Ham Bake Beginnings ...

A few posts back I mentioned that I downloaded the iPhone APP, “Tasty Bytes” from my girl, RR!  Of course, in all of my no-time-ness, I haven’t really used it….

Until last night!  I was in the grocery store, thinking, Wow I really should have made myself a list…I have no clue what to make tonight.  Then, I remembered her app!  I quickly (and easily) searched by ingredient for something different.  I came to:

Broccoli, Cheddar, and Ham Bake.

Yum-O!

In the words of RR, Yum-O!  This was one of the easiest things I have ever made!  It was the first time I tackled a “rue” and it was way easier than I expected!  No more passing on ‘rue –ified recipes!

It was delish!  Now not exactly the healthiest thing I’ve ever made, but it hit the spot.  Well the week has ended and so has the painting.  All the touch ups are done and the decorations back on the walls!  It finally feels like home!  Will post pics as soon as my camera make up! :) We are still fighting!  Here's a teaser...the kitchen reminds me of fresh bread and vino! (Probably because those are the paint color names...)

Sorry about the iPhone picture, he's my friend with benefits I shamelessly use while my camera plays the diva role!  Anyway, the half-marathon is in 3 days and we could not be less prepared.  It certainly will be interesting!  We made an executive decision to wear our headphones and blast music (typically race days we don’t to small chit chat, make sure the other is still breathing, and focus on not quitting!)  We will see how it goes!  Any tips for a good / new super healthy pre-race dinner?  What about morning of?  I’m going to need allll of the help I can get! 

10 K-O, what a knockout...I'm DOWN!

Well blog friends...I am in a slump.  I have been feeling under the weather since the 10K and the Hubby has reclaimed his place in the kitchen during my slump.  He's doing well and in good spirits, but I feel like RR would be disappointed with me.   She probably cooks for her Hubby even when she is sick.  Sigh.  Still, Hubby and I did finish the 10K and in great time for us...one hour and 2 minutes...exactly a ten minute mile pace!  But after the race and the days since, I've felt both beat up and blue...a combo of under the weather and mentally bruised somehow...lots of stresses in lots of areas...more on that later though.

I also got into a spat with my SILs (Sister in Laws)...they can be a tough bunch at times.  It reverts me back to high school.  There is a cool table, they are all sitting at it, occasionally glaring over at me -- letting me know there is no room for me there, best to stick at the lame table.  Which I do.  Anyway, said spat was really ridiculous (as all high school arguments are), and I'd rather not comment about it anymore...does anyone else struggle to get "in" with their new family?


The bottom line is Hubby is super supportive, but I feel badly when he is put in the middle.  I am so lucky though, most wives complain that their Hubby's never consider their point of view when it comes to the fam...I am so lucky!  Still, I won't pretend I'm always right -- I will just say that I try.  I do not always succeed (in fact most often I fail miserably in the new family department).  I keep looking forward to the day when I have a baby to look after the entire time, so it won't be as obvious that I am just there not fitting in...then I will be busy.  Until then, I will continue to try, try, try.... eventually I will have to improve -- right?!


Well, I've missed my training and my cooking...here's hoping that tomorrow goes better than today.   As the Japanese proverb says..."Fall seven times, stand up eight."


I am standing up tomorrow.  Are you?

Grilling Goddess

I am thrilled to announce that I conquered my fear of grilling!  AND…it wasn’t that bad!  Nay, it was awesome!  First of all, it was not nearly as difficult as I imagined.  Second, Rachael Ray’s recipe came out EXACTLY like the picture! 

Here’s her picture (It could be mine, you’d never know!)

Here is the link to her recipe.  I'm so proud of myself.  Hubby supervised the entire experience, but he was completely hands-off, I did all of the work.  I can happily say that I still have all of my eyebrow hairs.  Hooray!  

This morning, I practiced yoga.  It was my first time since I've moved in with Hubby and it was challenging!  It was a great workout though and my intention for practicing today was to "be calm."  The instructor encouraged to take our intention for practice and to carry that intention to the rest of our day.  

I was calm throughout the grilling experience and I think it really helped.  Hubby was super impressed!  RR you would be so proud of me!  Ladies, get out there and give the grill a try!  It will set you free!  It doesn't heat up the house, it is easy, and you will feel empowered.  

Halfway through the experience I caught myself singing the "Hillshire Farm" commercial -- GO MEAT!

This morning, my girl RR was on Good Morning America!  She was excellent (of course) and showed off some of her fabulous slider recipes -- including her homemade BBQ sauce recipe!  She talked about how sliders are a cheerful way to entertain and that sliders are "friendly food."  I couldn't agree more!  I can't wait -- next time we have friends over, I'm giving sliders a try!  RR graciously mentioned on the show that we could call her recipe our own, I think I might! :)  Thanks, Rach!

RR has an APP for iPhone -- Tasty Bytes.  I downloaded it immediately and love it.  Over 200 recipes, it makes a grocery list for you, lets you search...I could go on and on and on! Download it now!  It was only $1.99 (so cheap and SO worth it!)

Feeling good about grilling and cooking....maybe this challenge isn't so challenging, but it's been really fun!  All of this happiness in the kitchen (well, deck) made me wonder... What is your favorite cooking memory?