will be more time consuming, yes, but I know it would be worth it. (We have a collection of cookbooks in our apartment that need to be put to use!)

I am really glad that my boyfriend shares an interest in food with me. I am not sure if I could be with anyone who was afraid to venture out and try new foods. Right now, he is really into fish and just keeps on impressing me with the dishes he whips up for us. (You rock babe!) You know the saying " The way to a man's heart is through his stomach"? Well, in this household it works both ways. I love food!

Funny Business - Improvisation

Most people's Sunday Funday's involve drinking beer and watching football. Mine and my mother's Sunday consists of laundry, grocery shopping, and.....watching The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs. (However, I do always need to remind her when it is on because she always forgets. C'mon mom, 9pm/8c!!)

I wish I would've started this foodie blog when my favorite shows premiered, such as the one mentioned above and Top Chef. Don't even get me started on this season's Top Chef- it's in Texas-need I say more? **Happy Dance** (to be discussed on Wednesday night...stay tuned.)

On tonight's TNIC:SC episode, it was quite challenging; maybe even the most challenging one so far. The chefs were taken to an improv comedy place where audience participation was required. The members of the audience were to shout out ingredients to Alton Brown and Kevin Nealon (SNL) that the super chefs had to incorporate into their dishes. In the end, it all came down to.....okay, brace yourself: octopus, tortillas, kumquat, and marshmallows. Really?? The chefs were mostly upset about the marshmallows, and frankly, I don't blame them. After all was said and cooked, it was Chef Michael Chiarello that took the win and it was goodbye to Chef Beau MacMillan. Aww, such a nice guy.

SIDE NOTE: Did anyone else notice Chef Geoffrey Zakarian's Hello Kitty band aids? Umm..the show didn't have just regular nude colored ones?

Two Fat Ladies

Did you know that there is a show called this on the Cooking Channel?

Cheers to the freakin' weekend

(continued from me and Priscilla's earlier birthday festivities) I just got back from a bar called Cielto Lindo, located here in Stone Oak, and it was pretty fun. It's always nice when there are bottles at the table when you get there, but it starts to suck when you have to buy your own drinks. LOL. When did I start drinking Crown Royal and Sprite? I guess that's my new drink of choice. Geez, I had a great time...I made friends with just about everyone and anyone I came into contact with. Everyone wanted to go and get nachos from this one place, but being that I lived down the street from this bar, I decided to come home. I am now pigging out on spaghetti and deer meat sauce (courtesy of my boyfriend). It's actually really good, but then again I could eat anything and be satisfied ( I love you babe!)

"Wouldn't it be cool if we could just walk in here and take what we wanted and then left?"- Anonymous

I'll take all the books on the wall please. Thank you.

"Birthdays are like girlfriends, they come and go-unless you enjoy them"

I saw this quote earlier and I knew it had to be my new post's title. Being that tomorrow is my bestie's 25th birthday, I thought it was an appropriate title because we are celebrating it today/tonight. We started this beautiful day off with pedicures and massages (found out that I have tons of knots in my shoulders and lower back) and eventually found ourselves in Thai Lao Orchid.

Whenever me and her wine and dine, sushi is usually involved. We decided to each get a soup to start, egg drop for her-miso soup for me, then shared the Pad Thai (best seller), and last a Pink Panther Roll. Sounds like a lot of food right? Well...it was! But let me tell you, it was yummy!

I like my food really spicy and luckily we had some Sriracha sauce on hand. So yes, I give this place two thumbs up. I am never really on the side of town that this restaurant is located, but I would go back and try other items on the menu. I hope she enjoyed her birthday festivities today-I know I did.

"If people take the trouble to cook, you should take the trouble to eat." -Robert Morley

Last night, mine and Marcus' good friends came over to check out our new place and to go out for dinner and drinks. Originally, when I first had invited them, I offered to make dinner. However, having to endure a realllly long day at work and just simply drained of any creativity for me to showcase my terrific cooking skills, we decided it would be best to go out to eat. Given the location of where we live, we are surrounded by so many great restaurants- it's very difficult having 4 people agree on where to go. The guys like to drink these fancy-smancy beers that have names that are difficult to pronounce, so I suggested The Lion and Rose.

Are you wondering what I ordered? I thought so! How can you go to a British place and not order some "authentic" Shepherd's Pie? Description: "Slow simmered beef and garden vegetables in rich and hearty gravy, crowned with whipped potatoes" Fortunately for me, it was very tasty. My beverage of choice was a cold glass of Stella Artois. Doesn't that sound like a great meal?

SIDE STORY - A few months ago, I myself tried to make a good Shepherd's Pie. But, I have to admit, I cheated...like a lot. Shame on me for not making everything from scratch! (I bought pre-made mash potatoes and canned vegetables. Gross right?) I think this is the reason that it turned out...well, I wouldn't say horrible, but very mediocre. Let's just say there were tons of left-overs that never got eaten.

Thanksgiving to-do list on the brain.

This year I was granted the opportunity to do the 2nd most important dish of Thanksgiving meal...the dressing!! The pressure is on and I really want to make the most amazing dressing ever! I want my family members to get seconds and thirds and for them to tell me, "That was the best dressing I ever had!" The only problem I am facing is....too many great recipes to choose from. My mother has always followed the same recipe in the past, but I find it rather boring (sorry mom). I want to add a modern twist with nuts, cranberries, different spices....you know?

In addition to the dressing, I really want to make CUPCAKES, but like the very stylish-creative-cutesy-Martha Stewart inspired-Thanksgiving kind. I researched different ideas and I think I know what direction I am headed with the cupcakes. (pictures to be posted next week). Just typing this makes me so excited to go grocery shopping to get all my goodies for this all-you-can-eat holiday that I look forward to every year!