A Bitty Good Time

Wow....another whirlwind vacation has come and gone.  

Like most people, we packed so much into our vacation that we need a vacation from our vacation.  Or, at the very least, going back to work (at least for Hubs) nearly seems like a vacation.  Sort of, but not really.   

You know what I mean. 

First, we had the most aaah-mazing weather.  Over the last several months my mom had mentioned to me over multiple conversations that she couldn't wait for our trip in September so the Peanut could come down and enjoy the pool at Grandma and Grandpa's.

 


Me, ever the pessimist realist, thought no way.  I can count on one hand the number of times we have used their pool in September...and they've had the pool for nearly 20 years.  It's rarely warm enough in Hometown to swim that late in the summer, but I was proved wrong.

Way wrong. The weather?  Well, it was hotter than Dutch love.  (That saying always makes me smile, as it is something my Grandpa used to say.)

Peanut got to show Grandma (and Grandpa too) all her newly acquired swimming skills.



























Hubs helped my Dad with some of their projects they had going on....they are replacing their siding/painting the exterior/installing new outdoor lights....the list goes on and on.  But the finished product?  Very nice.  Very, very nice.

Jet, my parents lab, enjoyed all our pool time too, as pool time for us means playing fetch for her.  And she just wears herself out silly too.  About three fetches is her limit.  Then she hits the showers (goes in her pool) and sits in the water.  The length of time in the water is directly proportionate to the temperature outside in correlation with exactly how long she has been playing fetch. Then the process starts all over again. Fetch, pool, fetch, pool.....

On Peanut's birthday, Grandma and Grandpa had an early morning birthday surprise.  A new dolly for her collection--more specifically a Bitty Baby.

Later that morning she decided that Bitty should try out the pool (Jet's no less) with her and she was quickly reprimanded, which resulted in immediate tears.

No harm done though, as the pool had just been cleaned and Peanut had thought to remove Bitty's clothes.  Plus, with all the warm weather, Bitty dried in no time. 

After her nap (with all the excitement naps are a must at Grandma and Grandpa's--but at home, not nearly as much!), she got to open the rest of her presents.  She was spoiled indulged blessed beyond belief--lots of new clothes, fun toys, and more dolly items than she knows what to do with--including a Bitty twin.  AKA New Dolly.

Grandpa and Grandma treated us out to a birthday dinner, where Peanut was quite the fan of Chevy's salsa.  She nearly ate more of it than I did!  They sang for her and although she was caught a little off guard, she was quickly all smiles.

She got to see her very first theater movie, Winnie The Pooh.  What a perfect little movie for a three year old.  It was so, so sweet and just the right length too.  Perfect for those short little attention spans!

After the movie, we came home and had cake and ice cream and Peanut got to play more with all her new toys.  She also got to talk to her udder {other} Grandma and Grandpa (the Hubs mom and dad).  It was still really nice out, so we attempted the birthday candles outside.  However the light breeze (so nice in warm weather, not so nice when trying to light candles and sing Happy Birthday) made it difficult, so we quickly moved inside for candles and then quickly back outside to eat our yummies.  It was still fairly warm inside, as the house hadn't had a chance to cool off at that point.

You can practically read Hub's thoughts here. 

Peanut also had a grand time playing with my parent's neighbors.  They have a boy just a little older and a girl just a little younger and had they had the choice they would have been inseparable.  I can't wait to move back so Peanut can see them all the time!

Little W, is quite the driver and little gentleman as well, and he drove Peanut's car all around with her as the passenger.   Peanut got to enjoy snack time, play time and even a trip to Dairy Queen with them.  She was in heaven!

Hubs had his fantasy football draft with my Dad like last year, and it was madness, just like last year.  Honestly, it wasn't that bad, but I like to give Hubs and my Dad a hard time.  Peanut's little shirt still fit from last year, but I didn't have the heart to leave her in a long sleeved shirt in 94 degree weather.  So Charger ribbons it was.

Notice my Dad's and Hub's flushed faces.  Did I mention it was hot? 

Oh, and we evened squeezed in another family picture on our last night there.

Note to self: do family picture at beginning of vacation rather than end.  Her cooperativeness was at an all time low.  

I'm just sayin'.

It was a fabulous trip and I can't believe it's already come and gone.  I am praying that this will be her last party that we have to travel home for.   Hopefully, we will have good news in the next year that allows us to move back to Hometown.  I hope, I pray, I hope, I pray.

Well, that's it for the "non-party" highlights.....I hope to have the party recap done sometime this weekend!  Stay tuned!

My, How She's Grown

Because I know you are all on pins and needles waiting for my vaca recap post...

Oh, how I kid.

But here's a little teaser anyhow.  I am in a reflective mood.....this was our little Peanut in the summer of 2009:






















And this is our little gem now:

 
 

Stay tuned.....I've got LOTS more coming. 

Tuna Pasta Nicoise

This was the meal of THAT night.  But please, please don't let that deter you.  It was really good despite the fact that the evening didn't start out so well.  Some might find the combination of ingredients really strange (I did at first too!).  However at the very same time, I found the list of ingredients intriguing as well, and you know?  It really does work.

Hot (or Cold) Niçoise-Style Tuna Pasta ~ adapted from the wonderful Rachael Ray

2 small red potatoes

4 large eggs
Salt
1 pound short-cut pasta, such as shells, penne or farfalle (bowties) (I actually ended up using whole wheat egg noodles)
About 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 pint grape tomatoes (I used cherry from the garden)
1/2 cup dry white wine (I used chicken stock, but the wine would be wonderful)
1/4 cup Niçoise olives, chopped (I could not find Niçoise olives anywhere, so I used Kalamatas)
1/2 tsp red chili sauce (like Sriracha, more to taste if you're like the Hubs)
2 Tbsp onion, minced
2-3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jar or can tuna in water or oil (12 ounces), drained and flaked
A handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped
A small handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Place the potatoes and eggs in a medium sized pot with enough water to cover the eggs by at least two inches.  Bring to a rolling boil and boil for two minutes.  Turn off heat and cover tightly.  Let stand for fifteen minutes.  (This COMPLETELY goes against the way my mom taught me to make hard boiled eggs.....but you know what?  It really does make a perfect hard boiled egg.  I was surprised too, Mom!)   

Remove the eggs (leave the potatoes in the water) and peel eggs under cold water.  Cut into small cubes or roughly chop.  Remove the potatoes and dice. Bring a large a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.  Reserve 1/2 cup starchy cooking water prior to draining pasta.   

While the pasta is cooking, over medium heat, in a large saute pan, heat olive oil.  Add the tomatoes, wine (or stock), olives, chili sauce, onion, and garlic.  Cover the pan and increase heat to medium high.  Cook and uncover the pan when the tomatoes start to crack. This will take about 10 minutes.  Lightly crush tomatoes with a wooden spoon.....whoops!  I didn't crush when I made this!  Make sure to crush!  Stir in tuna, parsley, and basil.  Add in starchy pasta water. 

Add the pasta to the sauce and toss.  Stir in eggs and potatoes and serve. 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap at Premeditated Leftovers
La Bella Vita's Fresh Clean and Pure Friday 
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday  

 

Menu Plan Monday

Still enjoying our time here in Hometown!  We celebrate our little Peanut with a grand ol' cowgirl birthday today.  More to follow on that later this week.  So our abbreviated menu for this week will be~

Sunday-Monday-Still in Hometown

Tuesday-Baked potato bar with chili, cheese, sour cream, broccoli, green onions

Wednesday-Turkey stuffing meatloaf, fresh green beans

Thursday-Fire Island Penne (one dish meal!)

Friday-Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green salad

Saturday-Leftovers


For other great menu ideas, visit the Organizing Junkie. 

Tried It & Loved It: Vanilla Biscotti

I have had biscotti on my list of things to bake for a LONG time.  Like over a year ago long time.  I know.  I remember making some when I still lived with my parents, and I loved it.  I wanted to try my hand at it again and I finally got around to it.

A few weeks ago I sat down and found a recipe and made this wonderful biscotti.  I can't wait to make some more!  Next time, I plan on adding in some fun little yummies, like almonds or dried cranberries.....or maybe even both.  I so would have this time, but I didn't have any on hand, so vanilla it was.  It was still so tasty.  Crumbly and buttery just like it should be.  A great accompaniment to my coffee.  Need I say more? 

Vanilla Biscotti ~ from King Arthur Flour

6 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup sugar (I did use sucanat, which is why the uneven color to my biscotti)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour (I did.....can you believe it?)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a baking sheet for biscotti.  Set aside.

In a stand mixer, using paddle attachment, beat butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, and baking powder until mixture is evenly combined.   Add in eggs; mix until creamy.  Add in flour and mix until evenly combined.  Dough will be sticky. 

Scoop dough onto prepared pan, and shape into a flattened log.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool about 30 minutes.  Using a spray bottle with room temperature water, lightly and evenly spritz water on biscotti log.  This will make the biscotti easier to slice.  Using a serrated knife, slice biscotti into 1/2 - 3/4 inch slices.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Set the biscotti on edge on baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.  They will appear dry and be starting to turn golden when they are done.  They still may be a tiny moist in the center, but they will continue to dry as they cool.  Remove from oven and transfer to rack to cool.

Store in an air container for several days. 



  

For the Birthday Girl

Hard to believe two years have gone by since this was taken

and a year has gone by since this was taken

 Today my baby is now three.

Happy birthday, precious Peanut. 

Oh, and please be officially introduced to Peanut's newest addition to the Dolly menagerie.  Her name is....wait for it............New Dolly.

Welcome to the family, New Dolly.  

Mac & Cheese with Diced Ham

This is one of my go to recipes.  It's quick (yes, even as homemade, it's still a quick dinner), it's easy, and I always have the ingredients on hand to make this.  So if Leftovers night rolls around and we've already eaten up the leftovers that week, there's a good chance I'll be making some of this.  While I don't always have ham on hand, it's always a yummy addition to a wonderful comfort food. 

Mac & Cheese with Diced Ham

1 pound of pasta (I prefer the pieces {penne, elbow, shells, etc.} as opposed to noodles {spaghetti, fettuccine, etc.} but that's because I have a three year old and it means no cutting up food--you can use whatever type of pasta you like)

Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain pasta thoroughly when cooked. 

5 Tbsp butter
5 Tbsp flour
2 1/2 cups milk (I use whole)
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (I used a combo of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella this time, but what you have should work)
Salt and pepper
1 cup diced ham (if adding)

In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.  Allow flour to cook for 1-2 minutes and whisk in milk.  As mixture starts to heat through it will start to thicken.  Whisk in mustard and shredded cheese and allow to heat for several minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add in diced ham.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Stir in drained pasta and mix sauce and pasta together until pasta is evenly coated.

Now, since this dish is fully ready to eat at this stage, I usually just serve the mac and cheese up.  I rarely take the extra step to bake, because 1. the dish is already ready to serve--I don't see the point in dirtying up another dish I am going to have to wash  2. yes, I am truly am that lazy.  BUT, that said, if you feel so inclined, you may.

Breadcrumb Topping 

1 slice bread, buttered

Place buttered slice of bread in food processor and pulse on high about 10-15 times or until it reaches  breadcrumb consistency.  Isn't that a nifty little trick?  If you don't have a food processor, mix about 2/3 cup prepared breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Spray a casserole dish liberally with non stick spray or coat well with butter.  Pour in mac and cheese and top with breadcrumb mixture.  Broil until top of casserole is nice and golden.  Serve and enjoy!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap at Premeditated Leftovers
La Bella Vita's Fresh Clean and Pure Friday 
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday  

Menu Plan Monday

This is an extremely short week, as we will heading off to Hometown for a little R&R, a birthday to celebrate (Thursday), a fantasy football draft (Saturday), and a big ol' kick up your heels cowgirl birthday party (Sunday).  So for this short and sweet week, we will be having:

Sunday-Tuna sandwiches, leftover macaroni salad

Monday-Italian Sausage Pizza with homemade crust and sauce, green salad with homemade ranch dressing (The leftovers we will take with us for lunch on our drive the next day--keeps the fridge nice and empty while we are gone!)

Tuesday-Saturday-Off to Hometown!

For other great menu ideas, visit the Organizing Junkie. 

Tried It & Loved It: Oven Fries

This one is such a great recipe and it's one I have been doing for several years now.  It's a great side to hamburgers, hot dogs--anything grilled really.  Plus, it's a healthier alternative to potato chips (a common accompaniment to grilled items) that are drenched in those unnatural vegetable oils.

And they couldn't be more simple, so there you go.

Oh, and next time I'll try to take a picture before our dinner gets devoured.  

Oven Fries ~ from Rachael Ray

Red potatoes, cut into wedges
Extra virgin olive oil
Grill seasoning (think Montreal's steak seasoning--get it at Costco, it's way cheaper.  Imagine that.)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 

Toss potato wedge slices in extra virgin olive oil and grill seasoning.  Layer evenly on baking sheet or baking stone.  I like the stone--makes 'em more crispy.  Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until cooked through. 

 
This recipe is linked to Life As Mom Ultimate Recipe Swap.