announcement

I have a new profession. As of August 20th, tentatively, I will also adopt the role of aunt. :) My sister-in-law is pregnant with her first baby. Now that it is facebook official, I am allowed to disclose my extreme excitement. The job of an aunt is a special one. It involves very serious stuff such as: spoiling, always having gum, providing a kind ear to listen and a gentle word of encouragement, special treats that only Aunt Katie & Uncle B will provide and so much more.

etsy.com

We do not know the gender of the sweet petite but we will soon find out! I am waiting with bated breath. That will then determine: the name, the shower decor and ideas and the clothes I purchase from Zulily.com. If you have kids or have babes in the family and are not a part of this you are totally missing out. It has the most adorable clothes and toys for not only the tykes but also fun stuff for mom! My boss convinced me to sign up for it, as she is a new mother, and oh gosh...she may create a monster. If this baby is a girl, all my ruffled dreams will come true. See, I know know that I will have all boys. Isn't that the way life works? I'm the epitome of girly girl. Insofacto, I'm having all boys.

I did however dream that this baby was a boy and his name was Kaden. That name isn't even on their short list, but I took it as a sign that maybe we will all be seeing blue in the next month.

I'm grateful for pinterest in this time of creativity. Its got all my juices flowing in how to shower the mommy-to-be. As my first baby shower, I need a little guidance since I don't want to put everyone through the AWFUL games. No one wants to guess what candy bar is in the diaper, appearing dirty. NO THANK YOU. So I picture more of a social hour with delightful tastes and drinks for all. I'm accepting all suggestions! I obviously still have some time on my hands, but with two bachelorette parties to plan this summer I figure I better stay on my A-game. So, here's to baby H! We're excited you're on your way.

happy valentine's day

 thecolorsofmymind.tumblr.com 

Happy Valentine's Day, folks! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with love in everything that you do. I will be spending the evening with my valentines, B & Ringo. Since we love to cook and that is some of our favorite time together we are making a feast! ...And possibly watching the second night of the Westminster Dog Show. Its an odd obsession, I know, but I watch it every year. Don't worry, Ringo is still our best in show. Happy day of love!!!!

out-cooked

B has done it again. He has out-cooked me. This trend, although delicious, is making me feel far inferior in the kitchen, a place where I feel like I should reign!!!

Poor hubs was sick last week and stayed home Friday to get some rest and dope himself up on medicines. Luckily, he also enjoyed some Food Network time and saw the most amazing Asian-inspired turkey burgers. Yes, it sounds VERY odd, I know. But omg!!! They were so good. I have one for lunch today too. I paired it with my Aunt Rose's Asian slaw recipe that I always love. Sorry there are no photos, since we didn't know they would turn out this good I didn't even think to grab my camera!

The burger recipe is so flavorful, I didn't even eat it with a bun - way to cut a few calories!! It didn't need any sauce or dip. It was perfect and moist, which can be hard for a turkey burger. Overall, we had a wonderful and healthy Superbowl Sunday.

Turkey Burger by Anne Burrell on Food Network:
-Extra virgin olive oil
-One onion, diced
-Salt
-Two cloves of garlic, smashed and finely chopped
-1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-1-inch fresh piece of ginger, grated
-8 oz can of water chestnuts, drained and coarsely chopped
-Half a bunch of cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Coat a large pan with olive oil. Add onions, season with salt and bring to a medium-high heat. Cook approximately 7-8 minutes, until onion is soft and aromatic. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Turn off heat and let cool.

In a large bowl combine turkey, soy sauce, ginger, water chestnuts, cilantro and cooked onion and garlic. Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup of water to keep the burgers moist. Using your hands, squish everything together, mixing well and form patties.

The recipe on Food Network suggests cooking the burgers in the pan used to cook the onion and garlic in but we decided to grill them since we also needed to grill chicken for B's lunch for the week. I loved the char on the outside of them and they were still moist inside.

Oriental Slaw:
-Cabbage or broccoli slaw
-Ramen
-Sunflower seeds
-Toasted slivered almonds
-Green onion
Dressing:
 -3/4 cup of canola or vegetable oil
-1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
-1/2 cup of brown sugar
-Soy sauce to taste

Mix the dressing ingredients together really well, so sugar dissolves. If you're using one bag of slaw, I would cut the dressing measurements in half. That much will create too much and drown the slaw. Put in refrigerator several hours or over night.

Combine the slaw ingredients. I eye it on how much to add of the ramen, almonds, onion and sunflower seeds. Its your own creation so just add what you like! When ready to serve mix the dressing in and serve. You won't be sorry! Its delicious and works so well with the burger.

Bon Appetite!

epic fail

Last weekend was an epic fail. I didn't make it to New York. After a Thursday of sniffles, drugging myself up and sleeping all afternoon, I got a stomach bug on Friday and had to postpone my trip. Disappointment doesn't begin to cover the emotions I felt.

Luckily, Kristen and Libby still went shopping. They didn't find THE dress, but I think may be narrowing down the type or silhouette. I'm still going to get there! I'm bound and determined. It just may have to wait until March. February is already booked up with work, bachelorette party and a ski trip to top it off!

So, New York, New York!!! Until we meet again...