Here are a few things I'm learning:
Tonight I decided to make dinner for deats and I. Originally, the "what" was up in the air, but then I decided that quesadillas sounded good, and so did deats. So when I headed off to meijer I picked up some whole wheat tortillas, Monterrey jack, non-full-of-junk chicken beast, and some sour cream... then I headed to the salsa area. Deats doesn't like chunks in her salsa, so I was looking for some non-chunky salsa when lime salsa caught my eye. As I was reaching for the lime salsa I saw the words "Traverse Bay..." out of the corner of my eye... it was CHERRY salsa. As in, chunks of cherry. Being that I am from the Traverse Bay/Traverse City area, I couldn't resist the opportunity to support my hometown economy (and I haven't had a single cherry thing all summer... kinda weird when you're from the cherry capitol of the world...)
My recipe is simple... a little bit of EV olive oil in a pan to start
heat that up, add the diced chicken
heat
add some butter (like a tablespoon ish, I'll be honest, Im not all that great at measuring things... so I don't...)
brown
Add salsa to likening
stir and lit sit on medium-ish heat for a bit
while that's happening, shred your cheese
after the chicken/salsa is done you can do one of two things:
add the sour cream to the pan
or remove the mix and heat up tortillas in pan with a bit of butter (just a little)
place a happy spoonful of the salsa and chicken on one side of the heated tortilla (still in the pan)
add cheese to liking
fold tortilla over and allow cheese to melt
flip after a few minutes to brown both sides (it looks pretty that way)
deats and I choose to put our sour cream on the outside of the quesadilla.
it was great!!
Saturday I am also cooking dinner for a "student" of mine from back in the internship days
I'll be making...
baked honey mustard chicken strips (breaded with whole wheat pretzel smashings)
roasted broccoli with Monterrey jack melted over it
homemade french fries (using golden red potatoes, skin on, EV olive oil, salt and pepper)
And for dessert?
Fresh fruit pizza on a homemade graham cracker crust.
I'm hoping for leftovers because I think it'll be great!!
I am pretty much stooked.
And tired.
Goodnight!
What a great day! It was really good hanging out with the fam! We, of course, opened gifts, and watched movies/played card games. And I took a three hour nap! Actually, I spent 90% of my day laying down. Absolutely amazing! Christmas was my first day off in nearly three weeks, so I enjoyed every moment of it! I am sad to see it pass.
Materially, I was really blessed! I received a HUGE crock pot and cookbook, a certificate for an hour-long massage, new comforter and bathroom towels, among a few other things. My dad is convinced that I am the world's biggest dork because I was beyond excited to get my crock pot. Hey man, I love to cook but I don't usually have the time anymore.
I finished my day out with Casey and Aza. Casey and I watched a movie and Aza helped me stretch out my ankle (that is mysteriously injured!
How was your Christmas? What did you do?
So today (Wednesday) I decided to try and get a few people together and make dinner. Originally I was planning on 4 or 5 of us and tater-tot casserole. But then I realized 2 things: 1) I was a little rusty on the recipe; and 2) I don't own a casserole dish. The second reason being the clincher, I decided sloppy joes was a great sub. Quick. Easy. And generally, a crowd pleaser. But then, as luck would have it, my compadres were busy and the one person who was up for it was still fighting a month-long sickness. SO... I decided to take dinner to him. Nothing fights off the cold-blues like a home-cooked meal and some chill company! And then Aza joined us. I let the men be men and we watched UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). I'm not gonna lie, it wasn't all bad. I have some experience in martial arts. If nothing else, it made me want to get back in to it. :-p
Then we watched League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Interesting movie. Definitely worth philosophy hours. (for all you Bonzonians lurking out there).
I brought myself cookies for dessert. I wouldn't let my sick friend have any because when you're sick there are a few things you should avoid, and refined sugar is one of them. He whined. I stuck to my guns. It was pretty humorous. And he ended up fetching himself a granola bar (which are loaded with refined sugar!), Which is fine, he's a grown man and can eat sugar if he wants... just not sugar from my cookies!
Folks, if you're ill: get plenty of rest, green veggies, water, vitamin C, zinc, and calcium. Avoid milk/dairy products (especially if you have a cough, as the lactose coats your throat!) and refined sugar. Refined sugar is pretty much like bits of glass to a down immune system. Okay, I'm off my soapbox, now.
It was a good evening! And it made me feel good to be able to make a good meal for a good and under-the-weather friend. :-) When I'm able to do things like that I feel as though I am truly giving redemption hands and feet.
Asher
