tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61656041306631599652024-03-14T02:44:20.706-07:00Finding Pink SnowHappiness is...ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-63107375647724307092013-01-18T15:43:00.000-08:002013-01-18T15:44:59.512-08:00Happiness is...Egg Foo Young<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5TK-y9dNbiAsdAVLyZsk5hmaDY0bS-hyc8zCuzIFHYf8qNjSTwXycHzdwTsN_iFFr0RKRh3BSzR0UcdSGgkpyqlBbZsSIPVv09KKFy5lz0iWQcqiWdCrpC1zRUp9_CqbBj9cfS7mxE6c/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5TK-y9dNbiAsdAVLyZsk5hmaDY0bS-hyc8zCuzIFHYf8qNjSTwXycHzdwTsN_iFFr0RKRh3BSzR0UcdSGgkpyqlBbZsSIPVv09KKFy5lz0iWQcqiWdCrpC1zRUp9_CqbBj9cfS7mxE6c/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Egg Foo Young at Ballard Mandarin</i></td></tr>
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Egg Foo Young has got to be my favorite American Chinese dish.<br />
<br />
What's not like? Eggs? Vegetables? Sauce? It's a triumvirate of tastiness! <br />
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In fact, I had it for Christmas dinner at <a href="http://ballardmandarin.com/web/">Ballard Mandarin Restaurant</a>, and was never more happy.<br />
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Another fact, it was well worth the 45 minute wait where they kept bringing us platters of Egg Foo Young and right before we could dig in the platter would be pulled away because our teeny-tiny waiter kept giving food to the wrong tables, but that's another story...<br />
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Fact three, my two favorite Chinese Restaurant Lounges have Egg Foo Young on the Bar Menu and super cheap Happy Hour drink prices.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYNMpZoQiznapCqpIM67pxmo4CYXRj6mD2Z2P6bmXCJbBkG4zQCOB_jp_-F3W51zr9PRmlmiAhVCOEM6t_SrZxJHYGcikYEBFF1gsCEaeYwoV0xGMYRkBmrWiyQLwWUOoqWo0pnjnYjzs/s1600/PA150064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYNMpZoQiznapCqpIM67pxmo4CYXRj6mD2Z2P6bmXCJbBkG4zQCOB_jp_-F3W51zr9PRmlmiAhVCOEM6t_SrZxJHYGcikYEBFF1gsCEaeYwoV0xGMYRkBmrWiyQLwWUOoqWo0pnjnYjzs/s320/PA150064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Egg Foo Young at Louie's Cuisine of China</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.louiescuisine.com/">Louie's Cuisine of China</a>, in Ballard, has a lounge where you step over the threshold and *poof* you are transported right smack dab in the 1970's. Rattan furniture, stone fireplace, mirrored wall, disco floor...<br />
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But, it's the Egg Foo Young (and cheap drinks) that keeps me coming back.<br />
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They deep fry it here, so it's golden and crispy<br />
on the outside and souffle like on the inside.<br />
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The traditional brown sauce is thick but not heavy, and not too salty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIA-xaCjSc-fELb18IO8JzQHpClCj94cM1CERojc4-N1aWrqiydinutUVJKmX15MyRDhQrlp2vF3_xMTLFAHR9mu0xDZAl_Z4zh0QGLtuNX4CmmhLfQi0gvA51EljrBIn33ZRjqs7GXaNv/s1600/P6160113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIA-xaCjSc-fELb18IO8JzQHpClCj94cM1CERojc4-N1aWrqiydinutUVJKmX15MyRDhQrlp2vF3_xMTLFAHR9mu0xDZAl_Z4zh0QGLtuNX4CmmhLfQi0gvA51EljrBIn33ZRjqs7GXaNv/s320/P6160113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimps Egg Foo Young at Peking House</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.pekinghouserestaurant.com/">Peking House Restaurant</a>, in Shoreline, is a great place to go for a drink after work (especially since it is 5 minutes from work).<br />
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The lounge is large and worn in, but the bartender pours a stiff drink and the Shrimps Egg Foo Young is always good.<br />
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Loaded with big shrimps and crispy vegetables, this egg pancake is large enough for 2-3 people to share, and I like that they serve the sesame infused sauce on the side.<br />
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All that said, my only gripe with Egg Foo Young in general is that it is only ever served Family Style.<br />
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So, if you are a single and want Egg Foo Young you must be prepared to eat a lot of Egg Foo Young! I'm pretty certain that eating 6-8 eggs in one sitting is not going to be good for you.<br />
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Truth be told I had never made Egg Foo Young at home. For some reason I always assume anything Chinese is going to be difficult to make, and it's just best to get it in a restaurant.<br />
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But Egg Foo Young is just and omelette! A stinking veggie or meat omelette!<br />
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Now that I have figured this out I am equipped to make my favorite dish all the time, and it is just as good as any restaurant could make. Well, except for the deep fried version at Louie's. I haven't figured that one out yet...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Egg Foo Young for 1</u></b></span><br />
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<b>For the Omelette:</b><br />
1 T. <b>Vegetable Oil</b>, for frying<b> </b><br />
1/2 c. <b>Fried Tofu</b>, in julienned strips*<br />
1/4 c. <b>Bean Sprouts**</b><br />
1/4 c. <b>Celery</b>, diced small<br />
1/4 c. <b>Yellow Onion</b>, thinly sliced<br />
Pinch of <b>Kosher Salt</b><br />
2-3 <b>Eggs</b>, scrambled <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(hungry or really hungry)</span></i><br />
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In a small bowl, mix together the <b>Fried Tofu</b>, <b>Bean Sprouts</b>, <b>Celery</b>, <b>Yellow Onion</b>, and <b>Kosher Salt</b>.<br />
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Stir the scrambled <b>Eggs</b> into the vegetable mixture and set aside.<br />
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<b>For the Sauce:</b><br />
1/4 c. <b>Chicken Broth</b> ~or~ Vegetable Broth<br />
1 1/2 t. <b>Soy Sauce</b><br />
1/2 t. <b>Cornstarch</b><br />
1 1/2 t. <b>Water</b><br />
1/2 t. toasted <b>Sesame Oil</b><br />
Small Pinch of <b>Cayenne Pepper</b><br />
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In a small cup combine the <b>Chicken Broth</b> and <b>Soy Sauce</b> together; set aside.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Place the <b>Cornstarch</b> and <b>Water</b> in a small cup; stir to combine and set aside.<br />
<b><br /></b>
Have at the ready the <b>Sesame Oil</b> and <b>Cayenne Pepper.</b><br />
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Heat <b>Vegetable Oil</b> in a small non-stick skillet over med-high heat.<br />
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Add the Vegetable/Egg mixture to the hot pan; reduce heat a little, stir briefly then let cook for 3 minutes, so that the eggs start to set and get golden brown. Flip omelette over and cook for another 2 minutes until eggs are cook to your liking. Transfer to a plate.<br />
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Add the <b>Chicken Broth/Soy Sauce</b> mix directly into the hot skillet and bring to a boil. Slowly add in the <b>Cornstarch/Water</b> slurry (you will need to re`stir before adding), stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in the <b>Sesame Oil</b> and <b>Cayenne Pepper</b> and pour directly over the waiting omelette. EAT! <br />
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*You could also use diced Ham, BBQ Pork, shredded Chicken, cooked Shrimps, or cooked ground Pork. I just needed to use up some Tofu...<br />
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**You have tons of options for veggie add~ins! Green Onions, Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms, and shredded Carrots are all delicious. Peas! Peas would be good in this...<br />
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So easy! The eggs are fluffy and the veggies remain crispy. A light and savory meal I no longer have to go out to a Chinese Restaurant to get.<br />
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I bet bacon would be good...<br />
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ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-22963509781557222972013-01-09T15:48:00.000-08:002013-01-09T15:54:38.152-08:00Happiness is...Banh Mi Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite things in the whole world is a Banh Mi Sandwich. That wonderful Vietnamese baguette filled with lovely things like Roasted Pork, Fried Tofu, Liver Pate, Pickled Daikon, flavorful sauces, and liberally topped with fresh herbs like Cilanto, Mint, and Basil. So Light. So Fresh. So Yummy.<br />
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Well, yesterday at work we were taste testing some Banh Mi Sandwiches. They. Were. Terrible. Too much sauce. Indistinguishable meat. Just because you throw some pickled carrot and fresh cilantro on a roll (which was awesome), that doesn't make it a Banh Mi. So Disappointed.<br />
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Now all I want is a good Banh Mi Sandwich!<br />
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But unfortunately I had a ton of leftovers at home and so I forced myself to be good and eat at home.<br />
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But it got me thinking...<br />
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1. About how good a Banh Mi Sandwich would be.<br />
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2. Could I make one at home?<br />
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3. What variations of Banh Mi are there?<br />
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I realized, I really don't want to make Banh Mi at home. I enjoy going out to discover new spots to enjoy this delicious paper wrapped sandwich. You could call it a hobby...<br />
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Pizza! I love making pizza at home, and how good would a Banh Mi one be? Awesome, me thinks!<br />
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Here's what I came up with:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Banh Mi Pizza</b></u></span><br />
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1 1 lb. frozen <b>Pizza Dough Ball</b> ~or~ your favorite Pizza Crust of choice<br />
1/4 c. <b>Sriracha Mayonnaise</b><br />
1/2 lb. <b>Fried Tofu</b>, sliced (you could use sliced Chicken, Beef, or Pork, whatever...)<br />
1 c. quick pickled shredded <b>Carrots</b> (White Vinegar, Sugar, Soy Sauce)<br />
1/2 c. pickled <b>Daikon Radish</b>, julienned<br />
1-2 fresh <b>Jalapenos</b>, sliced <br />
1/4 c. <b>Peanut Sauce</b><br />
1/2-1 c. <b>Fresh Herbs</b> (I used a mix of Thai Basil, Mint, and Cilantro)<br />
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<b>Preheat Oven to 425˚</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QH4bCtHFBGwM8KbBLcP6GU3sKl5Z2jgQp3MQIdfFACyO8MlR7ytKmXqY0HN-9Oyakfoyj0Q0QH2xvXzvGBuyQyg3YVHppy7nsJ2RSMkyUBIofloH5WP0Iz313Nj-IlLD3k4-5jZFL9MC/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QH4bCtHFBGwM8KbBLcP6GU3sKl5Z2jgQp3MQIdfFACyO8MlR7ytKmXqY0HN-9Oyakfoyj0Q0QH2xvXzvGBuyQyg3YVHppy7nsJ2RSMkyUBIofloH5WP0Iz313Nj-IlLD3k4-5jZFL9MC/s320/IMG_0254.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>Stretch ~or~ roll out your Pizza Dough on a baking sheet.</b><br />
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I always turn my baking sheet upside-down because it makes it easier to slide off later.<br />
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You could spread a little cornmeal on the pan if you are afraid of sticking. My pan is well seasoned...<br />
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<b>Spread the Sriracha Mayonnaise over the crust, like you would pizza sauce.</b><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
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<u><b>Sriracha Mayonnaise:</b></u><br />
1/4 c. Mayonnaise ~or~ <a href="http://www.followyourheart.com/">Veganaise</a><br />
1-3 T. Sriracha Sauce*, to taste <br />
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Place both ingredients in a small bowl and combine well.<br />
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*I like the one with the <a href="http://www.huyfong.com/no_frames/sriracha.htm">Rooster</a> on the package.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCg7DwPTRUPz6TBZNrhtPvbSZrS_EXwdVCPkSRnp8DwCjls1EiUA2c4_U-afXI0kwwHlPd9MngfDf6Lv2sN5LCSW9sHwEbI3ZrmeZ6MGnhPofTDZfBwRnpP-Dj57_BbJtyzYx8546n4Ux/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCg7DwPTRUPz6TBZNrhtPvbSZrS_EXwdVCPkSRnp8DwCjls1EiUA2c4_U-afXI0kwwHlPd9MngfDf6Lv2sN5LCSW9sHwEbI3ZrmeZ6MGnhPofTDZfBwRnpP-Dj57_BbJtyzYx8546n4Ux/s320/IMG_0259.JPG" width="240" /></a><b>Top the pizza with sliced Fried Tofu, pickled Carrots & Daikon, and sliced Jalapeño.</b><br />
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I only added 1 sliced jalapeño, but add as much as you can handle. <br />
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This was the first time I used a store bought pickled Daikon, and though it was good, I think next time I would quick pickle some fresh daikon, like I did the carrots.<br />
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I do like how colorful this pizza looks right now.<br />
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<b>Drizzle a scant 1/4 c. of Peanut Sauce over the top of the pizza. </b><br />
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<u><b>Peanut Sauce:</b></u><br />
1/2 c. creamy Peanut Butter<br />
1 T. fresh Lime Juice<br />
1 T. Soy Sauce<br />
1 T. Sugar<br />
2 t. Sriracha Sauce<br />
1/2 t. fresh Garlic, minced<br />
1/2 t. toasted Sesame Oil<br />
1/4 c. Hot Water<br />
<br />
Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.<br />
Whisk well until combined and smooth.<br />
Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, if too thick.<br />
<br />
Makes 3/4-1 cup sauce <br />
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<b>Place the pizza in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, until the crust is crispy and golden brown.</b><br />
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<b>Let the pizza cool a few minutes before topping with the Fresh Herbs.</b><br />
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I don't even chop the herbs up, I just pick them off the stems. Except for the cilantro, the stems are tender and delicious.<br />
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I love this pizza, it's light and flavorful, and I can't wait to make it again.ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-62455797610638355732012-04-16T16:35:00.000-07:002012-04-16T17:15:28.638-07:00Happiness is...Ramps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_wSPsqbF98cafEKJQ17JX4yy4WNt4c8ef_HAthWhtMFgDYAl2zyXF6Nwc4N9tpqt9NjiajT0yU7lVVZX0BBcBE9Rn_xeus6xjtm0NAofoErvPMXwD5X2vWF6ojd-FL_yZIS306WZ7LX2/s1600/P4160017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_wSPsqbF98cafEKJQ17JX4yy4WNt4c8ef_HAthWhtMFgDYAl2zyXF6Nwc4N9tpqt9NjiajT0yU7lVVZX0BBcBE9Rn_xeus6xjtm0NAofoErvPMXwD5X2vWF6ojd-FL_yZIS306WZ7LX2/s320/P4160017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ramps... <br />
<br />
Love these oniony/garlicky pungent wild leeks.<br />
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Hate that they cost $13 a pound!<br />
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Love that ramps are a fleeting spring vegetable that I may only get one taste of a year. Makes them more special.<br />
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Hate cooking ramps in my house because they make everything reek. My hair smells of ramps for a week if I cook them at home. I usually go out to eat them for that reason.<br />
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Love that you can eats ramps from leaves to bulb. The green leaves are mild, the stems are sweet and peppery, and the white bulb is pungent and spicy...<br />
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Mostly you find ramps in dishes including pasta, bacon, eggs, and on pizza.<br />
<br />
I'm seeing a lot of recipes around for pickled ramps and even pestos utilizing ramps.<br />
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I however am a purist, and I most enjoy ramps raw. Tossed them on a salad or slice them thin and toss 'em into a bowl of plain white rice and I'm a happy girl.<br />
<br />
Right now, as I'm writing this, I am devouring my yearly allotment of ramps, and I'm peeing myself because they are so delicious.<br />
<br />
First I washed off all of the dirt, these ramps were the filthiest I've ever come across.<br />
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Next I trimmed off the hairy roots and sliced them thin, from tip to tip. Ahhh, I'm just getting a hint of a garlicky scent off my cutting board.<br />
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I tossed the sliced ramps up in a bowl.</div>
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I took out some organic whole wheat sourdough bread...</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
slathered it with some Irish butter and placed a heaping spoonful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the ramps on top and sprinkled on a little coarse salt.</div>
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Oh My, Heavenly!</div>
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So simple. So pure.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So what, I won't be able to leave the house for the next few days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
without turning heads at my ramps breath...</div>
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I don't care.</div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-84020054925042141272011-10-15T00:12:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:13:00.341-07:00Happiness is...My Pet Pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year, for the last 20+ years, I have had a Pet Pumpkin. Not a pumpkin for carving or eating <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(well on occasion I have eaten my pumpkin in the end...mmm roasted pumpkin)</span></i>, but a special pumpkin that I will sometimes carry around, take on a trip, put next to my bed, or set on my desk to keep me company...a pet pumpkin.<br />
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As soon as I see the pumpkins come out at the grocery store I start to get excited. I love pumpkin time! I can't wait to pick out the right pumpkin. Some times I see it right away and other times I've had to sort through huge piles of pumpkins looking for just the right one. Over the years I've had huge orange carving pumpkins, petite sugar pie pumpkins, lovely white ghost pumpkins, elegant crimson pumpkins, pretty green ones, smooth ones, warty ones, and striped ones.<br />
<br />
This tradition started back when I was in college and a friend and I adopted a great big orange carving pumpkin, in October of 1990. We took turns caring for it, taking it to class, out for dinner at The 4B's, it went with us to parties, and even to movies. One day, in the middle of winter, our beloved Pet Pumpkin developed a a soft spot and toppled out the window where it landed on a ledge a story below and by evening was completely buried in snow. When the snow thawed that spring, all that was left of our pet was a dark orangey-brown mound of shell that eventually molded over and flaked away in the wind, leaving a permanent black mark that we would check on from time to time.<br />
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Now, every year, I get a new pet pumpkin, but none have ever been as special as the sweet little sugar pie pumpkin I got in 2003. I left my pet pumpkin in the office of the meat shop, where I was working at the time, and when I returned the next morning...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils4acFt5FevRs0-dNgs3siPOTTWmHod6F_ARqU4zUCib1NuOcwJEVP7HvoTzNUA1MDsQW4VtVHztwdejnpPpJIOfo0v1_VSckgLhHo5PgUfl92nyxVQkD4iCe5nViP_P-qrXlfqfR420l/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils4acFt5FevRs0-dNgs3siPOTTWmHod6F_ARqU4zUCib1NuOcwJEVP7HvoTzNUA1MDsQW4VtVHztwdejnpPpJIOfo0v1_VSckgLhHo5PgUfl92nyxVQkD4iCe5nViP_P-qrXlfqfR420l/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is Barnes.</i></td></tr>
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I found that magically <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(or at the hands of some silly sausage making boys)</span></i> my pumpkin had been transformed into Barnes!<br />
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She was the Best Pet Pumpkin a Girl could ever hope to have!<br />
<br />
We went to bars <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(she got me a lot of free drinks!)</span></i> and parties and ski trips. Barnes and I went to work together, went on road trips, and met tons of new people. <br />
<br />
She was a fun girl and I think of her fondly every year as the pumpkins are brought out and placed in piles...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIq67gywhhI6s5_Ci2UUc1WQbetmheUP8jYpUCgPwSsyffcZ54ErMXmV_h6rbrc5rFxolg0RmwyfWDL5DMjnUydCxewY2jkIYKGqSDyzFXCOOv4h4R9fIcV9hYay9Dpi5Fa5qMrjGa1kQ/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIq67gywhhI6s5_Ci2UUc1WQbetmheUP8jYpUCgPwSsyffcZ54ErMXmV_h6rbrc5rFxolg0RmwyfWDL5DMjnUydCxewY2jkIYKGqSDyzFXCOOv4h4R9fIcV9hYay9Dpi5Fa5qMrjGa1kQ/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes getting candy from my friend Ludmilla</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpgdnjc6lj1-OIGBITH8FpcBxoK8umX3h2MFcvQp_bCfPMoSEGdTVWuE0OT66t00AfdI7MohSwOtAwlrGESKyhcox0VFMvLlqD-qXCKdG0l6nRk6v7dPmoMwjdzCBCAgNelIDNYjOuwsV/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpgdnjc6lj1-OIGBITH8FpcBxoK8umX3h2MFcvQp_bCfPMoSEGdTVWuE0OT66t00AfdI7MohSwOtAwlrGESKyhcox0VFMvLlqD-qXCKdG0l6nRk6v7dPmoMwjdzCBCAgNelIDNYjOuwsV/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes in her Autumn Finest.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJR42u71ZGVaHqWv1KsfleHvlE8oDpp28blsqYHBhhm19cdj856OxytmZMjAHr2eY0yRBQJTT48vFWDNPYNXXAmmaYmGuyS-jF3bOQUasGtl4A-82vc5h4hki4VzUjW0hOUeV7PWRAbmB/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJR42u71ZGVaHqWv1KsfleHvlE8oDpp28blsqYHBhhm19cdj856OxytmZMjAHr2eY0yRBQJTT48vFWDNPYNXXAmmaYmGuyS-jF3bOQUasGtl4A-82vc5h4hki4VzUjW0hOUeV7PWRAbmB/s320/IMG_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes dressed as a Witch for Halloween.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRtxj_Ics2AvfA7SRfel5cyCnGI08fp8gYhHnx3rejHzRpoXVIo0ida_OwYzoTgL27vvR7N4Fp_H0Xs3KqG2ClduMg764D3LTMxg3CY0vh8tDpizjNa6oZyQUyEUMVr0M0A50BJp4dlvx/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRtxj_Ics2AvfA7SRfel5cyCnGI08fp8gYhHnx3rejHzRpoXVIo0ida_OwYzoTgL27vvR7N4Fp_H0Xs3KqG2ClduMg764D3LTMxg3CY0vh8tDpizjNa6oZyQUyEUMVr0M0A50BJp4dlvx/s320/IMG_0618.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes out with friends.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1aJl7zyigRwoJx6SEGOtebsoB9OfteRHqdc4yWajZ3P7B2kXrBetDqGTNckshEUGQwZtAEGa_Mbnj5tChoNA26rvrzem26SM7-R8jDPBqvHBx0NL4z4MyaPKWzvniqCWi1Ul4x5tQbwX/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1aJl7zyigRwoJx6SEGOtebsoB9OfteRHqdc4yWajZ3P7B2kXrBetDqGTNckshEUGQwZtAEGa_Mbnj5tChoNA26rvrzem26SM7-R8jDPBqvHBx0NL4z4MyaPKWzvniqCWi1Ul4x5tQbwX/s320/IMG_0556.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes and her Mom.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGHgtBGBqwb_c6lvEKvuSQwt0S0FP-0ia-fnbGnCOzdr_4bxHP3FIT4NxrKrGkoDrKXIWui0oB6MScPe9WZERGqk_4EYSd61iTxvKFC6aLTvI5AY3emmjPuyrscjCEN-xzQKS_4SKzRqc/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGHgtBGBqwb_c6lvEKvuSQwt0S0FP-0ia-fnbGnCOzdr_4bxHP3FIT4NxrKrGkoDrKXIWui0oB6MScPe9WZERGqk_4EYSd61iTxvKFC6aLTvI5AY3emmjPuyrscjCEN-xzQKS_4SKzRqc/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes with her 3 Aunts.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1mwhkcWu0EDST_gTJF24qSCKcFqodV-hNroxQxZSY-10qvBnl5QDlt2QmEa13FqDyzvTLP7pb-lovG1e-NM7k2KlkzAjKHD-JAFqd544AJbQcOyaOM_fcLq4afJq7O3KpNe_IuP_beXO/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1mwhkcWu0EDST_gTJF24qSCKcFqodV-hNroxQxZSY-10qvBnl5QDlt2QmEa13FqDyzvTLP7pb-lovG1e-NM7k2KlkzAjKHD-JAFqd544AJbQcOyaOM_fcLq4afJq7O3KpNe_IuP_beXO/s320/IMG_0558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes with her Brothers and Sisters.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrtr4IwXfAiZ5HOL4GNrP74nH4zXZhYxfPFN19J3VtcGb2kaFKrCGrASAV9JbCnPs0XKBWn6pWqgyYQ1K62Tfu7O5qfPHtmOfyXuC4tL5V1Jha7ucitDmUb1OBEs5FSFpQpbWbaaB5g6Q/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrtr4IwXfAiZ5HOL4GNrP74nH4zXZhYxfPFN19J3VtcGb2kaFKrCGrASAV9JbCnPs0XKBWn6pWqgyYQ1K62Tfu7O5qfPHtmOfyXuC4tL5V1Jha7ucitDmUb1OBEs5FSFpQpbWbaaB5g6Q/s320/IMG_0559.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes with her Cousins.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58eX0yrlbAwTN98RxKzTyd6UGksPx3mpdure9pw1bA9BfaJmYG1jZdB6Q3HWu-bP01Sm4i6tR_xkJWIAiUmcu4Veh51l-j5Tn-M7O3hWa7LvZAInJuZ4C_L7Nz6Hq877PMqLeuE_DA-m0/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58eX0yrlbAwTN98RxKzTyd6UGksPx3mpdure9pw1bA9BfaJmYG1jZdB6Q3HWu-bP01Sm4i6tR_xkJWIAiUmcu4Veh51l-j5Tn-M7O3hWa7LvZAInJuZ4C_L7Nz6Hq877PMqLeuE_DA-m0/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes with her friend Glitch.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhvOhFBLsGHgYkT4pnsZRy0XDfyAzxfQ_9lcrkp1LXCuptx-VJn6tgNYxIF2RBhN6JTqRcuM8tQYuAYIoouIBKgBJecfrNptnaRQPUTYWDNAYCzl6rH4Tsk3IZhiLRnvFgcifk_CnuNVD/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhvOhFBLsGHgYkT4pnsZRy0XDfyAzxfQ_9lcrkp1LXCuptx-VJn6tgNYxIF2RBhN6JTqRcuM8tQYuAYIoouIBKgBJecfrNptnaRQPUTYWDNAYCzl6rH4Tsk3IZhiLRnvFgcifk_CnuNVD/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes bundled up for a snow day.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1E0IJbMhwChKswebjN-K87o1-nWeE1LBU3uvfrHvKIvU6ja8OCbkFsX-dvNPk3AqtyOUj7PPkXYBf1eeL40vfiU5jYDB6N8v3KTuYjVXuhJ8wUy_HlZ6FZVYBJ4EFALcMN08pPnyG75N/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1E0IJbMhwChKswebjN-K87o1-nWeE1LBU3uvfrHvKIvU6ja8OCbkFsX-dvNPk3AqtyOUj7PPkXYBf1eeL40vfiU5jYDB6N8v3KTuYjVXuhJ8wUy_HlZ6FZVYBJ4EFALcMN08pPnyG75N/s320/IMG_0672.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes at work on Christmas Day.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClMCyDSjp-xBUl1PxOM7zQdRx4JlI6otEopPT5U4WVcw24sAQi7yXW_vK5OPaUh0FMr6piioa1dgYzlT9YnJjmUsT9hoZGBuqvOLPCXd2_RabUn6nVXK_lED613Fx-mN2m-eBz7x4YkMR/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClMCyDSjp-xBUl1PxOM7zQdRx4JlI6otEopPT5U4WVcw24sAQi7yXW_vK5OPaUh0FMr6piioa1dgYzlT9YnJjmUsT9hoZGBuqvOLPCXd2_RabUn6nVXK_lED613Fx-mN2m-eBz7x4YkMR/s320/IMG_0674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barnes was a Party Pumpkin.</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJmkE4X3dnxVbmcZWUBGQmMTjx6a7nFQ6FM6CkRL4t502ABCZKncxQ-LkJysw89K72-zI4zR9gK_AVQtMDYmJWV1ToFLJMflVqv2uzHfHB_mNEUdZozYpeE1YXDkLWBnQOBDIEJKutyq9/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-62550090002843216782011-10-08T15:19:00.000-07:002011-10-08T15:19:04.984-07:00Happiness is...Figs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ezCQobLiXUBdwPvTMAoC9vtpbkwdm9UAKo78TLGkAm0iV_VXDd7AU8XP4_nE9CJ7s2I0XEih_QAPMcn_H-La1jUttFToe7g-ZYtxHBdtSd-ppnzVQBqqoD640Iqo3hkKaZAdRLLyfgH9/s1600/1fig-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ezCQobLiXUBdwPvTMAoC9vtpbkwdm9UAKo78TLGkAm0iV_VXDd7AU8XP4_nE9CJ7s2I0XEih_QAPMcn_H-La1jUttFToe7g-ZYtxHBdtSd-ppnzVQBqqoD640Iqo3hkKaZAdRLLyfgH9/s320/1fig-tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Figs always remind me of playing hide and seek. The neighborhood where my Grandparents lived, in California, was full of fig trees, and when I was young I would play hide and seek with the neighbor kids.<br />
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We would jumping over wooden fences into garden beds covered with fallen fruit that would squish between my toes and stick to my hands and knees as I crouched under low hanging branches to hide from the one who was "It".<br />
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A sticky sweet mess, my grandfather would spray me off with the hose and I would dry off laying on the grass staring up at the sky looking at cloud pictures.<br />
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I don't really remember eating figs as kid in any other form than picked straight from the tree and gobbled up. No one made fig jam, or put them in salads, or used them in baked goods. <br />
Growing up in Montana the only way to get a fig was in "Newton" form, so I have never really paid any mind to them (though I do love a "Fig Newton" from time to time). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAahipI0DNOcO8FRhhZk5osrdHX7jQKVi8FNIjExIzocDaI-RL4NICXQqE7Nq94S4J1pyB9lOlQkxJjUcEk9IjFSzJRL-yoUqjGNykIdp2NzpD85rhbhsGerGDo28jsL30b8sSbXdnUdX/s1600/P9170001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAahipI0DNOcO8FRhhZk5osrdHX7jQKVi8FNIjExIzocDaI-RL4NICXQqE7Nq94S4J1pyB9lOlQkxJjUcEk9IjFSzJRL-yoUqjGNykIdp2NzpD85rhbhsGerGDo28jsL30b8sSbXdnUdX/s320/P9170001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Figs recently came back into my life, in dried form, when a friend suggested I use them as a pizza topping (really good). Usually figs are out of my price range. They can be very spendy, and since I never quite know what to do with them, I don't buy them. But this year, during the peak of fig deliciousness, I came across a great deal and decided I could afford a little figgy indulgence.<br />
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I procured two varieties, the Brown Turkey and the Black Mission. I made a small batch of Fresh Fig Spread with Honey, for making Fig Bars at a later date, and the rest I stuffed with Goat Cheese, wrapped in Prosciutto and oven roasted. I had never tried this preparation before but I am now in love with figs this way. Plus it's super easy to make!<br />
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First, wash, dry and inspect all of the Figs you will be using.</div>
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Make sure there are no bruises and that they are not over-ripe.</div>
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You only want the delicious ones.</div>
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Assemble all the ingredients;</div>
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delicious Figs, Goat Chevre, and Prosciutto</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(I used a scrummy Parma Ham)</i></span>.</div>
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Depending on the width of you Prosciutto you may</div>
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wish to cut the slices in half or even thirds.</div>
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The slices should be as wide and the height of the Figs.</div>
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Slice off the stem. Make a cut from the top of the Fig</div>
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through to the blossom end, but only cut halfway through.</div>
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You are making a pouch for the cheese.</div>
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Take a pinch of Goat Chevre, a little larger than a raisin,</div>
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and stuff it inside of the Fig. Try to close the Fig</div>
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around the Cheese a best you can.</div>
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Wrap each Cheese stuffed Fig in a piece of </div>
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Prosciutto. Like a little hammy blanket.</div>
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Place the Prosciutto wrapped Figs on a parchment lined</div>
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baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each Fig.</div>
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Bake in a 450˚ F oven for 8-10 minutes, until the Figs are</div>
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bubbly, the Cheese is fluffy and the Prosciutto is crispy.</div>
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Enjoy hot or at room temperature.</div>
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*<i>Let the Figs cool for a few minutes before nomming because the</i></div>
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<i>cheese will be crazy hot.</i></div>
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These Figs make great appetizers for parties, are tasty thrown on a</div>
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salad, and make a delicious anytime snack. Loves!</div>
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For a little added loveliness drizzle the warm Figs with a </div>
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bit of golden honey or syrupy balsamic vinegar. *<i>slurp</i>*</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><u>Baked Goat Chevre Stuffed Figs Wrapped in Prosciutto</u></b></i></span></div>
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12 fresh Mission <b>Figs</b></div>
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12 fresh Brown Turkey <b>Figs</b></div>
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8 oz. <b>Goat Chevr</b>e</div>
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12 slices Parma <b>Prosciutto</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(more if slices are small)</i></span></div>
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Preheat oven to 450ºF.<br />
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Wash, dry, and inspect your <b>Figs</b>.<br />
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Slice your <b>Prosciutto</b> in half.<br />
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Cut each <b>Fig</b> halfway down the center lengthwise; you want
the <b>Fig</b> to remain whole.<br />
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Stuff a plump raisin size piece of <b>Goat Chevre</b> into the slit of each <b>Fig</b>.<br />
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Wrap each <b>Fig</b> with <b>Prosciutto</b> and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.<br />
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Bake the <b>Figs</b> until heated through and <b>Prosciutto</b> is crispy, about 8-10 minutes.<br />
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Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy.ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-6779638599668708732011-09-24T14:58:00.000-07:002011-09-24T14:58:38.596-07:00Happiness is...Blue Cheese Caramel Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ2IM5jrMFQpjvFpQFSc81v3fMC8eCVaVsrczh6SfSFLxqOVGWytrm6F7gDBzgmCcW3HDUjxdYUMR-Qive9TeSDk-L4aGBkFw_M96xlPEKC2fryy4-6oQenCGueZ5GXaap9gywYSWOOlY/s1600/PA310007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQ2IM5jrMFQpjvFpQFSc81v3fMC8eCVaVsrczh6SfSFLxqOVGWytrm6F7gDBzgmCcW3HDUjxdYUMR-Qive9TeSDk-L4aGBkFw_M96xlPEKC2fryy4-6oQenCGueZ5GXaap9gywYSWOOlY/s320/PA310007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> September</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The goldenrod is yellow;<br />
The corn is turning brown;<br />
The trees in apple orchards<br />
With fruit are bending down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The gentian's bluest fringes<br />
Are curling in the sun;<br />
In dusky pods the milkweed<br />
Its hidden silk has spun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The sedges flaunt their harvest<br />
In every meadow-nook;<br />
And asters by the brookside<br />
Make asters in the brook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> From dewy lanes at morning<br />
The grapes' sweet odors rise;<br />
At noon the roads all flutter<br />
With yellow butterflies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> By all these lovely tokens<br />
September days are here,<br />
With summer's best of weather,<br />
And autumn's best of cheer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">by <em>Helen Hunt Jackson </em></span></div>
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I can't deny that I have been enjoying this late Summer/early Autumn weather. Though the days are clearly getting shorter, we have had clear sunny skies and mild, warm evenings with wonderful briny breezes. Lovely weather.</div>
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Call me crazy, but I've even been enjoying the humidity. We don't often get hot and humid here in the coastal northwest. Sticky heat gives me a good excuse to take a mid-day icy cold shower, which I almost never get to do. </div>
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The trees are beginning to change colors, from dark green to gold and amber. There are pumpkins in the market, and I am often dreaming of soup and sweaters and mufflers and long walks on crisp, smoke tinged nights. I love Autumn, it's my absolute favorite time of year.</div>
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Another reason I love Fall is Apples. I only eat apples in the Fall, because it is the only time they are any good. I plan on making Apple Pie, Apple Butter, Mulligatawny Soup, and grilled Apple & Smoked Cheddar sandwiches. An Autumn Apple Feast!</div>
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I picked up 3 delicious looking Honeycrisp Apples at the market the other day. I planned on making Caramel Apples, but decided I would make a Caramel Dip instead (much easier on the teeth).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYz_VsipS4RQW_DSwdIwxS34rAdIUGSSTFx2GLwcrcc4bFwLlYirNunzKN5WY9CzrYsEk4M-GxpX8joMykF4xhOXYJRfFyAcHl45VfDtnyS3TIcXEMUkSfXMOFDu_FQCVtVsGiYFhhMZR/s1600/P9240001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYz_VsipS4RQW_DSwdIwxS34rAdIUGSSTFx2GLwcrcc4bFwLlYirNunzKN5WY9CzrYsEk4M-GxpX8joMykF4xhOXYJRfFyAcHl45VfDtnyS3TIcXEMUkSfXMOFDu_FQCVtVsGiYFhhMZR/s320/P9240001.JPG" width="320" /></a>When I bought the apples they were sampling them out with Blue Cheese and it was a brilliant combination. I kept thinking about how good the apple and the cheese go together, so today when I got in the kitchen to make my Caramel Apple Dip I decided I would add Blue Cheese to my sauce. Why not? I've had Blue Cheese and Honey before, and how different are honey and caramel anyways?</div>
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So good! I kept wanting to taste it again and again. Sweet, creamy, salty, Blue Cheesy, and delicious with my Honeycrisp Apple slices. </div>
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I can't wait to share this sauce with everyone I know. I just know it would be scrummy over vanilla ice cream or drizzled over a slice of apple pie.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blue Cheese Caramel Sauce</b></span></u></div>
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25 individually wrapped <b>Caramels</b>, <i>about 1 cups worth</i></div>
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1/4 cup <b>Heavy Cream</b></div>
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1/4 cup <b>Blue Cheese</b>, <i>I used Salemville Amish Gorgonzola</i></div>
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Place the <b>Caramels</b> and <b>Heavy Cream</b> in a small heavy bottomed saucepan, over medium heat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyGIkJNHVquq7doMw3j_thLuHiw2WsugOD4JMEa7cyZ99AGh-s7368B3480q2uqzL4Ylw-4bor1eF7docK2s2yQdiGiOqQqUM8OZEAWSwhSTHs5hSdTLgXAH0nmNl9c1RF1lWTpsDjZvN/s1600/P9240020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyGIkJNHVquq7doMw3j_thLuHiw2WsugOD4JMEa7cyZ99AGh-s7368B3480q2uqzL4Ylw-4bor1eF7docK2s2yQdiGiOqQqUM8OZEAWSwhSTHs5hSdTLgXAH0nmNl9c1RF1lWTpsDjZvN/s320/P9240020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stir constantly, until the Caramels have melted completely and the sauce has thickened.</div>
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Lower the heat and stir in the <b>Blue Cheese</b>; blend until cheese is completely incorporated into the sauce.</div>
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.</div>
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Transfer sauce to a jar or bowl; do not cover until completely cooled.</div>
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Enjoy warm, room temperature, or chilled with apple slices, pears, pie, ice cream, or anything else you can think to dip or drizzle it on.</div>
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ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-89060992621134994432011-09-15T14:33:00.000-07:002011-09-15T14:35:34.474-07:00Happiness is...a Paper Hat<br />
Today is <b>Make A Hat Day</b>, so of course I had to make a hat, because I love hats! Big hats, small hats, berets, cowboy, I wear and love them all.<br />
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So, some big decisions to make. What should I make my hat out of?<br />
Felt? Fleece? Tissue? I think Paper. I have lots of newspaper around due to my obsession with doing the daily crossword puzzle...<br />
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What type of hat should I make?<br />
Pirate? Porkpie? Fascinator? I do have tons of big feathers in my closet...I collect too much crap. But then again my 'crap' comes in handy for a day like today.<br />
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Well here it is, after about an hour of folding and shaping and taping...<br />
My Newspaper Cloche Hat:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaUJhsUXz63rZF3Q17gw_9t_uDC_-GLIfjjLMHjyPM1qiXJSTCoy0DUa2CA7sP2K4rh1Jl-kjHjH6ZuHiJdOr7kcwbD3wHZ35uRP7u5jjFzdwI1jbQ0iNzhuOK4m-PHfTzlPKuPnDCYGn/s1600/P9150028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaUJhsUXz63rZF3Q17gw_9t_uDC_-GLIfjjLMHjyPM1qiXJSTCoy0DUa2CA7sP2K4rh1Jl-kjHjH6ZuHiJdOr7kcwbD3wHZ35uRP7u5jjFzdwI1jbQ0iNzhuOK4m-PHfTzlPKuPnDCYGn/s320/P9150028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made my little hat out of newspaper, black electrical tape, a piece
of<br />
white grosgrain ribbon, and a bunch of pink silk hydrangea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgpHber-_FcjDp-hOCE8T-InkJUB-ulIcbG0TQNCJSoX8SRoCzlV1yTDdZtGhJxKsYUIjBfD86treepJv6F-uZzqDnfeQQPptz1OyfykegrXVpSfqK1Xp6Phvxc77-Wcg96WbYtnR5U34/s1600/P9150029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgpHber-_FcjDp-hOCE8T-InkJUB-ulIcbG0TQNCJSoX8SRoCzlV1yTDdZtGhJxKsYUIjBfD86treepJv6F-uZzqDnfeQQPptz1OyfykegrXVpSfqK1Xp6Phvxc77-Wcg96WbYtnR5U34/s320/P9150029.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I think is looks really sweet from the side.</div>
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I'll definitely be wearing my hat today!</div>
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ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-52262530859145789772011-09-13T12:38:00.000-07:002011-09-13T13:07:45.496-07:00Happiness is...An Impromptu Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After nearly 2 weeks of truly perfect summer weather, today I woke up to this...<br />
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The quintessential Seattle morning; cool, misty, briny, and most of all gray. Gray from the Sound to the Heavens. Not rainy, just gray. My favorite kind of gray day. The kind of day that beckons you to stay in your pajamas, open all your window blinds, climb into your most comfy chair and read challenging books and watch terrible movies all day long, whilst you are cuddled up under your most favorite blanket...mmmmm lovely gray day.<br />
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So when my friend rang me in the morning, to invite me to go for breakfast, I instead invited my friend over to my place and I would make us both breakfast, as I had no intention of leaving the coziness of my house to spend my morning sitting on some uncomfortable bench, at a slightly sticky table, while being ignored by some snarky hipster server, and spending too much money on a meal I could make myself...better...and I didn't even have to get out of my jammies.<br />
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Some masa flour and a little water, and in minutes I had corn tortillas in my skillet. Strong pot of coffee brewing. In my pantry I had eggs, some goat chevre. a few strips of bacon, and some fresh jalapeno peppers, the makings for a decent scramble or omelette. But a gray day like today calls for something a little quirkier than an omelette or scrambled eggs. I decided to make something I had never had before...Jalapeno Poppers.<br />
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I have never had...a Jalapeno Popper. Basically because I could never say, "I'll have the Jalapeno Poppers." Poppers. Poppers. "I want the Jalapeno Poppers." (never gonna happen out in public.) <br />
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So I got to work, stuffing my jalapeno peppers.<br />
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First, I made sure the peppers were washed well, since I bought</div>
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them at the 'Used Fruit Store' and I'm sure about 1000 people had </div>
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touched them before I bought them. Then I took the stems off.</div>
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Next I sliced the peppers open, lengthwise.</div>
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These were going to be spicy with all those seeds.</div>
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*<i>It is also a good idea to wear a pair of rubber gloves during</i></div>
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<i>this whole process, or you could end up with a nice </i></div>
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<i>capsicum burn in your hands and other parts of your body</i></div>
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<i>if you touch anything.</i></div>
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Using a grapefruit spoon, I scraped out all the seeds and</div>
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membrane from inside the peppers. I want them zesty but not </div>
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mouth burning.</div>
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Using my (gloved) fingers I placed a small amount of goat</div>
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chevre into each half of the peppers. Just enough to be flush</div>
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with the rim of the pepper.</div>
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Stick the goat cheese stuffed halves back together again.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I cut my bacon strips in half and wrapped each</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pepper in a half of strip of bacon. You can secure the bacon </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the pepper with a toothpick or small skewer, but I used the only </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thing I had, some bamboo cocktail picks. </div>
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</div>
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*<i>I soaked the picks in water for awhile so they wouldn't</i></div>
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<i>burn during cooking.</i><br />
<i> </i></div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I had preheated the over to 450˚ F.</div>
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Then I placed the bacon wrapped peppers on a baking sheet,<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I cooked the peppers for 10-15 minutes, until the bacon was very crispy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the jalapeno was tender and the cheese melty.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We enjoyed out Jalapeno Poppers with corn tortillas, some</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fried eggs, a little heated salsa and lots of coffee.</div>
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We ate in out jammies too!<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Baked Jalapeno Poppers</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6 large <b>Jalapeno Peppers</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 oz. soft <b>Goat Cheese</b>, I used Chevre</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 strips of thick-cut <b>Bacon</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Kosher Salt & Pepper</b>, to taste</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Preheat the oven to 450˚ F.<br />
<br />
Put on some rubber/latex gloves!<br />
<br />
Cut <b>Jalapeno Peppers</b> in half, lengthwise. With a spoon, scrape out the seeds
and membrane. Fill each jalapeno half with a little <b>Goat Cheese</b>, just to the rim of the pepper. Put the filled halves back together and wrap each jalapeno with a half slice of <b>Bacon</b>. Secure the bacon by sticking toothpick
or skewer through the middle.<br />
<br />
Bake on a sheet pan for 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy. If, after 15 minutes, the bacon doesn’t look brown enough,
just turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes to finish it off.<br />
<br />
Sprinkle with <b>Kosher Salt & Pepper</b>. Serve immediately, but they’re also great at room temperature.<br />
<br />
Nom Nom.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-8000314315229203312011-09-09T23:07:00.000-07:002011-09-09T23:07:16.571-07:00Happiness is...Green Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here it is, the beginning of September, and we are finally getting our summer. It has just been downright gorgeous for the past week, low 80's, cooling breezes coming in off the Sound, spectacular sunsets...I can't believe Fall is right around the corner.<br />
<br />
Fall's coming alright. You can see signs of it everywhere, the leaves are just a little more red or yellow everyday. The sun is setting a little earlier each day too. You can even smell it wafting in on the misty mornings...it's there, it's real close. Though you'd barely be thinking about it on a day like today. So nice.<br />
<br />
The urban gardens in my neighborhood are definitely telling me summer is coming to a close. The berries have long been picked, the corn stalks have been cut and are drying in piles along the fences, the peas and beans are disappearing rapidly, and tomato plants are heavy with Green Tomatoes. <br />
<br />
Green Tomatoes everywhere I look. I'll spy a red one here or there, and there may be more to come with this hot spell, but I have had my eye on the prize of a big bushel of Green Tomatoes.<br />
<br />
I got a pail from a friend, I was allowed to pick all I wanted from my Bank's Community Garden, my neighbor said I could take them all as long as I shared what I put up, and the rest I pilfered from some unattended plants in an alley and from an abandoned plot behind a condemned house. Green Tomatoes Galore.<br />
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So far I have made Green Tomato Pizza, BL(G)T Soup (Bacon, Lettuce & Green Tomato Soup), Green Tomato Marmalade, Green Tomato & Grape Chutney, Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches, and Green Tomato Mincemeat (no real meat of course) to be put up for Christmas Pies.<br />
<br />
But, by far, my favorite Green Tomato application this year has been My Green Tomato Coffeecake. Inspired by a co-worker who made Mango Bread, I said, "Why not? Green Tomato could be good in a cake." Little did I know just how good.<br />
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I love sweet & tart together, and this cake has that. It is dense but not dry, because the Green Tomatoes make it very moist. Plus it's chock full of goodies like raisins, nuts, and coconut (pretty much everything I had laying around in my pantry). A little streusel topping and a dusting of powdered sugar and 'voila', Green Tomato Coffeecake. Nom Nom.<br />
<br />
I made sure I froze enough diced Green Tomatoes to make this coffeecake at least two more time this fall. It will be so good on a crisp Autumn morning with a hot cup of coffee.<br />
<br />
<u><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">GREEN TOMATO COFFEECAKE</span></i></b></u><br />
<br />
<i>For Cake:</i><br />
2 c. <b>Raw Sugar</b><br />
1 c. <b>Vegetable Oil</b><br />
3 <b>Eggs</b><br />
2 t. pure <b>Vanilla Extract</b><br />
1 1/2 c. all-purpose <b>Flour</b><br />
1 1/2 c. <b>Whole Wheat Flour </b><br />
1 t. <b>Kosher Salt</b><br />
1 t. <b>Baking Powder</b><br />
1 t. ground <b>Cinnamon</b><br />
1/4 t. freshly grated <b>Nutmeg</b><br />
1 cup <b>Walnuts</b><br />
1/2 c. <b>Black Raisins</b><br />
1/2 c. <b>Golden Raisins</b><br />
2 1/2 c. diced <b>Green Tomatoes</b><br />
1 c. shaved <b>Coconut</b> (the really big stuff)<br />
<b>Powdered Suga</b>r for dusting <br />
<br />
<i>For Streusel Topping:</i><br />
1/2 c. all-purpose <b>Flour</b><br />
1/2 c. <b>Oatmeal</b><br />
1/4 c. packed <b>Brown Sugar</b><br />
1/4 c. <b>Raw Sugar</b><br />
1/4 t. ground <b>Cinnamon</b><br />
1/4 t. freshly ground <b>Nutmeg</b><br />
3/4 c. chopped <b>Walnuts</b><br />
a pinch of <b>Kosher Salt</b><br />
3/4 stick <b>Unsalted Butter</b>, <i>cubed </i><br />
<br />
<i>Prepare the Streusel Topping: </i><br />
Combine the <b>Flour</b>, <b>Oatmeal</b>, <b>Brown Sugar, Raw Sugar</b>, <b>cinnamon</b>, <b>Nutmeg</b>, <b>Walnuts</b>, and <b>Kosher Salt</b>
in the bowl of a food processor. Add the cubed <b>Unsalted Butter</b> and pulse until it looks crumbly. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<i>For the Cake:</i><br />
<i> </i>Preheat oven to 350°.<br />
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, set aside.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jFROBMhjpp_U_tHb80E4O1olGWCUzjddEplUjpuxBf_h1o1I3IXD4MQ8yHeu3J7-wUNRRkBAx6ahLysABiEBpsyB3QI4NiHCvhjY22sAB76NmdYiE2hMgGLnDESE1xa-FKT2oYNFM0Nh/s1600/P9040031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jFROBMhjpp_U_tHb80E4O1olGWCUzjddEplUjpuxBf_h1o1I3IXD4MQ8yHeu3J7-wUNRRkBAx6ahLysABiEBpsyB3QI4NiHCvhjY22sAB76NmdYiE2hMgGLnDESE1xa-FKT2oYNFM0Nh/s200/P9040031.JPG" width="200" /></a>In mixing bowl, beat sugar, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla
until smooth and a little fluffy. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg; slowly beat into egg
mixture.
Blend well. Stir in pecans, raisins, green tomatoes, and coconut. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and cover evenly with the streusel topping.<br />
<br />
Bake for
one hour, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.<br />
<br />
Let cool completely and dust with powdered sugar. Eat & Enjoy! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A slice I took to work for lunch.</div>
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ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-78748713962155423132011-08-26T23:05:00.000-07:002011-08-26T23:05:04.875-07:00Happiness is...Rhubarb Chutney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a Dear Friend who grows Rhubarb in her backyard, and from time to time she will lavish me with a bow-tied bundle. <br />
<br />
The same friend who provides me with the delicious ruby red stalks, made the most wonderful Lemon Custard Rhubarb Pie, that I'm kvelling over nearly 2 months later. That was one delicious pie...A creamy, sweet, sour, refreshing bit of Heaven that pie was.<br />
<br />
On my own I have done the Rhubarb Pie, the Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp,
Red Wine Braised Rhubarb, Raspberry Rhubarb Ice Cream Topping, and even a Rhubarb
Upside-down cake.<br />
<br />
Now I'm all about something a little more exotic, a little more sweet-savory, a little more...chutney.<br />
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I've done all sorts of chutneys, from apple to mango and even green tomato. So why not Rhubarb?<br />
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Funny thing about chutney, it's transformative. Chutney makes pork and ham elegant, magically makes a simple hunk of cheese and a bit of bread a grilled cheese masterpiece, and bring it out at a party and suddenly everyone is wowed.<br />
<br />
All from a few slices of fruit, a bit of onion, a little sugar, a few pinches of spice, a splash of vinegar, and a tiny piece of time.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <u>Rhubarb Chutney</u></b></span><br />
<br />
1 T. <b>Olive Oil</b><br />
1/2 a medium <b>Yellow Onion</b>, finely diced<br />
1/2 lb. <b>Rhubarb</b>, cut into 1/2" pieces<br />
1/4 c. seedless <b>Raisins</b><br />
1/4 c. dried <b>Cranberries</b> ~or~ Cherries<br />
1 1/2 t. freshly grated <b>Ginger Root</b><br />
2 <b>Cinnamon Sticks</b><br />
1/2 t.<b> Curry Powder </b><br />
a pinch or 2 of <b>Kosher Salt</b><br />
1/4 c + 1 T. packed <b>Brown Sugar</b><br />
1 T. <b>Grand Marnier</b> (optional)<br />
1 T. <b>Balsamic Vinegar</b><br />
<br />
Heat the <b>Olive Oil</b> in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Cook the <b>Yellow Onion</b> until translucent, about 5-6
minutes. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-kCEocpuKzoQ-LJEOaiF86LtD17lRDiwnZ6KB1C1JUrExuPh34_dhxQoLSATvppxHXuy_fVbWDtLcjmKF2w1Pq27q_FNAiuoHoHYjlZqCrAKnxgu5-3-9IC3PAqXp7FiyOtzd53UxEOX/s1600/P8260019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-kCEocpuKzoQ-LJEOaiF86LtD17lRDiwnZ6KB1C1JUrExuPh34_dhxQoLSATvppxHXuy_fVbWDtLcjmKF2w1Pq27q_FNAiuoHoHYjlZqCrAKnxgu5-3-9IC3PAqXp7FiyOtzd53UxEOX/s320/P8260019.JPG" width="320" /></a>Add the <b>Rhubarb</b>, <b>Raisins</b>, dried <b>Cranberries</b>, <b>Brown Sugar</b>, grated <b>Ginger</b> <b>Root</b>, <b>cinnamon sticks</b>, and a pinch of <b>Kosher Salt</b>. Cook over
medium, stirring,stirring, stirring, until rhubarb begins to break down, 8-10
minutes. Stir in the <b>Curry Powder, Grand Marnier</b> and <b>Balsamic Vinegar</b>. Continue cooking and stirring until the liquid thickens and the Rhubarb is tender but not completely mushy.<br />
<br />
Remove from the heat. Let the chutney cool slightly and then remove the cinnamon sticks. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Chill completely in your cooling box. Store chilled.<br />
<br />
Makes about 2 cups of chutney.<br />
<br />
As I deal in cheese, I would suggest pairing this Rhubarb Chutney with a sharp cheddar, such as <a href="http://www.kerrygold.com/intl/index.jsp?1nID=93&2nID=98&3nID=103&nID=140">Kerrygold's Vintage Irish Cheddar</a>, or with a milder brie, like <a href="http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/Store/Cheese/CheeseProducts.aspx?prod_id=124&CatgroupId=1&CatId=1">Marin Rouge et Noir Brie</a>, and a bit of crusty bread.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-17458739185439731972011-07-12T14:06:00.000-07:002011-07-12T14:18:21.202-07:00Happiness is...Gorgonzola Crackers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every summer these crispy, flaky, cheesy, scrummy crackers make an appearance from my recipe vault.<br />
I love making them because they are so easy!<br />
It's actually quite shocking how few ingredients go into these delicious nibbles.<br />
<br />
I like to make up tons of dough and keep it in the freezer, in rolled out sheets, so I can bake fresh crackers whenever I have guests coming over or have an unexpected BBQ/Party to go to or whenever a tasty snack is needed.<br />
<br />
Wonderful with bubbly, wine or washed down with a cold beer, you can take them to most any function from picnic on the beach to sunset cocktail party.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gorgonzola & Walnut Crackers</span></b><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/blue-cheese-and-walnut-crackers-recipe/index.html">Ina Garten</a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">2008</span><br />
<br />
1 stick (1/4 lb.) <b>Unsalted Butter</b>, room temperature<br />
8 oz. (1/2 lb.) <b>Amish Gorgonzola Cheese</b>*, crumbled <br />
1 1/2 c. unbleached All-Purpose <b>Flour</b><br />
1/2 t.-1 t. <b>Kosher Salt</b>, taste the dough for saltiness (sometimes I add even less)<br />
1 1/2 t. freshly coarse ground<b> Black Pepper</b> (I use a mix of Pink, White, Green and Black peppercorns)<br />
1/2 c. <b>Walnuts</b>, finely chopped<br />
1 T. <b>Water</b><br />
1 <b>Egg</b>, beaten with a touch of water for an egg-wash<br />
<br />
<div class="instructions">
<div class="instruction">
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the <b>Butter</b> and crumbled <b>Gorgonzola</b> together funtil smooth. Reduce speed to Low; add the <b>Flour</b>, <b>Kosher Salt</b>, <b>Black Pepper</b>, and <b>Walnuts</b>; mix well, about 1 minute, dough will be crumbly. Add 1 tablespoon of <b>Water</b> and mix until
combined. </div>
<div class="instruction">
<br /></div>
Turn the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap or a plastic produce bag, and form the dough into a 1 inch thick disc. Wrap the disc in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 min. or up to several days.<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
<br />
Between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper, roll the cracker dough out to a sheet about 3/8 of and inch thick. Using a pie wheel or sharp knife, cut the dough into 1'x1' squares. Using a bamboo skewer poke a divot in the center of each cracker, to prevent bubbles. Transfer the squares to a sheet pan lined with parchment and brush the tops of each square with <b>Egg</b>-wash. <br />
<br />
Bake for 14 minutes until very lightly
browned. Rotate the pan once during baking.<br />
<br />
Cool and serve at room
temperature. Enjoy!**</div>
<br />
*Don't be afraid to substitute any other crumbly blue cheese. I've used Stilton, Roquefort, and all kinds of Blues, you just don't want one that is too creamy. Try a new cheese every time you make a batch until you find your favorite. Goat Cheese works wonderfully as well!<br />
<br />
**They won't last long!<br />
<br />ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-84994700260295788422011-07-01T23:12:00.000-07:002011-07-02T12:20:51.498-07:00Happiness is...Dim Sum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes. The last time I posted it was cold, wet, windy, and gray...much like it is today. When is summer ever gong to get here?<br />
<br />
Since October I've left a job, found a great new one, spent a horrible winter in a house without heat, found a new apartment with a view of Puget Sound and the Olympics (and heat), moved myself in, car load by car load across the city whenever my work schedule allowed, and I am now unpacked and settled. <br />
<br />
I've had very little time to do much relaxing, much exploring, or much writing, but at least I found the time to eat Dim Sum...lots and lots of Dim Sum!<br />
<br />
Dim sum is quite and experience. The good places are always packed (though you usually don't have to wait long for a table) but the atmosphere is jovial and noisy with chattering patrons, clinking tea cups, and the squeaking wheels of dollies loaded with towers of tin rimmed bamboo steamers and shimmying ceramic plates. I just love it!<br />
<br />
It is best to go to Dim Sum with a group of people so you can point and pick a bit of everything that comes by on the cart. Savor. Sit back. Sip some hot tea. Talk. Digest a little. Then point and pick a few more Cantonese delicacies as the trolly comes by one last time. A very nice way to spend an early afternoon.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Soup Dumplings</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caution: The rich broth is near boiling hot!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's like Chicken Noodle Soup in reverse. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Siu Mai</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Steamed pork and shrimp wrapped in tofu skin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and topped with crab roe.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cheong Fun</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Broad Rice Noodles with Shrimp</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
smothered in Brown Sauce.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't get enough of the fluffy, slippery texture.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chicken Feet</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fried, marinated in Black Bean Sauce, and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
steamed to velvety, succulent perfection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I always order the Chicken Feet first. If the Chicken</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feet aren't excellent, then chances are the other</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dishes won't be exceptional either.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Dim Sum Restaurant's worth is in the Chicken Feet!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fish Ball</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wrapped in Tofu Skin with Peas and steamed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pleasantly spongy and briney.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Honeycomb Tripe</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The velvety lining sops up the fragrant gingery broth like a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sponge. I enjoy the tender, crisp, snap you get</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with each bite.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fried Tofu & Shrimp Ball</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stunning! The tofu is like creamy egg custard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pan Fried Rice Noodles</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hong Kong Style</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fluffy, chewy, crispy all in one bite.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Served with Peanut Sauce and Hoisin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fried Stuffed Eggplant</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Usually stuffed with shrimp, this dish is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
soft, oily, and succulent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my very favorites!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pan Fried Shrimp and Scallion Balls</b></span></div>
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The rice wrapper is crispy and chewy, and I</div>
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love the whole shrimp inside. </div>
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Plus you can't go wrong with toasted sesame.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDAVT0Z5uWNGOvx0-ZtV69PX2ZuuQ-TB8HE6nRJXNPC8NMoKMGhhKWKpo0zNu0Q0_Dwe1tWFsHFSKU9QfBfBDYXXSfuGK40XKR55qFRSOPFmguhmqJUlahlOOX49am_2klnHnm2vht1oi/s1600/P6140010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDAVT0Z5uWNGOvx0-ZtV69PX2ZuuQ-TB8HE6nRJXNPC8NMoKMGhhKWKpo0zNu0Q0_Dwe1tWFsHFSKU9QfBfBDYXXSfuGK40XKR55qFRSOPFmguhmqJUlahlOOX49am_2klnHnm2vht1oi/s320/P6140010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ginger Tripe</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Texture is just as important as taste with this dish.</div>
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The broth should be light and the tripe </div>
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should be crisp tender.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Har Gau</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Steamed starchy tapioca dumplings</div>
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stuffed with shrimp.</div>
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Soft and crisp, this is a Dim Sum standard.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Perfect Har Gau should have a wrapper that is soft yet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sturdy enough to be picked up with chopsticks.</div>
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It should have a generous amount of filling, </div>
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but still be one bite.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaixDk2JbPUBZrveJQDXRYJMWfUILjVKWfpNUxN2-F5HJRXZpTtnak4Bkg0iqRR9mSGXF2uZ7sHIbv9ToOmkQTcIqvqtH0YdKj_xoxDcGueI45LcQAZHtX3hKMzffeZVfK4CKnhWjIWX_x/s1600/P6140014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaixDk2JbPUBZrveJQDXRYJMWfUILjVKWfpNUxN2-F5HJRXZpTtnak4Bkg0iqRR9mSGXF2uZ7sHIbv9ToOmkQTcIqvqtH0YdKj_xoxDcGueI45LcQAZHtX3hKMzffeZVfK4CKnhWjIWX_x/s320/P6140014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Steamed Fish Ball</b></span> </div>
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with Egg Drop Broth</div>
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and Chinese Black Mushroom</div>
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<br /></div>
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Love this dish! Savory, briny, slippery, </div>
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spongy, earthy, sweet, and rich.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Steamed Tofu Skin Rolls</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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This one was stuffed with pork, ginger, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and bamboo shoots.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIfY1xBsHHgHgFZXSFi2_DY6oz0h1-pFnYJsAahPL1G-vRHWUvL_5A2mWSo8TBB0B50FLc-V8IXzFkxoO-ygd2wAHTYNsefD3w5jMfLMFXvkPm0VwvldJBj6JejL7R7wWvnwIM6FgM2oV/s1600/P6140006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIfY1xBsHHgHgFZXSFi2_DY6oz0h1-pFnYJsAahPL1G-vRHWUvL_5A2mWSo8TBB0B50FLc-V8IXzFkxoO-ygd2wAHTYNsefD3w5jMfLMFXvkPm0VwvldJBj6JejL7R7wWvnwIM6FgM2oV/s320/P6140006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Lo Bo Gao</b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Pan Fried Turnip Cake</div>
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Another one of my favorites!</div>
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The Chinese version of Hashbrowns.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to have a Turnip Cake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthday Cake next year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VO2KiuR-wJR8J6Fl4h2WKxO5vEOw-MXKTvPVk0cwrOAbX3NppB2kp1zOi4mk9IIUdOmU7QSjDXnmocGC1SHCVnfOYwcnBzTqPX4hp1dIryUCG6ktIfyELE9uBr-JvngSSf5gzLDbEli4/s1600/P1070051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VO2KiuR-wJR8J6Fl4h2WKxO5vEOw-MXKTvPVk0cwrOAbX3NppB2kp1zOi4mk9IIUdOmU7QSjDXnmocGC1SHCVnfOYwcnBzTqPX4hp1dIryUCG6ktIfyELE9uBr-JvngSSf5gzLDbEli4/s320/P1070051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fried Green Tea Dumplings</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I call them "Turtle Faces".</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These fried glutenous rice dumplings are</div>
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filled with black sesame paste.</div>
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Sweet, bitter, savory combo.</div>
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ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-65254441682694237182010-10-16T00:41:00.000-07:002010-10-16T00:41:21.104-07:00Happiness is...Malena's Taco ShopMalena's Taco Shop, in Ballard, is pretty popular in my repertoire of places I dine. I would say I eat there, at the very least, once every two weeks and more often if I have to be in the neighborhood. Thank goodness I have friends who live in the area, but I would still travel out of my way, way out of my way, to eat there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzi1_ayRNc7-S5Dw1gXyQNUXiKE6absXdtBoqKdbAIfOlqHNu5FHavLzcVkOa7mgIyZfh2nCnUq1lxiLwPWinrlftUAwOLtKhDb2VpTuPnDKRAb9LW-0eaEUgl_glG2-o3rgXb9l1ViuX/s1600/P9280010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzi1_ayRNc7-S5Dw1gXyQNUXiKE6absXdtBoqKdbAIfOlqHNu5FHavLzcVkOa7mgIyZfh2nCnUq1lxiLwPWinrlftUAwOLtKhDb2VpTuPnDKRAb9LW-0eaEUgl_glG2-o3rgXb9l1ViuX/s320/P9280010.JPG" width="320" /></a>The interior is nothing fancy, actually it is pretty plain, but it is always clean. There is no table service, you order at the counter, but they do bring the food out to you. There is a self-service soda fountain with good ice and free refills. You've got Tapatio hot sauce on every table, most of the time the only music you will hear is coming from the radio in the kitchen, and if you eat there you get a basket of store bought chips and a pot of pretty decent salsa.<br />
<br />
What keeps me coming back is the delicious Hard Chicken Tacos! <br />
<br />
Chicken Tacos is all I ever get. Forget the beans. Forget the rice. All I want is a paper plate with three of the most delicious Chicken Hard Tacos. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk719SAHQRxrqg1ncbuJli7lgiAwhVGp4Lwjj6Xz4thbz8-f-yRGuzSV39QDpo7h6z3PsayIsc-i1VuAQieenpGBg67SRiJliZ-O0CNzXJge3RtDYFapYvE85JEEOmmRywWV_SlChMhjwm/s1600/P9280011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk719SAHQRxrqg1ncbuJli7lgiAwhVGp4Lwjj6Xz4thbz8-f-yRGuzSV39QDpo7h6z3PsayIsc-i1VuAQieenpGBg67SRiJliZ-O0CNzXJge3RtDYFapYvE85JEEOmmRywWV_SlChMhjwm/s320/P9280011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There is not much to them, just a perfectly fried corn tortilla stuffed full with lightly seasoned shredded chicken and topped off with a hearty amount of crisp iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and a sprinkling of grated white cheese (could be cotija, could be parmesan, it doesn't matter because it's good). That's it.<br />
<br />
The tacos aren't spicy (that's what the Tapatio is for), there is no onion, no cilantro, no peppers. Just plain and simple, fresh and good. <br />
<br />
I just love them. I would like them now. Maybe tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I hear that the Carnitas Tacos are really good, as well as the Carne Asada Tacos, but I may never know.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/5664/restaurant/Ballard/Malenas-Taco-Shop-Ballard-Seattle">Malena's Taco Shop - urbanspoon</a>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-19613489037171359852010-10-15T22:44:00.000-07:002010-10-15T22:44:59.865-07:00Happiness is...Brussles Sprouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vH-afWrdmvf78_AGOHtSY8peCFWu493-PQ2x4Okw-DPT32g8KNHTfpTw3AByy9klPPXKViFA1b8SwQObvSGLgXo3hvdYOcCI42LEcjZWsVHSR7_yKZAKAZB-DfehOfo6RSDLz1SPjTk_/s1600/P9080011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vH-afWrdmvf78_AGOHtSY8peCFWu493-PQ2x4Okw-DPT32g8KNHTfpTw3AByy9klPPXKViFA1b8SwQObvSGLgXo3hvdYOcCI42LEcjZWsVHSR7_yKZAKAZB-DfehOfo6RSDLz1SPjTk_/s320/P9080011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's finally starting to feel like Fall! That crisp Fall smell has, at last, hit the air. That wonderful mingling of wood-fire smoke, rotting leaves, and briny-foggy-mist (luvz it!) and it lingers throughout the day. <br />
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I have pulled out the sweaters, dusted off the boots, rounded up the mufflers, and mended the holes in the mittens in anticipation of many long walks, kicking through piles of gold and crimson leaves. I enjoy the Fall weather so much! Cold noses and all.<br />
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Ooh! And Hats! I get to start wearing my hats again.<br />
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Today I took a long walk. The sun was shining and big puffy clouds swiftly raced through the clear blue sky, leaves were falling with the breeze like feathers. Everyone has their porches decorated with pots of kale, the last of the green tomatoes (which I desperately want) are drooping in their beds and the pumpkins are out on the stoops. It was a picture perfect Fall day.<br />
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I found myself at the Produce Stand, which was overflowing with the seasonal bounty. There were bushels of beets, parsnips, turnips, sugar pie pumpkins, huge butternut squash, and piles of my favorite vegetable...Brussles Sprouts! Nothing, to me, says Fall cooking like Brussles Sprouts.<br />
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I picked out 2 lbs. of petite rose cabbages, nestled them in with my other purchases and practically skipped home, swinging my bag and kicking leaves. I couldn't wait to cook up my favorite Brussles Sprouts recipe.<br />
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This has become my "go to" recipe for every Holiday Pot Luck I am invited to, because it is not only super quick and easy to make, but I never ever hear, "Eeewww, Brussles Sprouts!" It's that good. <br />
That, and I never tell anyone it's Brussles Sprouts until after they've tried it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hashed Brussles Sprouts</b></span><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 lb. <b>Brussles Sprouts</b><br />
1 medium <b>Yellow Onion</b><br />
1/2 c. diced <b>Sausage</b> ~or~ 2-3 strips thick cut <b>Bacon</b><br />
1 T. chopped fresh <b>Thyme</b> ~or~ 1 tsp. dried Thyme<br />
2 T. <b>Chicken Broth</b> ~or~ Broth of Choice <br />
<b>Balsamic Vinegar</b>,<i> to taste</i><br />
<b>Kosher Salt</b>, <i>to taste</i><br />
Freshly ground <b>Black Pepper</b>, <i>to taste</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP8znXqoN3AfVplvV40cu7LenbY5NarKp3lgOISrntCxMw9AmDETi9TgIK7fEU5FxZA7IA6USpML7AwkdeaqKzir7gkARF1XHkDF5iLoNUGg7KqRIifADy34o8Xj0teBm1vb9XBaTtzx_/s1600/P9080016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP8znXqoN3AfVplvV40cu7LenbY5NarKp3lgOISrntCxMw9AmDETi9TgIK7fEU5FxZA7IA6USpML7AwkdeaqKzir7gkARF1XHkDF5iLoNUGg7KqRIifADy34o8Xj0teBm1vb9XBaTtzx_/s320/P9080016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I started off by shredding 1 lb. of Brussles Sprouts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I like shredding the sprouts because they cook so quickly </div><div style="text-align: center;">and there is little chance for uneven cooking </div><div style="text-align: center;">I shredded them by hand, with a knife, but when I need to shred a lot of sprouts</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do it in the food processor, with the slicing blade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7lOs3qqEXdWGZy8wxBwC4fti9m3FlQS28AJEi7_Fk-jP8uiGxC8gKAX2_Vtr4NjaoGhm-11xqf6CS2DJ7MZxMVI9LDwdaqS3uiZ_UWgM4lG2jc2Xc_tzK3lXl4suz2VclSCyEnSs23HZ/s1600/P9080022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7lOs3qqEXdWGZy8wxBwC4fti9m3FlQS28AJEi7_Fk-jP8uiGxC8gKAX2_Vtr4NjaoGhm-11xqf6CS2DJ7MZxMVI9LDwdaqS3uiZ_UWgM4lG2jc2Xc_tzK3lXl4suz2VclSCyEnSs23HZ/s320/P9080022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I roughly sliced up I medium Yellow Onion.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feel free to thin slice the onion, I just like thick pieces. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You could also substitute Red Onion if you like it a little sweeter. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwtK5YKa_dbwOdU5_-d7q_6NkQjQhwrCPhCGVo78DhVhmwXkf7wbXW4iiqnws9U0AKDlZ6Q8D5XSJS_jPgHlAmGd8EBi8_qpHvslyQlr1oyLjWCZJzvbZ7W43y13bb-zTActte3qYTsRK/s1600/P9080025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwtK5YKa_dbwOdU5_-d7q_6NkQjQhwrCPhCGVo78DhVhmwXkf7wbXW4iiqnws9U0AKDlZ6Q8D5XSJS_jPgHlAmGd8EBi8_qpHvslyQlr1oyLjWCZJzvbZ7W43y13bb-zTActte3qYTsRK/s320/P9080025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Next I diced up 1/2 c. of spicy Chicken Andouille Sausage.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Normally I would use 1-2 slices of thick cut Bacon, diced, but</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had some sausage in the refrigerator, so I used that.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also used Pancetta, Prosciutto, and Italian Sausage before, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but anything smoked or cured or pork will do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Actually, I've even made it without meat all together and it was great!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCHWM1o7aXqQtIZbiQsDtKw0OVWJ2BBNlC6xe-bIiQ1VupDKnKTEi7UmzcdPequVKuiS1NKPWoWX4nuJU8gID5fq8B9cDb9xQi689xv2AXfhsS4E16-qT4nWnaOYw4gNdyZgInRdpXeue/s1600/P9080030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCHWM1o7aXqQtIZbiQsDtKw0OVWJ2BBNlC6xe-bIiQ1VupDKnKTEi7UmzcdPequVKuiS1NKPWoWX4nuJU8gID5fq8B9cDb9xQi689xv2AXfhsS4E16-qT4nWnaOYw4gNdyZgInRdpXeue/s320/P9080030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I got my skillet really hot and threw in the diced Andouille Sausage,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and cooked it until it started to get all crispy and good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0_1RtM4PmfPG7dLXske_kuufe5QsJNIIDJTxnJfdkMv9P_aZ5w1exqVkmCOfR13IxU9NTtFkXOU8_wwKMwt82LTokHin0kDwjePXPR41rLfEsXbR9JvIYHUfWIloJd0Iu5VkjSe7U075/s1600/P9080034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0_1RtM4PmfPG7dLXske_kuufe5QsJNIIDJTxnJfdkMv9P_aZ5w1exqVkmCOfR13IxU9NTtFkXOU8_wwKMwt82LTokHin0kDwjePXPR41rLfEsXbR9JvIYHUfWIloJd0Iu5VkjSe7U075/s320/P9080034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I added in the Yellow Onion and a good tablespoon of</div><div style="text-align: center;">chopped fresh Thyme (use 1 tsp. of dry).</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cook this mixture until the onions are soft and tender.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhAlzOR1IJvQXHbpFYPbo7Q7-n3ZjPDVlYWRw0S9D5BzEPxonqvPicWtuCiTPUfAWh0ds89jPprdWDn-3Ynf4rh2Sh1-Ngq_Aku_HRW_QfdoW-niOujwwMu4p2jYJKemgeYgBwgtpbNMN/s1600/P9080037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhAlzOR1IJvQXHbpFYPbo7Q7-n3ZjPDVlYWRw0S9D5BzEPxonqvPicWtuCiTPUfAWh0ds89jPprdWDn-3Ynf4rh2Sh1-Ngq_Aku_HRW_QfdoW-niOujwwMu4p2jYJKemgeYgBwgtpbNMN/s320/P9080037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally I threw in the shredded Brussels Sprouts and 2 T. of Chicken Broth</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in the pan for a very quick 3-4 minute saute. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted the sprouts to be a brilliant green color and crispy in texture. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I finished the dish off with a drizzle of </div><div style="text-align: center;">reduced Balsamic Syrup (I made some earlier in the week),</div><div style="text-align: center;">a pinch of Kosher Salt, and a ton of freshly ground Black Pepper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a great side dish with a roasted chicken or pork loin.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I make these sprouts every Thanksgiving.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I put leftovers over rice with a little soy sauce and steamed tofu.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But usually, I eat leftovers cold right out of the fridge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I just scooped them right up into a big bowl,</div><div style="text-align: center;">threw on my booty-slippers and a scarf and sat out on the </div><div style="text-align: center;">back porch watching the cats in the garden and enjoying my </div><div style="text-align: center;">favorite Brussels Sprout dish in the crisp Fall air.</div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-58875257657391170762010-08-11T13:47:00.000-07:002010-08-11T13:47:01.910-07:00Happiness is...Po Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TJDnqGmuMeezGyqxopPcpxv1Y30YxP-1Wf38WJH7sCXjBvTBZd2HekOO02TiHPci3wRuIDR3kQE63AhqZQsCUm4RM5YS28l3Mp_vN5LR0aAtDKYDuW8YnFJjg_dCplB0R-M31uonUEVB/s1600/PC310167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TJDnqGmuMeezGyqxopPcpxv1Y30YxP-1Wf38WJH7sCXjBvTBZd2HekOO02TiHPci3wRuIDR3kQE63AhqZQsCUm4RM5YS28l3Mp_vN5LR0aAtDKYDuW8YnFJjg_dCplB0R-M31uonUEVB/s320/PC310167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's 1:30 am. You've been pack like a sardine for hours in dimly lit bar rooms. You've had some drinks <span style="font-size: x-small;">(many drinks)</span>. You're wandering the dark city streets, trying to get the pounding disco music out of your head.<br />
<br />
You need Food.<br />
<br />
You need Food in a Bun.<br />
<br />
You need a Hot Dog. <br />
<br />
You need to get yo' butt to <b>Po Dog</b>.<br />
<br />
You need to get there Now! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UwoRcKKaESQQC_syp_vjGVxRc8gIh6jE40USwwYvJAOM7UcDSbaeEdvZ20Sa9McRksJ-Z4UZpqivx1Mqhyaqzm_vT4XPmJ3fjsO77lZdGqg3LP6XsKjTN_l2l1s32jqXe4vol5SGNnwU/s1600/P6230016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UwoRcKKaESQQC_syp_vjGVxRc8gIh6jE40USwwYvJAOM7UcDSbaeEdvZ20Sa9McRksJ-Z4UZpqivx1Mqhyaqzm_vT4XPmJ3fjsO77lZdGqg3LP6XsKjTN_l2l1s32jqXe4vol5SGNnwU/s200/P6230016.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b>Po Dog</b> is intimate, quirky <span style="font-size: x-small;">(with it's 12ft. pixelated portrait of a pug)</span>, industrial, minimalistic, and quite possibly has The Best Wallpaper EVER: a Black & White pattern of Colt 45's, Bullets and Floral Print.<br />
<br />
Luvs It!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg696NseMd42hnnUJ9qe5ch-uSP2PCnyE-rOwX5AJXCshGVCtb9w7rQmbkI9e2e8-wrnVxnIeWigz1tSFsnGcWZ37ffP7N-TYprBM0II-0bMZgLl2Ztur9-OxxaUJ0K2HGgQplo_rjDaSf3/s1600/P6230038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg696NseMd42hnnUJ9qe5ch-uSP2PCnyE-rOwX5AJXCshGVCtb9w7rQmbkI9e2e8-wrnVxnIeWigz1tSFsnGcWZ37ffP7N-TYprBM0II-0bMZgLl2Ztur9-OxxaUJ0K2HGgQplo_rjDaSf3/s320/P6230038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>What's Good:</b><br />
<br />
The hot dogs are big and juicy and served on a grilled, slightly sweet, brioche bun.<br />
<br />
You've got your choice of Kosher Franks, Brats, Polish Dogs, Chicken Sausages, or Vegetarian Weiners.<br />
<br />
<br />
Icy cold bottles of Mexican Coke to wash it all down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What We Had:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw97tHavIZXthFpB7WbHmAXGav6iFURRLQSPdxf4ops77GZZO6inq1jFhO_FrWwaTdlKNmd2XlZus-DxwfZF3N0z1OW-Pe_99mOPcPGOr54Z8ZhSm02Xi5QJI6Pf5HFTPnnyVPTYHjgh6/s1600/P6230023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw97tHavIZXthFpB7WbHmAXGav6iFURRLQSPdxf4ops77GZZO6inq1jFhO_FrWwaTdlKNmd2XlZus-DxwfZF3N0z1OW-Pe_99mOPcPGOr54Z8ZhSm02Xi5QJI6Pf5HFTPnnyVPTYHjgh6/s320/P6230023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>BLTA DOG</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pepper Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The veggies make it good for you.</span><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu5iUS9cutbvTHxiyLnfogxsZwf4HA-zuZQr0KU6YzC4wtXcDlfxH4n4on75e-k2PZADZX7ODlzdijKG9xsX_6y34DySLyokI4mBP1aCy76K8ShUDNzB4BZCTw7YXO7lLUFRjFtCaIMTp/s1600/P6230028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu5iUS9cutbvTHxiyLnfogxsZwf4HA-zuZQr0KU6YzC4wtXcDlfxH4n4on75e-k2PZADZX7ODlzdijKG9xsX_6y34DySLyokI4mBP1aCy76K8ShUDNzB4BZCTw7YXO7lLUFRjFtCaIMTp/s320/P6230028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>DUB-T DOG</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(minus the Ketchup) </span><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cheese Sauce, Yellow Mustard, and Crushed Potato Chips!!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had this one!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4naO39FcLrQXvcTUwW00MmzNm9N6e0bT0r9TsjXCtgEy6Lj_VvPbs0bV484jdFAPSKzzfeBbwSIhjABL9v_iKzk7I9PGOVhgsl8NkqI8CQrzJ95EdUuLBejKM8WiVK4CQbZibVk7jMF6/s1600/PC310159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4naO39FcLrQXvcTUwW00MmzNm9N6e0bT0r9TsjXCtgEy6Lj_VvPbs0bV484jdFAPSKzzfeBbwSIhjABL9v_iKzk7I9PGOVhgsl8NkqI8CQrzJ95EdUuLBejKM8WiVK4CQbZibVk7jMF6/s320/PC310159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>DEEP FRIED DANGER DOG</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrapped in Bacon & Deep Fried!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Topped with sauteed Onions and Chili Sauce</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tasty? Yes. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I don't think you should make a habit of this one. </span><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbj6aWU0s9HkQMylrxbiQ-J_vm7H3pQmvCE9KDrcUA6fiph2ISQgNLnkER03l-PaFIUHrNVZAuGazjuIDpImoaWE7dIm4DtJ3_cpsqcnSSxlgdYTfIGfUnjNXzqGat5P_ZTYA8cvDu8Nh/s1600/PC310158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbj6aWU0s9HkQMylrxbiQ-J_vm7H3pQmvCE9KDrcUA6fiph2ISQgNLnkER03l-PaFIUHrNVZAuGazjuIDpImoaWE7dIm4DtJ3_cpsqcnSSxlgdYTfIGfUnjNXzqGat5P_ZTYA8cvDu8Nh/s320/PC310158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CHICAGO DOG</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Spicy Mustard, Tomatoes, Sweet Relish, Onions,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Dill Pickle, Hot Sport Peppers, and Celery Salt</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was like having a salad on top of your hot dog!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-gahHI1IbsLSUxag8UyGtrmXyoyNmrXpMXsJl2Ffh_4z8HXCddHw-H0MGsGJq7y6_g_lQIMWN4c-fuUkX5H2aEpK_2t-Nbxbgv8IvU68KH0lmFvQONlbXzl3ahyphenhyphen7WIpsdVuKt1qtk18F/s1600/P6230033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-gahHI1IbsLSUxag8UyGtrmXyoyNmrXpMXsJl2Ffh_4z8HXCddHw-H0MGsGJq7y6_g_lQIMWN4c-fuUkX5H2aEpK_2t-Nbxbgv8IvU68KH0lmFvQONlbXzl3ahyphenhyphen7WIpsdVuKt1qtk18F/s320/P6230033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Really Good Salty Fries.</div><div style="text-align: center;">One order was enough for 3 of us to share.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
I still have many reasons to keep going back to <b>Po Dog: </b><br />
<br />
*I need to get an order of Deep Fried Pickles.<br />
*I need to hit it on a day when they have the Mac-n-Cheese Dog...Oh yes!</div><div style="text-align: left;">*I need to try the Morning Glory Dog: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Cheddar Cheese.<br />
*I need time to work up the courage to try the Peanut Butter and Banana Dog.<br />
<br />
Don't worry. The Swedish Hospital ER is only a few blocks away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://podogs.com/">http://podogs.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-45512169747431115932010-06-30T00:36:00.000-07:002010-06-30T00:39:56.404-07:00Happiness is...This Shop Window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJt_JtSvuTQPpwi4DnQ_LhWcNjdrkTEyKRPumZM2TYIbqJu5LjXnudNfRLJ1IrpSN6HGr7xcGKd33VjRjgJ4rLC9n4wNPEf3gaECZ22zjPaF1fbSCD_lbQpdOehc7PAbXDfG7hDgP1V8_/s1600/P6040002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJt_JtSvuTQPpwi4DnQ_LhWcNjdrkTEyKRPumZM2TYIbqJu5LjXnudNfRLJ1IrpSN6HGr7xcGKd33VjRjgJ4rLC9n4wNPEf3gaECZ22zjPaF1fbSCD_lbQpdOehc7PAbXDfG7hDgP1V8_/s320/P6040002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Gnomes and Pandas.<br />
Dancing Flowers and Nohohon.<br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Astro Turf</span></b></i>.<br />
<i style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Flamingos</b></span></i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can't tell me that this isn't one of the cutest</div><div style="text-align: center;">window dressings you have ever seen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to start my collection of </div><div style="text-align: center;">Solar Powered Bobble Toys</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oKenSrNwKkAimAGTfkLeuuI2-3I6ntxIdUfKCsL3RFr78KDcM4-YKdKq28dIiKG-bvrt7hVWm0y4WwMkYn4X_doOYTjyW5jDFRlVeKY7zt8MtFpzXdLXtIPLJ69PZQdjB8clRkbVqT7C/s1600/P6040003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oKenSrNwKkAimAGTfkLeuuI2-3I6ntxIdUfKCsL3RFr78KDcM4-YKdKq28dIiKG-bvrt7hVWm0y4WwMkYn4X_doOYTjyW5jDFRlVeKY7zt8MtFpzXdLXtIPLJ69PZQdjB8clRkbVqT7C/s320/P6040003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Stare at this window for 5 min.</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I guarantee you will be smiling and<br />
ready to get your Good Mood on.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Location: Ballard Ave. between Volterra and Carta de Oaxaca</span></i><br />
<br />
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</div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-46065876275024587532010-06-28T18:38:00.000-07:002010-06-28T18:38:55.954-07:00Happiness is...Rainy Days & Hamburgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gyHotwWNzL6ZxWP3iHd_fjYWYlJATQWP6R0rJRjaCGrLqIcyQ9r7gOrvrZ5l0fOyPgXPJ9CsrcwOhCS4pUvv5oSAmqr1aHUl_DB39XX3KJ4bGHpVcKBPDfPijbc7XrBKM_IYK5k4YG3r/s1600/SpaceNeedle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gyHotwWNzL6ZxWP3iHd_fjYWYlJATQWP6R0rJRjaCGrLqIcyQ9r7gOrvrZ5l0fOyPgXPJ9CsrcwOhCS4pUvv5oSAmqr1aHUl_DB39XX3KJ4bGHpVcKBPDfPijbc7XrBKM_IYK5k4YG3r/s320/SpaceNeedle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">March wind and April showers, </div><div style="text-align: center;">bring forth May showers? </div><div style="text-align: center;">And now June showers? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When is this rain ever going to stop?!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This has been one long, wet, gray spring. I'm usually behind my Seattle weather 100%, I like the light gray skies and a little drizzle in the afternoon, but this year has been a little much. Not only has it been cold (I don't believe we have had a day out of the 60's yet) it has been <b>Dark</b>. Really <b>Dark</b>. Thick layers of <b>Dark</b> Gray clouds overhead at all times. It makes you not want to get out of bed, and it definitely makes you not want to leave the house. You just want to lay under a blanket with a hot cup of tea and a cat watching movies all day long. For Days. Then after a week or so, and you haven't left the couch except to pee, and you realize...you're depressed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yjvrf5MYRFzMovudSr8m9XyCN4-UKJg-_SFUjWxIVU3Ihovepm_lfaiA85GOHkNEQfGrgrano-mPx29I-yITzSrsuXDInrDsmn5OnMngtfcFUpjXU0AP6MeBP5pjlRY-jycEF_RE9SjV/s1600/IMG_5896_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yjvrf5MYRFzMovudSr8m9XyCN4-UKJg-_SFUjWxIVU3Ihovepm_lfaiA85GOHkNEQfGrgrano-mPx29I-yITzSrsuXDInrDsmn5OnMngtfcFUpjXU0AP6MeBP5pjlRY-jycEF_RE9SjV/s320/IMG_5896_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh God! Depressed! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even the cats are depressed! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay.</div><div style="text-align: left;">You have to get up. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You have to get dressed. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You have to call a friend and get them up and dressed. </div><div style="text-align: left;">You have. To leave. The house!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You have to go get a Hamburger! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hamburgers make everything better!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And that's what we've been doing this whole rainy season...bein' depressed and eatin' Hamburgers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Remember: </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">It has been a really long rainy season.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuY7nAFaaqRnNwcMdBhagzlspfhd-jraTxD5wjGjU4TxYzetFXc9Y6c7DXPD4VlJnwaUoeyI_4q6_ETVit12VRwcIyZ7iixoQcjoyb8IiaoARLv-lJ6BEbG7vTkVyKKibUBwxlWImYSfW/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuY7nAFaaqRnNwcMdBhagzlspfhd-jraTxD5wjGjU4TxYzetFXc9Y6c7DXPD4VlJnwaUoeyI_4q6_ETVit12VRwcIyZ7iixoQcjoyb8IiaoARLv-lJ6BEbG7vTkVyKKibUBwxlWImYSfW/s320/IMG_3420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">SALTORO'S</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/saltoro-seattle">www.yelp.com/biz/saltoro-seattle</a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfectly cooked Lamb Burger on a brioche bun.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The sauces are so good: Moroccan Ketchup, Wasabi Mayo, and Garlic Aoli.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the super crispy Yukon Gold Potato Chips.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Plus they make a really good Martini; good olives.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V8ig1uMpfp5Rwz-gaAiQmEhigtgR-50eknj4qODpjnLu02yUrW2ev9mwKx2jdFziZEPj6y6KUlxC6ZhcGTec2MfOFTZXxgAP4e5mn_oxJu7y24ouFIkdD6szUaWtxNWeH3mDiwL-ktBS/s1600/P6100034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V8ig1uMpfp5Rwz-gaAiQmEhigtgR-50eknj4qODpjnLu02yUrW2ev9mwKx2jdFziZEPj6y6KUlxC6ZhcGTec2MfOFTZXxgAP4e5mn_oxJu7y24ouFIkdD6szUaWtxNWeH3mDiwL-ktBS/s320/P6100034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE TIN TABLE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thetintable.com/">www.thetintable.com/</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see, it's not so much about the burger </div><div style="text-align: center;">as it is about the shoestring fries.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this place for Happy Hour, though it can get hot and crowded.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It also has great creaking wood floors and brick walls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN4i_VY8RxbigBhEhJhkg20H8VRjpN_k8z9xkFdrCRMeG9FBdlK6Uw2LKM17usTWNdaE0o8fgxY4YhgY8EZ5KJFZMxUwpti_ZSF9ne6MKBr7aH9vbGSxZJGfeFj-X2SnTLmAJPVFUqFXC/s1600/P2280078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN4i_VY8RxbigBhEhJhkg20H8VRjpN_k8z9xkFdrCRMeG9FBdlK6Uw2LKM17usTWNdaE0o8fgxY4YhgY8EZ5KJFZMxUwpti_ZSF9ne6MKBr7aH9vbGSxZJGfeFj-X2SnTLmAJPVFUqFXC/s320/P2280078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HATTIE'S HAT</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hattieshat.com/">www.hattieshat.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite dive Bar/Burger joint.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Down a couple Vodka tonics,</div><div style="text-align: center;">eat a burger and some fries,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then you are ready to venture out in the rain</div><div style="text-align: center;">to get all soggy again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Looks sunny out but it was actually pouring!)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7eTvN-7_BsFWPIN8HPjDXVO3s8xtPOxA19PlG1EhjDvPHZ2NQeVypxG-m9oT8_qpGv0R_83u-tcpYTgkHN2NECS7kBdNgGRhsm6CYig3MBYq9tQlEjfgp3BzUcQtsp7guZJNXejJJZef/s1600/P1020245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7eTvN-7_BsFWPIN8HPjDXVO3s8xtPOxA19PlG1EhjDvPHZ2NQeVypxG-m9oT8_qpGv0R_83u-tcpYTgkHN2NECS7kBdNgGRhsm6CYig3MBYq9tQlEjfgp3BzUcQtsp7guZJNXejJJZef/s320/P1020245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE COUNTER</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thecounterburger.com/">www.thecounterburger.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes. When chicken is on a bun it counts as a Burger.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Potato Fries are a must!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love the multi-grain buns and cocktails.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hCLDq02gOgM_F0EVduFJKsgPEcuKbbqHHg9Ucx6rjrxAPiK5pgCNvSuK59XJfOg8FzORIAGu4s9rg8Q0rVFemgzbqRApdpW8F4oKEQwDwXhc4_v4SMrE9PCF-RiHxhptCoEJBgZ7w_uT/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hCLDq02gOgM_F0EVduFJKsgPEcuKbbqHHg9Ucx6rjrxAPiK5pgCNvSuK59XJfOg8FzORIAGu4s9rg8Q0rVFemgzbqRApdpW8F4oKEQwDwXhc4_v4SMrE9PCF-RiHxhptCoEJBgZ7w_uT/s320/IMG_2089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ZEKE'S BURGERS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/zekes-drive-in-gold-bar">http://www.yelp.com/biz/zekes-drive-in-gold-bar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Located in Zekesville, WA. Population: 5</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is nothing better than a Rainy Day Roadtrip</div><div style="text-align: center;">to get a great burger.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Greasy, messy, goodness topped off with crinkle fries.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only did we eat out of a bag on a picnic table</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the rain under our umbrellas,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but we shared our table with a Real Honest to Goodness</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hell's Angel!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTujVNu8H6ZIJovrbTuDtoAUGJkryLSjigR02sEPJT-C9j-LPOnwYk5HcEuCIKNiW09hR8Gli49wybgerHjGBw4JDPqQoUVTArGkdSe5awz260AUo2FLTfYpAEOKuekt_Q6jW2Zu44j5en/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTujVNu8H6ZIJovrbTuDtoAUGJkryLSjigR02sEPJT-C9j-LPOnwYk5HcEuCIKNiW09hR8Gli49wybgerHjGBw4JDPqQoUVTArGkdSe5awz260AUo2FLTfYpAEOKuekt_Q6jW2Zu44j5en/s320/IMG_2161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">PATTY'S EGGNEST</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pattys-eggnest-at-chuckwagon-inn-everett">www.yelp.com/biz/pattys-eggnest-at-chuckwagon-inn-everett</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The original one in Everett, WA.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(which is only a hop, skip, and a jump from my house)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Old-school, homey, good coffee, local color.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A good place for a burger.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ooh! Steak Fries...gotta love the steak fry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhVa9ltkJGs3SSDNB5a3MuINZjlt2mVCdt12DEVutPeWnVRBokqLqoYtZqop2TRtbLlPyjXugmbOaESxYqrGIcDSY-LWDaIGwuuN00PBOIx7Gyb1U7MhrNjaIKeNxKTFY70gmre0ox9R2/s1600/P5300057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhVa9ltkJGs3SSDNB5a3MuINZjlt2mVCdt12DEVutPeWnVRBokqLqoYtZqop2TRtbLlPyjXugmbOaESxYqrGIcDSY-LWDaIGwuuN00PBOIx7Gyb1U7MhrNjaIKeNxKTFY70gmre0ox9R2/s320/P5300057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RED MILL BURGERS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redmillburgers.com/">www.redmillburgers.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Seattle Favorite! </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a Bacon Deluxe with Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loves me some Mill Sauce.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMJb6H3FU0vlLLKtOr0MfTbnvuo43VdlP7VsEKTYOE9U7OhDx0TUfmNh381XaAIe8TvL6HCG_ETkizkHXELec2G_jcLm-4V79G24AuJhIdoTcY67eiWx2BDlmJ-NmiSHVc-1QIdaPstBn/s1600/P5300056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMJb6H3FU0vlLLKtOr0MfTbnvuo43VdlP7VsEKTYOE9U7OhDx0TUfmNh381XaAIe8TvL6HCG_ETkizkHXELec2G_jcLm-4V79G24AuJhIdoTcY67eiWx2BDlmJ-NmiSHVc-1QIdaPstBn/s320/P5300056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You gotta love Babe's Onion Rings!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dusted in corn meal and fried to perfection.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Worth every penny.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7pJSpYuFGeFWIVe-QcJlp5ybLfCW-S9fz-ZU8c9M6b3vDkwbbggzG5egBZtNt8MWq9u5aTqqhy8Pq6172PtW7Fw1tioH-7FR_TEX0obVKbGCoVY2TuCerLWqn2jhXYz3uaw79hHDgYKW/s1600/P4270157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7pJSpYuFGeFWIVe-QcJlp5ybLfCW-S9fz-ZU8c9M6b3vDkwbbggzG5egBZtNt8MWq9u5aTqqhy8Pq6172PtW7Fw1tioH-7FR_TEX0obVKbGCoVY2TuCerLWqn2jhXYz3uaw79hHDgYKW/s320/P4270157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RUBY'S DINER</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rubys.com/">www.rubys.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite place to go after a movie at the mall.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes. Every once in a while I got out to watch a movie.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute girls with ponytails and diner uniforms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good music and lots of chrome.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You feel wide awake and stimulated after eating here.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's so bright and shiny!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcuYe8oQU1IxJMMN7DY70zTCSQC4VzkrLKRx4-01sJ7ZTgieJTPHeCgM9T2BHBDBzV3h5g4mnbj0V0jA7UUcvYXxdQo2zb8DpXe2VnXQrto2V8onqxTRv-q8VrjleSDgmt3czWhrzhbRW/s1600/P5260010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcuYe8oQU1IxJMMN7DY70zTCSQC4VzkrLKRx4-01sJ7ZTgieJTPHeCgM9T2BHBDBzV3h5g4mnbj0V0jA7UUcvYXxdQo2zb8DpXe2VnXQrto2V8onqxTRv-q8VrjleSDgmt3czWhrzhbRW/s320/P5260010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">VERA'S</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/veras-restaurant-seattle">http://www.yelp.com/biz/veras-restaurant-seattle</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Patty Melt + Coffee Shop = Good</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good service.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pink formica.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pie case.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That special coffee.<br />
Rye bread grilled, not toasted. </div><div style="text-align: center;">All = Good</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_IXEsJjAVUS0IuIugh4KOUW5L2_NbxQoR4mdY4ihYfiVXqmavEqE0xeHyopb-4KkqHitVpl5J6IjKUChALYuVK3w85riFH-TW3R9tWcUUyl7BYlotPKFlVHeM7sdSU8swYS1ldiWhqE-/s1600/P5260011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_IXEsJjAVUS0IuIugh4KOUW5L2_NbxQoR4mdY4ihYfiVXqmavEqE0xeHyopb-4KkqHitVpl5J6IjKUChALYuVK3w85riFH-TW3R9tWcUUyl7BYlotPKFlVHeM7sdSU8swYS1ldiWhqE-/s320/P5260011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Mushroom Swiss Burgers are always tasty.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The grilled to order garlicky mushrooms </div><div style="text-align: center;">are so good we usually get an extra side order.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM69KsWww2EcGUEVGVUJMNCbF01zKCec1rKIUpaimaWoTWQwnQowJGlRqkf9zQQYZQUd3UvHZIcqbxaTJikmZvnftZhAlAFNiuCy3UjYr64Plw6zwMhFBkNgkO0cW66HXAQmEjP5YbI4b5/s1600/P4300027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM69KsWww2EcGUEVGVUJMNCbF01zKCec1rKIUpaimaWoTWQwnQowJGlRqkf9zQQYZQUd3UvHZIcqbxaTJikmZvnftZhAlAFNiuCy3UjYr64Plw6zwMhFBkNgkO0cW66HXAQmEjP5YbI4b5/s320/P4300027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE SEATTLE BURGER COMPANY</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/seattle-burger-company-seattle">www.yelp.com/biz/seattle-burger-company-seattle</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What stands out for me here is that they serve</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Prettiest Burgers!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The burgers always look ready to have their picture taken.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've heard good things about the Hawaiian Burger,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I usually stick to the Classic Cheese Deluxe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WE_fptpBVN1LTGj55G4YccOLn8P-5EYHIVAyl4julHdjiruNWhhIADTXtLdfOGuVgr0n01-PO9V8Q-pNdusgZ9VmeE59_k7NBwmNuixzDrPv5TYw51dJ9wdyJDiWsW7R3ZUSejpS1AAI/s1600/P4300029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WE_fptpBVN1LTGj55G4YccOLn8P-5EYHIVAyl4julHdjiruNWhhIADTXtLdfOGuVgr0n01-PO9V8Q-pNdusgZ9VmeE59_k7NBwmNuixzDrPv5TYw51dJ9wdyJDiWsW7R3ZUSejpS1AAI/s320/P4300029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I really like the Onion-ring/French Fry combo,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the red squeeze bottles of ketchup on the table.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnhnHIkFLnIm15S_zkPKjlYv29DlwCtU94DyuxwiHNWqNyX5cMe4qlX2Qx8FYlyuUwK0PJvOSZq1a3H7-cpcuL3VnR6WH-uAF4Ta1rBT4z-FsVqVaQIJzqqW78u5hceIYjMkIO_dFzlPN/s1600/P4260055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnhnHIkFLnIm15S_zkPKjlYv29DlwCtU94DyuxwiHNWqNyX5cMe4qlX2Qx8FYlyuUwK0PJvOSZq1a3H7-cpcuL3VnR6WH-uAF4Ta1rBT4z-FsVqVaQIJzqqW78u5hceIYjMkIO_dFzlPN/s320/P4260055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>KIDD VALLEY </b></span><br />
<a href="http://kiddvalley.com/">kiddvalley.com/</a><br />
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My favorite fast-food burger joint in Seattle.<br />
Hands Down!<br />
Thick juicy burgers. <br />
The BEST Root Beer Milkshakes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9P0H-BnegAhLFN4KKJnNuPyxnk689kha1XIIHTI6gZLwn4ODnr6PEZnOyGmTL_xC4z50WqG_HuOr-5bZnxj-3CynnB2C7qmBW08jgQLWdPeJNPodjxcJ6-O2bSAWudwI0mu8g9zWfr5Qj/s1600/P4260047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9P0H-BnegAhLFN4KKJnNuPyxnk689kha1XIIHTI6gZLwn4ODnr6PEZnOyGmTL_xC4z50WqG_HuOr-5bZnxj-3CynnB2C7qmBW08jgQLWdPeJNPodjxcJ6-O2bSAWudwI0mu8g9zWfr5Qj/s320/P4260047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Really yummy fries and Hand-breaded Onion-Rings.<br />
Kidd Valley also has the best service.<br />
I want to know where they find such nice employees.<br />
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That's it. Our Rainy Day Burger Tour has come to an end.<br />
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Looks like the clouds are rollin' back in.<br />
Might be a good night to pick up some burgers.<br />
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</div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-80410197149950486942010-05-25T17:05:00.000-07:002010-05-25T17:05:16.575-07:00Happiness is...Free Cheese!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW8XKSIVl8-RWndCoe8zxHoXjnO_U3zoAb44LUJBES_e7BpJRbOMSKz2aAHwd66gW39ETVRXuS-yXMeTT5N-qg2eHLdPMKqa2m-YTWWtARuFM3DxcXcU79S0f7rr7UYt3LaK-g1CARYKy/s1600/P5160032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW8XKSIVl8-RWndCoe8zxHoXjnO_U3zoAb44LUJBES_e7BpJRbOMSKz2aAHwd66gW39ETVRXuS-yXMeTT5N-qg2eHLdPMKqa2m-YTWWtARuFM3DxcXcU79S0f7rr7UYt3LaK-g1CARYKy/s320/P5160032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Let the Festival Season Begin! The Seattle Cheese Fest is... crowded... hectic... unorganized ...and littered with long lines...but hey, It's Free Cheese! And really good cheese too...<br />
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I don't mind standing in line for Cheese, it's actually fun. You get to talk Cheese with fellow Cheese lovers, and since the lines move really slow you get to learn a lot about the varieties and how the cheeses are made from the enthusiastic artisans themselves.<br />
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Washed Rind...Cave Aged...Triple Cream...Raw Milk...Semisoft...You'll get to know and taste it all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdDuTh0NTkTPRAIhb5CPAVft2DFe09t_PVDt1P28HvaUeuYIsn4NPcjz_lAJxJj8UaRHrz-C83GI1wvUsXY58sm1Fcqqrn0fFTk_7piGvyXVay3ZQi5ztGxrC3cdfdSVEAp1NqMKkFWMP/s1600/P5170008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdDuTh0NTkTPRAIhb5CPAVft2DFe09t_PVDt1P28HvaUeuYIsn4NPcjz_lAJxJj8UaRHrz-C83GI1wvUsXY58sm1Fcqqrn0fFTk_7piGvyXVay3ZQi5ztGxrC3cdfdSVEAp1NqMKkFWMP/s320/P5170008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We always begin the day at the Piroshky shop, to buy the </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheddar Cheese Rolls with Green Onions and Garlic. M'm m'm.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You have to get them early or else the lines get too long.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and you don't eat them until you get home. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You must have an empty stomach for all the Free Cheese to come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7M0_eG9oZVA1rkTx4ET8IvO7qbnXUlJym_9lfXYClYBrNkaBQocK6tagAWghjdgo1PQMIkJTUspSLzNZbKct4OdsPgxeQ57IE_hH_JUCfNxLHC8YHmZlVHZEkdnYMOmrBETwW8QBfHFmk/s1600/P5160031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7M0_eG9oZVA1rkTx4ET8IvO7qbnXUlJym_9lfXYClYBrNkaBQocK6tagAWghjdgo1PQMIkJTUspSLzNZbKct4OdsPgxeQ57IE_hH_JUCfNxLHC8YHmZlVHZEkdnYMOmrBETwW8QBfHFmk/s320/P5160031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can easily consume the equivalent of a baby loaf of cheese,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which sounds disgusting, but it's actually FANTASTIC!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aged Cheddar, White Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar, Bacon Cheddar... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive4mdpxWPoOp8J5-1LbEKFGE9SwSvLrp-dhu1oVxDOZlZmenMChyphenhyphenMuyU8zi0Ir6IlzjE3YWii-0SYxJL663lkWFVl6gBsW3D01wLxILa-hvR01EdHhFzj4ggNmVo-_Omu02VoLQnERAGz/s1600/P5160022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive4mdpxWPoOp8J5-1LbEKFGE9SwSvLrp-dhu1oVxDOZlZmenMChyphenhyphenMuyU8zi0Ir6IlzjE3YWii-0SYxJL663lkWFVl6gBsW3D01wLxILa-hvR01EdHhFzj4ggNmVo-_Omu02VoLQnERAGz/s320/P5160022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sheep's Milk Cheese was in abundance this year as well as</div><div style="text-align: center;">a huge variety of yummy Goat's Milk Cheeses.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They ranged from soft melty Camemberts, sweet and buttery</div><div style="text-align: center;">Farmers Cheese, stinky veiny Blues, to hard crumbly Orange Rinded beauties.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedHsLUmszFSpVk1TRPe20QYHMOyLfTEtH_MkpUWJ4CSDkSaeAx0pEMSB_LA9JqRW62yiiNfHGOWd11CeiG_BxIoY1DdX7bb-hR2oIpYUmKuytetb7KH3TKfJ8nmvdFD67vG5HdQs_aHHv/s1600/P5160040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedHsLUmszFSpVk1TRPe20QYHMOyLfTEtH_MkpUWJ4CSDkSaeAx0pEMSB_LA9JqRW62yiiNfHGOWd11CeiG_BxIoY1DdX7bb-hR2oIpYUmKuytetb7KH3TKfJ8nmvdFD67vG5HdQs_aHHv/s320/P5160040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Always fun...watching the cheeky Frenchmen melt huge blocks of</div><div style="text-align: center;">cheese under a portable broiler to be scraped off and served</div><div style="text-align: center;">over a pile of roasted potatoes and fresh herbs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6ccWtqVRT08fbIJSyzl3gCDIkL77rZ7XEaAkxt78JiBefWGxT2WErwyyQrKR75f1_1Nj1o-1kCcxO6MlprsqtCmlnFL2mg0fq3h3wGaDLfF0Er_Q9PLXFFl_vMR0NnauF_2WziyiXpYy/s1600/P5160013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6ccWtqVRT08fbIJSyzl3gCDIkL77rZ7XEaAkxt78JiBefWGxT2WErwyyQrKR75f1_1Nj1o-1kCcxO6MlprsqtCmlnFL2mg0fq3h3wGaDLfF0Er_Q9PLXFFl_vMR0NnauF_2WziyiXpYy/s320/P5160013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also making a strong presence was Butter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who knew there were so many different kinds...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Irish, Scottish, French, Cultured, Spiced, Raw Cream...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am in love with this Organic European Style Cultured Butter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySpqffpX34t47Am4QYU93cxkUte8LfyN1mhlnptPLZ36-RK3sctVsHCsxTXUeIHO7t_h36TR72MPhDwmIsI4cgXhIyn4dA0JgDisAEK58IzJUrJTfgUg1uDGVW7HIa08Jx0Rz-KAsYHJY/s1600/P5170048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySpqffpX34t47Am4QYU93cxkUte8LfyN1mhlnptPLZ36-RK3sctVsHCsxTXUeIHO7t_h36TR72MPhDwmIsI4cgXhIyn4dA0JgDisAEK58IzJUrJTfgUg1uDGVW7HIa08Jx0Rz-KAsYHJY/s320/P5170048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">You should always bring some cash to the festival</div><div style="text-align: center;">because the vendors sell cheese for really incredible prices.</div><div style="text-align: center;">On average a big wedge of cheese will run you around $2-$4.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a deal!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjYr_1gT6anX4hjYWyHlUCp_xZ4dE-UVLBe71g8KTzucd_Cucq1Lgz4EUVvWLC4eXr5pDXXf7KRF09AQvvHer7UeucksMLZQXNSGuXp6yPRd8RikBITX-wDleKrGLcoDNGBa9bNxjD6Z5/s1600/P5170010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjYr_1gT6anX4hjYWyHlUCp_xZ4dE-UVLBe71g8KTzucd_Cucq1Lgz4EUVvWLC4eXr5pDXXf7KRF09AQvvHer7UeucksMLZQXNSGuXp6yPRd8RikBITX-wDleKrGLcoDNGBa9bNxjD6Z5/s320/P5170010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">While waiting in line there is plenty of entertainment...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I got to hold a Parrot on his back!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xyHBNFkKcgsNzT9fYuSQ_h92od2TcdUAiOkPz66wZdW_GqniWvOz9fXMlZXf5MEfLPvGDIZgkVsmVVCNU1bNNnDsCoVRkCY9UG6sygGlVDuGsd26zyeLAVrde12sLnzzCQI1W2HKG-mA/s1600/P5160025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xyHBNFkKcgsNzT9fYuSQ_h92od2TcdUAiOkPz66wZdW_GqniWvOz9fXMlZXf5MEfLPvGDIZgkVsmVVCNU1bNNnDsCoVRkCY9UG6sygGlVDuGsd26zyeLAVrde12sLnzzCQI1W2HKG-mA/s320/P5160025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Juggling Cyclists, Performing Cats, Piano Players,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Balloon-Twisting Clowns, Singers and Musicians of all sorts</div><div style="text-align: center;">will entertain you while you wait in line or take a breather from</div><div style="text-align: center;">all the Cheesy Fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-55613410378018672862010-05-12T00:45:00.000-07:002010-05-12T00:46:45.643-07:00Happiness is...Egg on Your Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Have I ever told you, I LOVE EGGS? Well, I do. I could eat them at every meal. Seriously. Fried, poached, scrambled, hard-boiled, deviled, any way I love them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HK_hsOoSUJidgKzvDvjy2F3Y9MW7cowumXz8L5Iq3MzUmZwwy568Im8RIc9t_j6pa4lQ_Ckqg-qWAprNVVmHDIHN8d37SjhuO8boiKoOjn49rXXiYi26niburLvxaq_Kye8bYRulGlW9/s1600/P4190015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HK_hsOoSUJidgKzvDvjy2F3Y9MW7cowumXz8L5Iq3MzUmZwwy568Im8RIc9t_j6pa4lQ_Ckqg-qWAprNVVmHDIHN8d37SjhuO8boiKoOjn49rXXiYi26niburLvxaq_Kye8bYRulGlW9/s320/P4190015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So, when I was told that the Special Pizza, at Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, was topped with fresh Ricotta Cheese, Rosemary Ham, and EGGS, there was <b>Now Way</b> I was <b>NOT</b> ordering that!<br />
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Okay, Tutta Bella already makes some of the Best Damn Pizza I've ever had the pleasure of eating. They cook their pizzas in a wood-fired stone oven that makes the thin crust super crispy with hints of aromatic charred goodness.<br />
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There is no pepperoni here. No pineapple, no Canadian bacon, no shredded cheese blend. They only use certified organic San Marzano tomatoes and carefully selected fresh cheeses and herbs and wonderful cured meats and sausages. You can taste the care in each pizza. I've never had a bad one yet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYzg2mvW32H2LxDrpW2kcMt-ULmkcQZ1k8q2V-xMEkJGynwlS8JbrKezN28Di7lqmGP4m9WAsdbLtuxSymgG6zd5ix5mjyEFt-3JH4x2whiKyI03W4E8SSFqE-qWSZ9T78V90VaRf_Vtn/s1600/P4190020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYzg2mvW32H2LxDrpW2kcMt-ULmkcQZ1k8q2V-xMEkJGynwlS8JbrKezN28Di7lqmGP4m9WAsdbLtuxSymgG6zd5ix5mjyEFt-3JH4x2whiKyI03W4E8SSFqE-qWSZ9T78V90VaRf_Vtn/s320/P4190020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Oh yeah! This was just as good as I wanted it to be. The crust was super thin and crispy. I like that you can actually taste salt in their crust (so many places fail by falling flat on crust flavor). The fresh ricotta cheese added a creamy sweetness that was contrasted by the salty herby rosemary ham. And the rich ness of the perfectly cooked yolky egg took the whole thing to a stellar new level.<br />
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We were very nearly licking the platter as they were prying it out of our hands at the end of the meal. It was that good!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iGYW5xca7GWXXuVlityCt_DTaVfEIvhUpVPsSFyiGOw7h7SmoE9Oc5Ae_FFzzXBslLBAuU6S098fkdX20_wgdII7GjRUMnxcJ0-qitOf2-8vyB2m591-idOHIjelSdkJ5hFHcZuxJVyD/s1600/P4190006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iGYW5xca7GWXXuVlityCt_DTaVfEIvhUpVPsSFyiGOw7h7SmoE9Oc5Ae_FFzzXBslLBAuU6S098fkdX20_wgdII7GjRUMnxcJ0-qitOf2-8vyB2m591-idOHIjelSdkJ5hFHcZuxJVyD/s320/P4190006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tutta bella also makes delicious salads. We ordered the Insalata Mista which was comprised of super fresh mixed field greens, white beans, kalamata olives, and fire roasted red peppers all tossed in a light balsamic vinegrette with lots of freshly ground pepper. Very refreshing against the richness of our egg topped pizza.<br />
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Next time I come back I'm getting the Pizza Insalata, where they put any one of their <i>salads</i> <b>on</b> the <i>pizza</i>...yum.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tuttabellapizza.com/">www.tuttabellapizza.com</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-50960218430484335342010-05-05T12:40:00.000-07:002010-05-05T12:46:19.113-07:00Happiness is...Green<div style="text-align: center;">Not one of the Primary colors,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but no less beautiful...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk5ITg_2IFWsHwPrW5UiTD-VtzQK6xRWjhZSmI9Os4P5a1o5xXlCWbhN2VdJXuV1hfAUUNrLd6vrlJ93a10mWnjIZursTU1l1HuGEyDS_shQCIzQn4zyUgkOXezUz8v89mdGKKVshdQHj/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk5ITg_2IFWsHwPrW5UiTD-VtzQK6xRWjhZSmI9Os4P5a1o5xXlCWbhN2VdJXuV1hfAUUNrLd6vrlJ93a10mWnjIZursTU1l1HuGEyDS_shQCIzQn4zyUgkOXezUz8v89mdGKKVshdQHj/s400/IMG_1625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Green</span></span> Sea Anemone</div><div style="text-align: center;">at the Aquarium in Vancouver, BC.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Green</span> Algae </div><div style="text-align: center;">at Dry Falls, in Eastern Washington.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-KRS5g5Ntz-hafUoIrExo97x1c7efMQEtobFsF5pRQtzeg-8mLJPcAIixFQrru22syVbb1vJR9sKgBB8CGLA9ualEIvNm8n3CKXgaixC4mND44yVcnAUVM7ymDggYzy323CvPtkaJfsp/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-KRS5g5Ntz-hafUoIrExo97x1c7efMQEtobFsF5pRQtzeg-8mLJPcAIixFQrru22syVbb1vJR9sKgBB8CGLA9ualEIvNm8n3CKXgaixC4mND44yVcnAUVM7ymDggYzy323CvPtkaJfsp/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A single <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Green</span></i></span> Flower</div><div style="text-align: center;">after hours in a shop in SoHo, NYC.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Green</span></b></span> Grass and a Pansy</div><div style="text-align: center;">seen through a Kaleidoscope.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOKbS2pRlu4XVDKcUmFyFTmfqZnCsyN_P7dTmF6piUvJQBtbFtBFAxzIE_SScfu3Lya4euqftJRVPibnNDm1ppAkCAeqP8BGkt_-PgKjj0H6RMXCKFOAe_0sJKHkwBHrzvqDmhJl18icm/s1600/Phoenix+171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOKbS2pRlu4XVDKcUmFyFTmfqZnCsyN_P7dTmF6piUvJQBtbFtBFAxzIE_SScfu3Lya4euqftJRVPibnNDm1ppAkCAeqP8BGkt_-PgKjj0H6RMXCKFOAe_0sJKHkwBHrzvqDmhJl18icm/s400/Phoenix+171.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Green</span></span> Glass</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dale Chihuly's "Desert Towers"</div><div style="text-align: center;">at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_LlST5cyRXySw1KJk704_yYHWVoewVxD9DvIlk_nPIEPgyJCQy1u42bI3a2f1iONsXTgb_nojMv5RSOvHNIa0tGrdknrBgerAEHa4mO5enOUBIOQLSFE3iT_0NFSECqHhhPG9euAEDZ/s1600/PA260012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA_LlST5cyRXySw1KJk704_yYHWVoewVxD9DvIlk_nPIEPgyJCQy1u42bI3a2f1iONsXTgb_nojMv5RSOvHNIa0tGrdknrBgerAEHa4mO5enOUBIOQLSFE3iT_0NFSECqHhhPG9euAEDZ/s400/PA260012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Green</span></span></i> Tomatoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">from my garden.<br />
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</div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-57273688097837668582010-05-03T23:51:00.000-07:002010-05-03T23:51:06.940-07:00Happiness is...Pineapple Upside-Down Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiVyBGP45J6OMUKzL2lFL_q_3vp_LjDktY0p1mLBiaGn3ImaV7acp-78oVsXw80p8r6_gK638At8fTYEfJXT55sdKG3-4poTS0tb5FjfyEFnvoMju0NTvdaebk2HWN_WxRV6rwI7PXyXQ/s400/P4230003.JPG" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Mom and I share a love for an old standard, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. It is my Mom's favorite cake and I would have to say that it is my favorite too. Yum. Yum. Yum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Growing up, we didn't have it very often, probably because my Dad didn't like it. But, when my Dad went off camping or fishin' my Mom would break out the good ol' box of Bisquick Baking Mix and we would have an Upside-Down Cake in no time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is something so homey and charming about a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake; dense, rich cake topped with brown sugar pineapple rings, all buttery and gooey...sometimes made fancy with vibrant almond scented maraschino cherries and sometimes with walnuts and sometimes with nothing but the pineapple. And, not only is a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake already decorated when it is flipped out of it's baking pan, but it is also ready to eat. It is good hot, room temperature, or chilled. I really do ❤ P.U.D.C.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh2KwSq9h1jb7atngp3uzzNc96swJ2RK3dJMZfki8ssdKTs1mEkNEd72SLiYdEUi_CoeiQl1Xp1umD8QOAZKprvlVa1dy9HiJxDGZaHiKH42DgjcswIVWTtDOj-4mAym0FnDOWk4kjPUA/s1600/P4230014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh2KwSq9h1jb7atngp3uzzNc96swJ2RK3dJMZfki8ssdKTs1mEkNEd72SLiYdEUi_CoeiQl1Xp1umD8QOAZKprvlVa1dy9HiJxDGZaHiKH42DgjcswIVWTtDOj-4mAym0FnDOWk4kjPUA/s200/P4230014.JPG" width="200" /></a>I bake cookies and quick breads and sconey type things at home, but I've never really taken to cake baking. I've always had crappy hand-me-down ovens and never seem to have enough people around to justify making a whole cake. Why make cake at home when there are professionals out there that can do it so well...except for the P.U.D.C. When was the last time you saw it on a dessert menu or in a bakery (and not a Wal-mart bakery)?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, until my Aunt Du-Du (that's the Chinese spelling) made it for a party, the last time I visited, I had very nearly forgotten the delight that is P.U.D.C. And now, I am addicted. For two weeks I dreamt of her cake, it was so spongey and rich, so different from the shortcakey/pancakey/biscuity type cake my Mom always made. I was thinking about it so much that I actually found myself gathering the ingredients to make my own when I was at the grocery store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbtkq7RJ3bMMYKQkqR28PtfaIqROoPXesu0R0IQBI2LUO07gwIwcTbmpZpmD0hrRQPEC0ayXmFbyxalp-hWilUpe1vbebI6s9zAFsWcHVSmK4zkLTvElvx6eJx9cdzLCwfmdhzZv2r3Q7/s1600/P4250016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbtkq7RJ3bMMYKQkqR28PtfaIqROoPXesu0R0IQBI2LUO07gwIwcTbmpZpmD0hrRQPEC0ayXmFbyxalp-hWilUpe1vbebI6s9zAFsWcHVSmK4zkLTvElvx6eJx9cdzLCwfmdhzZv2r3Q7/s320/P4250016.JPG" /></a>My first attempt was good but far from what I wanted. The topping turned out perfect, caramely and crispy around the edges but the cake was crumbly like a biscuit and it was missing something. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day I tried again, opting to use a mixture of sour cream and pineapple juice instead of plain milk for the liquid in the cake. This time it was definitely more cake-like but not exactly right and still missing a flavor element. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two days later, after giving everyone I know the fruits of my last two attempts, I tried again with great success. My cake turned out dense, moist, and spongey, though slightly pink from the addition of maraschino cherry juice (I like the pink). The cake is also only slighly sweetened to compliment the buttery brown sugar topping and the sweet pineapple rings. Just what I was aiming for and the recipe I came up with is super easy too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Pineapple Upside-Down Cake</u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Topping:<br />
3 T. <b>Butter</b>, <i>cut into cubes</i><br />
3/4 c. <b>Brown Sugar</b>, <i>firmly packed</i><br />
6 <b>Pineapple Rings</b>, <i>drained and juice reserved</i><br />
6-12 (depending on size) <b>Maraschino Cherries</b>, <i>drained</i> <i>and juice reserved</i><br />
1/2 c. <b>Walnuts</b>, <i>roughly chopped</i><br />
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Cake:<br />
1/2 c. cold <b>Butter</b>, <i>cut into cubes</i><br />
1/2 c. <b>Sugar</b><br />
1 <b>Egg</b><br />
1 1/2 c. all-purpose <b>Flour</b><br />
1 1/2 t. <b>Baking Powder</b><br />
1/2 t. <b>Kosher Salt</b><br />
1/2 c. <b>Sour Cream</b><br />
1/2 c. reserved <b>Pineapple Juice</b><br />
1 t. <b>Vanilla Extract</b><br />
2 T. reserved <b>Maraschino Cherry Juice</b><br />
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Pre-heat the oven to 375˚. <br />
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Place the cubed <b>Butter</b>, for the topping, in a 10-inch round cake pan; place in the heated oven. When the butter is melted and bubbling take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle in the <b>Brown Sugar</b> evenly; place back in the oven and cook until butter and brown sugar begin to bubble. Pull the pan out of the oven and arrange the Pineapple Rings in the bottom of the pan. Place 1-2 <b>Maraschino Cherries</b> in the center of each pineapple ring and then sprinkle in <b>Walnuts</b>; Set aside. <br />
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In a bowl, whisk together the <b>Flour</b>, <b>Baking Powder</b>, and <b>Kosher Salt</b>; Set aside.<br />
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In another bowl, blend the <b>Sour Cream</b>, <b>Pineapple Juice</b>, <b>Vanilla Extract</b>, and <b>Maraschino Cherry Juice</b>; Set aside.<br />
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In a standing mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the cubed <b>Butte</b>r, for the cake; gradually add in the <b>Sugar</b> and beat until light and fluffy. Add the <b>Egg</b> and beat well. Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients and then 1/2 of the sour cream mixture; beat well after each addition. Keep adding aternatley dry and wet ingredients, ending with dry ingredients. <br />
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Pour the batter over your pineapple design and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. <br />
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Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled (your choice). Eat! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-4538810432772740092010-04-23T23:08:00.000-07:002010-04-23T23:15:10.843-07:00Happiness is...Pasta with Roasted Asparagus & Goat Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ULmRMOgv2Gi037fBrOg_NEB412sJrz9Ezv1szo5AAIK6fbKaf-noeRmohXfUtSftQ-h8HNDvXByvjkXL8y5W2rN9yg6K0VoN2zBgF8AZMnhXPieoeHkWzJqBJI-khXdzEvm9iq7eLKb8/s1600/P4150001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ULmRMOgv2Gi037fBrOg_NEB412sJrz9Ezv1szo5AAIK6fbKaf-noeRmohXfUtSftQ-h8HNDvXByvjkXL8y5W2rN9yg6K0VoN2zBgF8AZMnhXPieoeHkWzJqBJI-khXdzEvm9iq7eLKb8/s320/P4150001.JPG" /></a></div>The Asparagus has been so abundant, delicious, and cheap this year. I've been eating it several times a week for the last 2 months, I can't get enough asparagus. <br />
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I throw it in eggs, toss it in salads and rice, eat it cold dipped in balsamic vinegar, and for breakfast I love to toast up some French bread and top it with some soft cheese and a few spears of garlic roasted asparagus...yum.<br />
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My new favorite meal is Pasta with Roasted Asparagus & Goat Cheese, it has a no-cook sauce and can be thrown together in the time it takes to boil the noodles. Super easy and delicious.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pasta with Roasted Asparagus and Goat Cheese</span></b><br />
<i>Serves 4-6</i><br />
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2 bunches of fresh <b>Asparagus</b>, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>any woody parts of the stem removed</i></span><br />
<b>Olive Oil</b><br />
2 cloves fresh <b>Garlic</b>, <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">finely minced</span></i><br />
<b>Kosher Salt</b> & lots of <b>Black Pepper</b><br />
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1 lb. <b>Fettuccine</b>, Linguini, Cavatappi <i>~or~</i> pasta of your choice<br />
6 oz. Garlic & Herb soft <b>Goat Cheese</b>, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>crumbled</i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3 T. <b>Butter</b><br />
1/2 c. <b>Peas</b>, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>fresh or frozen</i></span><br />
2 T. fresh <b>Parsley</b>, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>minced</i></span><br />
Lots of <b>Black Pepper</b><br />
<b>Kosher Salt</b>, </span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>to taste</i></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees.<br />
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Place the <b>Asparagus</b> on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper; drizzle with <b>Olive Oil</b>, sprinkle on the minced <b>Garlic</b>, and season with <b>Kosher Salt</b> and lots of <b>Black Pepper</b>. Roast until tender, 9 to 11 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.<br />
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Warm your <b>Peas</b> in some boiling water ~or~ the microwave. <br />
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While asparagus is roasting, generously salt the boiling water. Add the <b>Fettuccine</b>, and cook according to package instructions ~or~ to your desired doneness. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water; drain the pasta and return it to the pot.<br />
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Add the crumbled <b>Goat Cheese</b>, <b>Butter</b>, and 1/2 cup pasta water to the cooked pasta; toss to coat the pasta adding more pasta water if needed. Add the <b>Asparagus</b> pieces and <b>Peas</b> to pasta; toss to combine. Season with lots of <b>Black Pepper</b> and <b>Kosher Salt</b>. Garnish with fresh <b>Parsley</b>.<br />
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I also like to substitute Cherry Tomatoes for the Peas...M'm m'm...<br />
I promise you will like this dish.</span> <br />
</span>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-468602470427986692010-04-23T22:04:00.000-07:002010-04-23T22:04:42.044-07:00Happiness is...This Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgROScwwMnvIHureJ7gowhKUm3swo8GmPbPlpKbxKKT_wSI46A8X_j62jR-ovcRUHezeg8O7k1wpx_w18SWS3Gq-wPIF1fsWJPWIrQ_tlDdt5BYI7DIcjUX0jb52QKpSPseZ3gpyRHmvh/s1600/P4220034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgROScwwMnvIHureJ7gowhKUm3swo8GmPbPlpKbxKKT_wSI46A8X_j62jR-ovcRUHezeg8O7k1wpx_w18SWS3Gq-wPIF1fsWJPWIrQ_tlDdt5BYI7DIcjUX0jb52QKpSPseZ3gpyRHmvh/s400/P4220034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This garden is so beautiful it takes my breath away.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I came upon it while on a walk with a couple of friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were talking and laughing and suddenly we all fell silent...</div><div style="text-align: center;">We couldn't believe what we were looking at.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every Tulip was at least 2 feet tall with blossoms the size of my hand, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and the colors were so vivid they almost looked like they </div><div style="text-align: center;">were made of wax. It was like a Fairy Tale Garden. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You could almost envision the Tea Party and White Rabbit right there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8fzr4BPfpyGfk3VOBxFnLDQBLsdlGitBrN1VL37_lifMgSy2zDWLDrmPqkPcHgRA0N3CgXwDVlDtqbQwmU9m2FEmxcXMDcODyqmJPsmSFLpDOZTwN586x00br8s4_k9yZk96DiJ3WQp-/s1600/P4220038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8fzr4BPfpyGfk3VOBxFnLDQBLsdlGitBrN1VL37_lifMgSy2zDWLDrmPqkPcHgRA0N3CgXwDVlDtqbQwmU9m2FEmxcXMDcODyqmJPsmSFLpDOZTwN586x00br8s4_k9yZk96DiJ3WQp-/s400/P4220038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have never seen this variety of Tulip before.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My photo does not even begin to capture their true color.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think they look like paper cranes or flamingos stretching their wings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is truly a Magical Garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-27149193860739488142010-04-23T16:01:00.000-07:002010-04-23T22:05:55.564-07:00Happiness is...My Coffee Maker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIYAGR2wX5TkeaUFQT4yGEwWwhoikrAEbrRlKf59RtohGol67nciCt4OLgMSmEnciOSICm3WFR4DllIbLUMDUK_h2_ZSbDDbmSa82eV_NY_sX3KNovdB_GrzUhgRK-MVCP0a9c96p5npa/s1600/P4230073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIYAGR2wX5TkeaUFQT4yGEwWwhoikrAEbrRlKf59RtohGol67nciCt4OLgMSmEnciOSICm3WFR4DllIbLUMDUK_h2_ZSbDDbmSa82eV_NY_sX3KNovdB_GrzUhgRK-MVCP0a9c96p5npa/s320/P4230073.JPG" /></a></div>I am in love with my Coffee Maker! He is my BFF.<br />
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He is the one that gently whispers for me to wake up every morning. Ooh...does He ever smell good!! He never lets me down, supplying me with delicious cup after delicious cup of coffee, never asking me for anything in return (except for maybe a quick warm bath and a swipe with a sponge). <br />
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Without him in my life I would be a horrible nasty bug-eyed mess. He keeps me calm and bright and clear headed and supplied with delicious cup after delicious cup of coffee.<br />
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He came into my life about 4 years ago. I picked him up for $3 at Goodwill, the BEST $3 I've ever spent!<br />
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I love you Mr. Coffee. I don't know what I would do without you.ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165604130663159965.post-12299125792279385632010-04-21T19:02:00.000-07:002010-04-21T23:33:19.370-07:00Happiness is...Jimboy's Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu3h2cFgkafzz-ueOD5zIf5hEowhgePd_x11nyNhlR0jvT6HLFNjoNhqwotOfiod_Amr2Qlt7lxPzaG9VK_yQCP0DuhJ0criPf9hdXi6iH5yUbgTI-73oQkyLwKb4CQrFvYXs8uiOOY6q/s1600/Jimboy's+Tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu3h2cFgkafzz-ueOD5zIf5hEowhgePd_x11nyNhlR0jvT6HLFNjoNhqwotOfiod_Amr2Qlt7lxPzaG9VK_yQCP0DuhJ0criPf9hdXi6iH5yUbgTI-73oQkyLwKb4CQrFvYXs8uiOOY6q/s320/Jimboy's+Tacos.jpg" /></a></div>For years and years I've known about Jimboy's Tacos. I've been into Jimboy's with my family many, many times. I've just never eaten at Jimboy's...until now.<br />
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Why have I passed on eating at Jimboy's on so many occasions? One time I actually walked across a parking lot to a grocery store to grab a salad so I wouldn't have to eat there. What was I thinking? Jimboy's is Great!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT_Tzj_jmsxDBLL6WiHyjax8icUCVGt52nVqntTkd6jQpCsP6WN0PgDv7kszLQKhPW7-tFty1g1A2m9S0ZAs-XMmiOWdDjhGi6RdeWnT5mezcRY2SRPJm0Ew4UlZFlKCD_pwCFSLoRT1D/s1600/P4090095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT_Tzj_jmsxDBLL6WiHyjax8icUCVGt52nVqntTkd6jQpCsP6WN0PgDv7kszLQKhPW7-tFty1g1A2m9S0ZAs-XMmiOWdDjhGi6RdeWnT5mezcRY2SRPJm0Ew4UlZFlKCD_pwCFSLoRT1D/s320/P4090095.JPG" /></a></div>This is greasy, crispy goodness at it's best.<br />
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Jimboy's makes the best Taquitos, filled with lots of seasoned chicken and fried super crisp, but not dried out. The guacamole is freshly made just like I would at home, a blend of avocado and sourcream with the right amount of onion and garlic. <br />
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Jimboy's also has a salsa bar, so you can mix and match to your hearts desire. I am partial to the zippy/tangy green sauce, but the hot red sauce is good too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4N6ZUv9CjCulRIepfZ8LPpKPbtnnOKuhYlKiE1Fo6g3uPUxq60IZPOJ6a5qPfr9IEG8wwqtJURP3zgay9H3Gi4y1Eub6s-AYPrb7STzit2whtwybWD0s3t-8IgSmuI8q3xUssSV2RsLI/s1600/P4090097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4N6ZUv9CjCulRIepfZ8LPpKPbtnnOKuhYlKiE1Fo6g3uPUxq60IZPOJ6a5qPfr9IEG8wwqtJURP3zgay9H3Gi4y1Eub6s-AYPrb7STzit2whtwybWD0s3t-8IgSmuI8q3xUssSV2RsLI/s200/P4090097.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>I also had a chicken taco which was really greasy yumminess...you know I love tacos.<br />
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Lots of juicy, saucy chicken, shredded cheese, thick slices of ripe tomato, and lots of fresh iceberg lettuce all wrapped up in a crispy corn tortilla shell that was dipped in parmesan cheese...squeeze on 2 packets of their spicy Taco Sauce and you're ready to go. <br />
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Just remember this is not Mexican food, it is tacos...wonderful, fast-food, greasy tacos. M'm M'm.ShlomisMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16603081194170191688noreply@blogger.com0