A few of my favorite things, part II

So in continuation of my last post, here are some more of my favorite kitchen appliances!

3.) Keurig Coffee Machine-

This was a Christmas gift from my parents two years ago.  When we visited them, we enjoyed their Keurig so much they decided to gift us one during the holidays.  Hubby actually uses this more than me- most of the time he has a cup or two per day.  This machine runs on coffee “pods” that come in many flavors. You just pop one in the machine, close the lid and press a button, and you’re literally seconds away from a tasty brewed cup of joe!   Our favorite flavors are Green Mountain Coffee’s French Vanilla and Breakfast Blend. If you’re a “green” consumer and worried about the amount of waste created by using the plastic pods- a cap is available where you can re-use the pods and fill them with your own coffee. The price ranges from $70 to $200 depending on how many features and brewing amounts you want.

From the website: “The Keurig brewing system offers gourmet coffee drinkers a top quality, coffee house cup of coffee with the convenience of brewing immediately in your own kitchen. It makes a fine cup of coffee in under a minute and takes away all the guesswork from brewing a consistently great cup of coffee.The Keurig single-cup brewing system uses a special packaging for coffee, tea, and hot cocoa called K-Cups. Each K-Cup is an airtight, mini-brewer that locks out oxygen, light, moisture, and humidity while locking in freshness and flavor.”

PROS: super fast, tasty coffee- far better than my school lounge’s coffee. There are a HUGE variety of flavors to choose from including Coffee House brands like Caribou Coffee and Donut House.  You can’t beat the convenience!

CONS: Pods are not cheap- they cost approx. .50 cents a 10 oz. cup. (not too bad compared to buying a cup at the gas station or SBUX every day) The hot chocolate and tea pods are worthless- they are flavor-less, as the machine dispenses the water through the pods so fast they don’t have time to “brew.”

4.)Rolling Garlic Chopper-

This little guy I picked up recently at target for $9.99.  His cute little round body and lime green and black wheel were just too cute- but don’t be deceived my his cute exterior, inside he’s full of spinning blades of garlic death!  I bought this on a whim, but it does work very nicely for chopping fresh garlic, when you want small, uniform pieces.  You can fit about 1-2 cloves a garlic at a time inside, and with a few rolls on the countertop you’re left with a couple teaspoons of fresh minced garlic!  I should mention its fun to use to.  Clean-up is not bad either, just open the top, pop out the blade and rinse the sphere with some water, and you’re done!

These are a few of my favorite things! part I

Happy Tuesday! I would have posted yesterday, but I was summoned for jury duty (during my summer vacation!)- so I spent the morning in court.  I have to go back next Monday for my actual assignment- hopefully it doesn’t last too long or I won’t get to go on my short vacay to visit my parents in Michigan!

For today’s post I thought I would share a few of my all time favorite kitchen appliances and utensils that the crafty-foodie- musician uses all the time. This is part I of a series of posts giving my favorite kitchen appliances.

1.) Mr. Coffee Ice Tea Maker!

This is an all-time favorite! Growing up, whenever my Grandma would host get-togethers for the whole family she would whip out her Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker and make gallon after gallon of her (super) sweet tea.  We little ones loved the artificial sugary goodness and sucked it down, since tea is considered an “adult” drink.  That is one thing I could always expect, and still do whenever I go visit my grandmother in Ohio. My mom used to make sun tea when I was little, but when I was in my teens my mom purchased the tea maker as well. You just can’t beat the convenience and almost instant gratification of it! The best part about it is it only costs $17. at Walmart!  (*note: I’m not being endorsed to review this product, I just use it all the time!)

So naturally when I got out on my own I HAD to have one to make my very own tea. Hubby LOVES this- he’s still being weaned off of flavored beverages (namely diet pepsi) so its nice to have a healthier alternative! I use two parts black tea to 1 part green tea. You can adjust how strong the tea is brewed by moving a knob on the front of the machine.

2.) George Foreman Grill-

This amazing contraption is a life saver when it comes to  eating healthy on busy days!  It heats up quickly, cooks food without added grease, and at cooks food at lightning speeds! (about 7-10 minutes average)  Definitely a much better option than the microwave!  It’s not just for meat either, it can easily be used to grill vegetables also! I recommend giving it a try.  Also, I think it’s worth spending a little extra to get the grill with detachable plates.  SO much easier to clean!

I will post some more favorites tomorrow, but in the mean time,

–>What is your FAVORITE kitchen appliance or utensil?

Mooo! (How far would you go for FREE food?)

So how far would you go for some free chicken?  or more specifically for some FREE Chic-fil-A?  Would you dress like a cow?  I did!

Friday was “Cow Appreciation” Day.  How many of you hugged a bovine? 😉  Chic-fil-A was celebrating by giving away free meals to anyone who came dressed like their mascot, a cow!  (cowgirl voice) Well I done roped a couple friends into joining me, along with their little heifers to come on down and get some free grub!

I had donned a cow mask and spots back in July 2008, when I was bored, hubby was at work and I wanted some free chicken, so I went all by my lonesome.  This year was much more fun!

Me, 2008

Me this year: a more natural cow

My friend Hannah and her little boy Karsten came with me and our other friend Hannah (it gets confusing sometimes!) and her baby girl, Bethany, came along too.  The restaurant was packed and the drive-thru line wrapped all the way around the building, almost into the street.  I guess us valley folks gotta have our chicken! It was worth it to get all that juicy, succulent chicken though!  Even the baby was given a free kids meal (and he’s too young to eat it!) =more nuggets for his mommy!

My FREE meal! I got their original chicken sandwich, waffle fries and diet coke.  Not all that healthy, I know, but hey it WAS my free food day!

I’m so glad they went with me because my hubby thinks I’m crazy, and a cheapskate when I go all out for free food.  I tried to get him to go backwith me for dinner, but he told me to moooove on. 😉

So let me know, how far would you/will you go to get FREE food?

AND, what was the best thing you ever got for FREE?

A Taste For Something New

So last night I baked Mama Pea‘s Banana Chocolate Chip Millet Muffins!  Ever since she posted it I’ve been hunkering for a taste of banana and chocolate.  So I waited, and waited, and waited for my bananas to get ripe. At least that’s the way it felt, usually I complain that my bananas ripen too fast in this hot and humid Texas heat.

I won’t bother you with the details since she already did a picture tutorial.  All I can say is, DELISH! I loved the slightly crunchy texture of the millet flour.  The food critics tasted them: me, the hubby, and the MIL.

My verdict: yummy, i love the banana and chocolate and texture.

Hubbs’ vote:”didn’t like the hot banana slice on top- said the chocolate and banana flavors were smacking him in the face.”  Liked it room temp though.  (Keep in mind he isn’t a big muffin eater)

MIL:  “Que rico!” Translation: very tasty!

In other food news I finally tried two food items that the food blog word is always raving about.  Sabra Hummus and  Cedar’s Tzatziki Yogurt Dip.

I’ve had hummus before, but seeing blog after blog after blog about hummus made me develop a huge craving for it.  I initially bought the Spinach and Artichoke flavor, which I used up the 10 oz. size after only a couple of days- it didn’t stand a chance! This past week I purchased the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, which was equally delish! Luckily I still have enough to last me until my next grocery run.  If I keep making crack wraps with spinach it will be gone in a wink!

When I went to the Sabra website for stats on the yummus hummus, I found out that they have FIFTEEN, yes, 15, flavors of the yummy stuff!!  I think my local walmart only carrys 3-4 kinds!  I’m definitely going to check out some other groceries to find some of the other flavors! Chipotle Hummus and Greek Olive Hummus, Pine Nut Hummus, OMG!!!

QUESTION: What flavor of hummus should I try next?

Diana is always praising the Tzatziki so I gave it a go.  Very good- creamy and tastes like a yogurty version of sour cream and onion dip, although with cucumber bits added.  Very creamy and low-cal, only 35 calories, although not too many nutrients besides that- would be an excellent alternative to sour cream or ranch dressing (as long as you only eat a serving!)

I’m really enjoying my summer finding new and interesting food products to try! After all this talk of greek yogurt, I think I’m going to have to give it another try.  Tried it plain for breakfast in Paris and thought it tasted like sour cream! (not exactly what I was looking for for breakfast with my sweet tooth!)

QUESTION: What should be my next “special” food purchase?

A New Member of the Family

Okay, so I know my last blog was kinda on the heavy side.  So let me put your mind at rest- we stayed safe and dry from Hurricane Alex, my MIL was released from the hospital and on Thursday our new puppy was finally delivered!

So let me introduce you to: “DECO”  When we started talking about names for our new pup, my hubby wanted to name the puppy after a soccer player- I reluctantly agreed, but I denied the names “Messi” (everyone would think our pup was “messy”), “Chavi,” and “Giggs,” put my foot down when it came to “Drogba.” I mean really, who names their pet that?! It sounds like drugs. yuck! Finally, he suggested “Deco,” which is a soccer player from Portugal, who plays for Chelsea (England).  I quickly agreed since the names were just getting weirder and weirder! I think he’s been watching too much FIFA Soccer WorldCup 2010!

Deco puppy and Deco the soccer (futbol) player.  I don’t know, can you see any resemblance?! 😉

It very quickly felt like we were parents of a baby! Wow, I didn’t remember puppies being this much work!  He’s such a intelligent sweetheart, but 100% dog!  I was quick to find that he needed constant supervision or accidents would occur (I’m sure you can guess what kind!).  When he’s in his playful mood he must nibble on whatever is near his mouth, be it the leather couch or my hand (kinda like a human baby).

When I mentioned that I felt like a new parent on facebook, my mommy friends were quick to point out that unlike a human baby I could leave my pup at home when I went to the store, and although I might get up to take him potty at 2am, there were no multiple nighttime “feedings”(milkings?) required! 😛

Finally, after much play and chewing the baby fell asleep…

I may be a little more tired, but I can’t wait until tomorrow to do it all again! 🙂

When the World gets Topsy Turvy…

Well, just when I thought my summer was going to be lazy and uneventful…

(WARNING: this post has absolutely nothing to do with music, or food, so continue at your own risk!)

1.) We decided to get a puppy 🙂

We’re waiting to get him, any day now from Cinderella Pet Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter nearby. He is tan and black, and who knows what breed- my guess is lab/shepherd/rottie?  He’s three months old, and was dumped in a box with his five other siblings. 😦 I can’t believe how ugly people can be sometimes to poor defenseless animals-  some of the puppies even have burn marks on their legs that seem to be  from cigarette burns.  Sorry, I don’t have a picture yet. I forgot to take one when we were there.  But here’s a cute puppy picture to hold you over until then: 🙂

2.) Hurricane Alex was headed straight for us 😦 You can track him here.

We had to reinforce part of our fence to make sure it wouldn’t fall down, pick up any objects that could blow around, and finish cleaning up the brush in our yard, which we were straightening up before puppy comes.

Luckily for us Hurricane Alex ended up going more south, into Mexico, so far we’ve just had strong winds and rain.-keeping fingers crossed!

3.) The hubby’s mom went into the ER on Monday night after being in a car accident 😦

Obviously I didn’t take pictures of this.  We stayed at the hospital from 9pm- 4am with her on Monday- we were both exhausted! She went in because of the accident, but the Drs found a mass in her abdomen that they are testing, so we’re not really sure what is going on right now.  It’s really hard on my hubby, especially since he’s the only child, and his parents are divorced, so the full weight and responsibility fall on his shoulders.  I can see him trying to be really strong for the rest of the family, but its really difficult for him.

We’re really having to put all of this in God’s hands, since we can’t control the puppy, hurricane, or my MIL’s health issues. (okay, so I guess we can take care of the puppy thing! 😉  I’ve been praying a LOT lately and putting my trust in Him, since things are out of my control right now.  Which is especially hard since I’m a perfectionist and always need to control and manage everything.  Thanks for reading and letting me share tough things with you.

Pepper Fries and Mini Meatloafs

Okay, so here is my first attempt at documenting some new recipes that I tried out this week! Forgive me if I am not clear enough, and feel free to ask any questions!

I’ve been enjoying my summer vacation off of work (I’m a teacher!)  and finding things to fill my days.  As I mentioned before, I’ve been reading up on some food blogs and they’ve inspired me to cook more creatively, eat a little more healthfully, and try new things!  Below are a few of my recent meals that turned so good, I just had to share!

Mini Meatloafs

These turned out SOO good! Very moist and tasty, although I think I can make them with less salt next time.  The hubby LOVED them!  I found the recipe linked from this food blog: mymarblerye .  It’s from Giada’s recipe on the Food Network, but she had the fun idea of using muffin pans to make mini meatloafs!  (I seriously love the idea- seems like an easy way to take some to work with me in the fall!)  Here’s the original recipe.

And of course, I made my own substitutions! I didn’t have parsley, so I used chopped spinach, and I didn’t have sun dried tomatoes, so I used marinated bell peppers.   I also had an epiphany that next time I will be making Chipotle Tex-Mex meatloafs.  Subbing in cilantro for the green stuff, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for the red. I’ll let you know when I try it.

I also made some pepper fries.  After seeing Rachel Ray make some on her talk show I had to try it!  But no matter where I looked I could not find her recipe!  So I tried using this recipe as a vague guide:  Pepper Fries. Sorry this recipe was not very exact!   Next time I’m adding more liquid to the mustard mixture and more salt.

Should actually have 2 EGGS pictured!

I chopped up all these peppers (only ended up using one poblano, one bell pepper, and one jalepeno pepper) into strips.

Then I dunked them in these three bowls.

First I rolled them in flour, then the egg-mustard mixture, and last the breadcrumbs/parmesan cheese.

Then I threw them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.  They came out crispy and brown with juicy middles! Mmm…  The bell peppers had the most juicy inside since the pepper was much thicker than the poblano or jalepeno pepper.  But the other peppers I thought had a slightly better flavor.   They weren’t spicy at all, in case you were wondering! 😉

YUMMY!

SO I have a question for you!  What is your favorite thing to eat covered in breading?

Food, glorious food!

So lately during my summer vacay I’ve become a stalker.  Yes, you read it right, a STALKER!   Well, of food blogs, that is.

I’m not sure what got me started, I must have searched some recipe online, but all I know now is there are about four different blogs that I can’t seem to get enough of. (not to mention all the recipes and pictures of food on them!)  I’ve always loved trying new dishes and ingredients so that helped spark my interest in the following blogs. Both of which are vegan. Hmmm…

One of my stalkees (is that even a word?!) is: Mamma Pea .
Her blog is just too cute! So are her two adorable daughters!  She has lots of delicious recipes, and even though she is vegan (I’m not) I can’t get enough of her blog!  I tried her green smoothies, and although I was initially skeptical about the spinach mixed with smoothie ingredients, you couldn’t even taste it!  I’ve already had them twice this past week.  And her food photos make me drool… 😛

And I’m not even going to mention her fabulous giveaway for Anthony Bourdain’s autographed book: “Medium Raw.” (oops, I mentioned it!) Go now!!

I’m not sure what has gotten into me with vegan blogs, but I’m also digging Chocolate-Covered Katie’s blog as well.  Did I mention she has gobs of sweet recipes, and CHOCOLATE all over her blog.  Can’t wait to try some more of her chocolate-covered goodness as well.  I have a huge sweet tooth so I know I’m going to be visiting her site often. 🙂  In fact, I’ve already tried her banana butter,  and I’m planning to have some chocolate protein cake tomorrow, that is if I can track down some canned pumpkin! (turns out after searching 3 aisles its a seasonal item at Walmart)

Those are my food blogs of the day! Tomorrow I’ll share my other recent favorite foodie blogs! And add some of my own favorite recipes!  Mmmmm….

about me…

So here’s a little about my life.  Some would call it busy, and other boring- I think its a little of both! But I can be sure that everyday has surprises in store!

Most of my day is kept busy being an elementary music teacher for grades Kinder through fifth grade.  You just never know what to expect on a day to day basis! You may not realize this but being an elem. music teacher doesn’t just mean teaching music! It means I have to be an artist, disciplinarian, costume designer, dancer, singer, work the sound system, cafeteria/lunch duty, plus much more!  It can be difficult, but also a lot of fun when the kids are cooperative and doing well!  I see anywhere from 5-11 classes a day, for 30 minutes each.  Kinda crazy on days when I have classes back to back, from 1st, then Kinder, then 2nd, then 5th! Definitely takes some planning!

After school (because I enjoy it, and to help make end meet) I teach private piano lessons at a local Piano store.  Some of my kiddos have been studying with me for over four years already!  I really enjoy seeing the progress my once four years olds are making (now age 8!)

Evenings for me consist of making dinner, going to the gym, or working on my etsy store.  (www.whispersofwhimsy.etsy.com)  Hubby is in Grad school getting a degree in Information Technology, so are schedules are a little weird right now.