Wordless Wednesday: This is what you get when Jasmine finds the camer a

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Soup Anyone

Ok, now we are cooking.  I made this tortilla soup recipe this weekend and it was very good. 

We had a fire going in the fireplace Saturday so I roasted the corn and poblano pepper there instead of on the stove top.  I also added a can of rotel for some spice.  Next time I will probably blend the rotel to make the soup less chunky – I like my soup liquidy.  All in all, I think this recipe is a keeper.  Thank goodness, I think this is about the fifth one I've tried.

Emeril's Tortilla Soup with Fire-Roasted Corn

1 ear corn, shucked
1 poblano pepper, or 1 pasilla or green bell pepper and 1 jalapeno pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows

Set a stovetop burner to medium heat, and, using a pair of tongs, hold the corn directly over the fire. Roast the corn over the open flame until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Rotate the corn and continue roasting until the entire surface of the corn is browned. Set the corn aside to cool, and once cooled, cut the kernels from the cob and set aside until ready to use. Use the same technique with the poblano pepper, being sure to char the skin until it is black. Once the pepper is charred, place in a sealable plastic bag and allow to steam. After 5 minutes, remove the pepper from the bag and peel off the charred skin. Discard the seeds and stem end, and set the pepper aside.

In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, heat the oil on medium-high heat. Season the chicken with cumin, salt and coriander. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until brown. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Dice the poblano and add. Add the corn and reserve some for garnish. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cilantro and lime juice, stir to combine, and remove from the heat. Cover to keep warm.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

 

Menu Plan Monday

Monday - ugh, maybe Joe will cook

Tuesday - don't want to think about it

Wednesday - I'm at Bible Study

Thursday - is it the weekend yet?

Friday - pick something up on the way home

I'm on vacation from work next week and I can't hardly wait, my mind is already in vacation mode.  So forgive my menu plan, all I can think about is all the plans I have for next week when I'm off.

And has anyone else noticed it's cold, I've been cold since Friday and it is driving me crazy...dreaming of Spring weather already.

Party Time

I've been promising for some time now pictures of Cash's birthday…I know, finally. 

 

The weather was so great, we were able to do the entire party outside.  We had lots of fun with a bounce house, piñata, crafts and decorate your own cupcakes.  I had a couple games planned, but after the first one crashed and burned I bailed on that idea.  Here was the concept of the first game.  Hulk Stomp – tie a balloon to the ankle of each child and they try to pop each other's balloons.  Now I remember playing this when I was young without incident.  That was not the case: 1. The balloons popped without being stomped since we were outside and they were running. 2. Small children do not like for their balloons to be popped even if it is a game, serious meltdowns occurred. 

 

Cash got lots of great gifts – Spiderman this, Hulk that, throw in a Batman or two and Cash is a happy boy.  He also got some cowboy boots, which he loves and would wear with his shorts if mommy didn't intercede.

 

Here are the pics…

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Wordless Wednesday: Oh How Time Flies -- 2/05

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Update

So Friday when Joe and the kids went into the house, the house was hot and smelled like something was burning.  Upon inspecting the house he found that our furnace closet was very very hot.  He then turned off the main breaker and called the fire department.  Once they arrived and walked the house they said we were literally moments away from having a flash fire in our house.  Apparently the relay thingamajig wasn't working and even though the thermostat was not on, the furnace had been running all day.  When they looked through their special goggles to see what is hot, our unit was smoldering.  Needless to say, I have said many many thank you prayers to our Lord above for allowing us to come through this ordeal.

We were suppose to go to this super awesome new place w/ mini golf, go-karts, bowling, bumper cars, etc. with a old friend I hadn't seen in a number of years.  But instead, we were instructed to stay at the home front to make sure nothing ignited.  Which we gladly did.

* * Thank you Lord Jesus for sparing our home and our possesions.  Thank you for the reminder that what matters is not what is in the home, but the people who live in it.  I will be mindful to give you the Glory, Honor and Praise in all that I do.  Amen! * *

Menu Plan Monday

Monday already, can't hardly believe it.  Weekend came and went and I think I am more tired than I was when it started.  Didn't have a chance to make it to the grocery store and won't this afternoon either.  Hopefully tomorrow.  If not, we are in trouble when it comes to lunches and dinner.  Here is what I have planned...

Monday - Pork Chops, broccoli, mac&cheese and rolls

Tuesday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and veggies

Wednesday - I'm at Bible Study - Frozen pizzas

Thursday - Chicken stir fry w/ egg rolls

Friday - BBQ pork sandwiches and french fries

Our weekend started off with a big scare, but got better from there.  One thing you don't want to see when you pull into your drive on a Friday afternoon when you have plans for the eveing is a fire truck....

Cash's Birthday Day

Here is the run down from Cash's actual birthday.  I took the day off of work and it was all about him.  First things first – Cash loves donuts!  So I went to the donut store before the house got up (and since we are in the country this is a pretty good drive).  And since his bday is just before Halloween they have them in fun shapes.  Jasmine had a ghost and Cash had a bat.  After dropping Jas off at school we went to the Dr. for his check-up where he had to get 4 shots L, but our tough boy didn't even cry (never has, even when we was getting 3 month shots).  After the Dr. we went to Wal*Mart to pick out a present, so many choices, that was a tough one for him.  Next was the $1 movie where we saw Wall-E.  Then to pick up Jasmine at school.  After getting Jasmine he requested a trip to the Library where he picked out three Iron Man books and a Batman.  Then to Denny's for dinner.  We had an awesome day!  Here are the picks.

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Fall Fun

We Have been so busy lately, I don't even know where to begin.  Since my last post we have been to the zoo, cash turned 4 and had a birthday party, Halloween came and went…needless to say I have lots and lots of pictures and I want to share each and every one of them.  These are from Boo at the Zoo and Trunk or Treat, I will post Cash's Birth-day and party tomorrow.

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Wordless Wednesday: HULK SMASH!!!

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