The Project Table

Happy Chinese New Year

2012-01-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Its the year of the Dragon...

French Country Omelet

2012-01-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

From The Barefoot Contessa's Show on the Food Network. Episode; "Postcards from Paris"

When Ina and Jeffrey go to France,
they always visit their favorite bistro for this Country Omelet.

The recipe just as Ina made it on her show.

It was delicious, I didn't change a thing.
The taste was totally different from the oven instead of leaving it on the stove.
This is a ***** star recipe and a keeper.
(Actually, after you make it once you don't need a recipe)

Country French Omelet

Ingredients

1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup (1-inch-diced) un-peeled Yukon Gold potatoes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 extra-large eggs
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof omelet pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned but not crisp. Take the bacon out of the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Place the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until very tender and browned, tossing occasionally to brown evenly. Remove with a slotted spoon to the same plate with the bacon.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together with a fork. After the potatoes are removed, pour the fat out of the pan and discard. Add the butter, lower the heat to low, and pour the eggs into the hot pan. Sprinkle the bacon, potatoes, and chives evenly over the top and place the pan in the oven for about 8 minutes, just until the eggs are set. Slide onto a plate, divide in half, and serve hot.

Browned potatoes and bacon added back to the pan

In goes the egg, milk and chive mixture. Then into the oven.

Straight from the oven. Only 10 minutes or so.

Beautiful

Serving slices, I used quarter slices

Breakfast or brunch...

~Enjoy Life~

I've linked this post to Foodie Friday

Click the link and visit more fun foodie finds!

Bun-less Cheese Burger

2012-01-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just crave that cheeseburger...

I didn't have any burger buns so I made it "protein style" with no bun and wow am I glad I did!

With the caramelized sweet onions and perfectly ripe avocado, crispy lettuce and a grilled bison (or beef or turkey) patty, I won't need a bun again!

Warning tho: It was messy.

But what GOOD burger isn't messy?

Enjoy Life!

New Years Eve (Nails) Project

2011-12-31T10:56:00.001-07:00

My New Years Eve Nails Project

I pinned this from Pinterest and loved the idea so I gave it a try.

To see the full tutorial see Chloe's Nails.

I used Purple and gold glitter under coat.

My first attempt. I love em! The photos isn't very good but you can see the gold glitter on the one nail.

I only did my ring fingers... Next time I will add more stripes.

DIY Icicle Chandelier

2011-12-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this project on Pinterest.

A chandelier made from a hula hoop and a string of icelcle lights.

Instead I used a grapevine wreath. I got everything I needed at Hobby Lobby the lights were 50% off and I used my 40% off coupon for the grapevine wreath.

Grapevine wreath and icicle lights

And some zip ties, but you could use bread ties or pipe cleaners

Propped up on two chairs to string lights worked perfect.

I already had the hook in the patio ceiling. It took me all of 20 minutes.

I ran a brown extension cord up the chain along the ceiling and down the wall to the outlet.

It lights up the table under it so romantically!

I LOVE it... and I might keep it up all year.

I'm linking to Met Monday over a Susan's Between Naps On The Porch.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T14:00:00.002-07:00

From Rainey at The Project Table!

Enjoy your Holidays!

Tamales

2011-12-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Homemade Christmas Tamales

I live in the Southwest and its just not Christmas without Tamales! Usually I buy them because there are so many amazing Tamale makers out there. But this year I decided to try my own.

I started with my sauce, I used one can of fire roasted tomatoes. One can of diced green chilies and a package of taco seasoning. Using my emersion blender I blended it till smooth.

Then I browned about 3 pounds of boneless country pork ribs in olive oil and added it all to my crock pot and set it for 5 hours. I also put some dried corn husks in the sink to soften.

Soaking the corn husks

Browning the meat

Adding the meat to the sauce and setting the crock pot on high for 4 hours.

Turning the meat... look at the rich sauce.

Shredding the meat

Masa

Soaked corn husks ready for filling

Spread Masa on softened corn husk

Pile on some shredded pork

Drizzle on a teaspoon of sauce and roll tamale

Steam for 45 minutes.

I served them for dinner plus put some away from Christmas.

I'm linking to Miss "G's" Foodie Friday

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Eggnog Pound Cake Recipe

2011-12-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Pinterest and it sounded so good and amazingly I had all the ingredients! If you like eggnog and nutmeg you are going to LOVE this EASY recipe!

(I have a print button at the bottom of this post for your convenience)

Ingredients

Preparation1 (16-oz.) package pound cake mix
1 1/4 cups eggnog
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat 2 minutes. Pour into a lightly greased 9- x 5-inch loaf pan.
2. Bake at 350° for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

The batter is thick and smells amazing!

I used fresh grated nutmeg but you can use the one in a jar.

I also added some fresh grated nutmeg to the top before baking.

You can remove all the photos when you hit the print button or you can leave one if you want.

This recipe was easy and so amazingly good!

Enjoy Life!

Chicken enchladas with white sauce and green chilies.

2011-12-06T13:04:00.001-07:00

Today is my 3 year blogoversary!

Just a reminder.
I have a "Print Friendly" button at the bottom of each post
where you can choose to print the recipe and none, one or all the photos.

To celebrate here is an amazing recipe for chicken enchiladas made with a easy cream sauce instead of canned cream of chicken soup.

Most likely you have all the ingredients to make it tonight!

I made 4 large ones because I had burrito size flour tortillas,

but you can make 8 with the smaller tortillas.

Chicken Enchiladas in white sauce with green chilies.

8 flour tortillas (taco size)

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into large chunks

2 cups colby/Jack cheese shredded

4 oz softened cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 package taco seasoning

1 cup milk

1 cup chicken stock

3 tab olive oil

1 tab butter

3 tab flour

1 small can of chopped green chilies

Cilantro or green onions chopped (Optional)

In a non stick skillet heat the 3 Tab. olive oil add chicken and cook gently on one side. Then sprinkle on Taco seasoning packet and cook gently stirring in seasoning and chicken till just cooked. (careful not to over cook chicken at this point, it will get rubbery and dry) Remove chicken with tongs and set aside till cool enough to shred. In same skillet with olive oil and seasonings melt the 1 tab butter and add the 3 Tab flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly, slowly, while whisking add milk and chicken broth and bring to a low boil. Sauce should thicken and become bubbly. Turn down heat to low and add sour cream and can of green chilies. one blended, take off heat.

Mix shredded chicken, one cup of shredded cheese and softened cream cheese in a bowl. Stuff and roll each enchilada and line them in a pan sprayed with cooking spray. Pour sauce over enchiladas then top with remaning cheese and bake in a 350 oven for 25 minutes.

Serve with shredded iceberg lettuce lightly dressed oil and vinegar and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.

Excellent for lunch the next day!

Sorry for the blurry photo! Lightly saute chicken chunks in olive oil and taco seasoning.

Add butter and melt with oil and seasonings

Add flour, whisk and cook for at least a minute

Add milk and chicken broth and cook till thick and bubbly. Then add sour cream and chilies and remove from heat.

Roll chicken mixture in tortillas and line in a sprayed baking dish

Bake for 25 minutes

Hot and cheesy and bubbly from the oven

Lots of delicious sauce

Serve over shredded lettuce, garnish with more cheese, cilantro, or sour cream and green onions.

Enjoy Life!

Mason Jar Solar Lights

2011-12-05T17:45:00.001-07:00

I saw this idea while I was searching the web for vintage blue mason jars!

Take a $3.99 solar light and take off the steak.

Put it in a mason jar and set the mason jar ring on top

You have a beautiful light to use a a table setting indoors or out. Or a night light. Cluster them for a dramatic table. Set them on the steps or in a window or in a flower pot or hang in a wire holder.

I've linked this post to Susan's Met Monday

Click the link to see more fantastic ideas!

Enjoy Life!

O Olive Oil and eRecipeCards.com Recipe Contest (Recipe Entry)

2011-12-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

When I was on O Olive Oil's web site and I read the description of the combination gift pack of Organic Meyer Lemon Olive oil and Champagine Vinegar and right away I thought of... Instead of a savory recipe... a sweet recipe came to mind, and so, my Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with a Champagne Vinegar sauce was born. Here is my official recipe submission for the O Olive Oil and eRecipeCards.com recipe contest.
(Click on any photo to enlarge)

This cheesecake offers a vanilla wafer, pistachio and Organic Meyer Lemon oil crust with a very creamy filling and a lovely Champagne Vinegar sauce.

I started with a family cheesecake recipe, that has been in our family for 40 years,

then showcased both products O Olive Oil sent me.

I used the O Olive Oil Meyer Lemon Oil and real butter in the delicate crust...

I used the Champagne Vinegar in a drizzle sauce that I served the sliced cheesecake on...

The Recipe

Crust:

1/2 a box of Vanilla wafers

(ground in a food processor or crushed in a plastic baggie with a rolling pin)

1 stick of butter

2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest

(Melted and divided)

1 cup chopped pistachios

3 Tablespoons sugar

(divided)

2 Tablespoons of Meyer Lemon O Olive Oil

Mix vanilla wafers, 2 tablespoons of sugar, lemon zest and all but 2 tablespoons of the melted butter in a bowl and mix well.

Using the Meyer Lemon olive oil, rub into 4- 4" spring form pans, coating bottom and sides. Press vanilla crumb mixture into the bottom of each pan and set aside. Mix pistachios, 1 tablespoon of Meyer O Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon sugar together in a small bowl. Line the side of each springform pan with the pistachio mixture. Bake in a 350 oven for about 10 minutes.

Filling:

2 8oz packages of cream cheese

(Softened)

2 eggs

(Beaten)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons Vanilla

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Mix all ingredients till creamy and pour into vanilla crumb and pistacho crust. Bake in a 350 oven for 25 minutes with a pan of water on the bottom rack and the cheesecakes in the top rack on a cookie sheet. Let cool on a rack completely.

Topping:

1 cup sour Cream

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla

Mix in a small and pour over cooled cheesecakes. Bake in a 350 oven for 10 minutes. Let cool in a rack then cover and put in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or over night.

When you are ready to serve make

Champagne drizzle sauce:

1/4 cup O Olive oil Champagne Vinegar

1/4 cup Agave light Nectar

1/4 cup water

In a small sauce pan add all ing. and stir well... Bring to a boil then a slow simmer and reduce till slightly thickened. About 7 minutes or so. Swirl in pan till desired thickness... (Almost a honey consistency)

Garnish:

Candied Lemon Slices
Or
Candied Lemon Peel

Fresh Mint

To serve:

Drizzle Champagne sauce on a cold plate, put 1/4 slice of cheesecake directly on sauce and garnish with Candied Lemon Slice or Candied Lemon Peel and fresh mint.

Photo tutorial:

Ingredients for the crust

Zesting a lemon into the vanilla wafer crumbs

Adding the lemon oil to the 4" spring form pans

First the vanilla wafer mixture

Adding the Meyer Lemon O Olive Oil to the chopped pistachios

Pistachio/Meyer lemon mixture to sides of springform pans

Pressing in gently

Lightly baked crusts waiting for filling

Creamy filling

Baked cheesecakes cooling

After a over night cooling in the fridge the cheesecakes some out easily thanks to the
Meyer Lemon O Olive Oil coating

Make the drizzle sauce: 1/4 cup O Champagne Vinegar, 1/4 cup agave syrup 1/4 cup water.
Reduce by half on a low simmer

Make Champagne sauce, garnish and serve on chilled plates.

Thank you O Olive Oil and eRecipeCards.comfor the opportunity to participate on this recipe contest!

If you like my post/photos and recipe... spend a moment to vote for this recipe at eRecipeCards.com

1) Register... its a great place to find or keep your recipes

2) Search "Meyer Lemon Cheesecake" (mine is the one made with the Meyer Lemon O Olive Oil)

3) Add it to your recipe box... that's your vote

4) Enjoy eRecipeCards. When I need a a dinner idea, a dessert idea... or just wanna look at food photos...

Thanks Everyone!

Enjoy Life!

~Really Rainey~

O Olive Oil and eRecipeCards.com Recipe Contest (Review)

2011-12-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

When I was chosen to participate in the eRecipeCards.com recipe contest sponsored by O Olive Oil,
I was so thrilled to receive their selection for me in the mail!

O Olive Oil chose my inspired recipe idea to use the Meyer Lemon Olive Oil and the Champagne Vinegar.

eRecipeCards.com and O Olive Oil teamed up for this fabulous recipe contest.
I feel like I have already won, just being chosen to receive this beautiful package and to offer my recipe creation!

I was immediately impressed with their simple, yet very elegant packaging.

I would give this as a gift for any occasion with a

simple green stain ribbon wrapped around the box.

When I pulled the beautifully weighted bottles from the box I couldn't decide which to open first. Ultimately I went for the Meyer Lemon Olive Oil!

The scent of Meyer Lemon was so fresh... Paired with Organic Olive Oil, "crushed" together for a mild mix between the two...

The lemon flavor danced on my tongue with no bitter lemon taste whats so ever.

The smooth olive taste didn't over power either. I dipped some fresh Italian bread in the vibrant Meyer Lemon O Olive Oil and was inspired! And Many recipes and uses for this incredible olive oil came to mind. When I opened the Champagne vinegar and tasted it I was pleasantly surprised at the sweetness verses the tart flavor. Oh, I was ready to start my recipe!

O Olive Oil

"California Mission Olives

Organic Meyer Lemons

Crushed together"

For more information on O Olive Oil

Visit their web site: O Olive Oil

They are also on Facebook... Give em a "Like" for specials and recipe idea's and locations where they will be demonstrating their flavorful, Organic products!

O Olive Oil on Facebook

Thank you eRecipe Cards and O Olive Oil for this fabulous opportunity!

Another beautiful day at Disneyland!

2011-11-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

2011-11-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

We're finally here!
Disney took down the California letters and put up the old retro sign in front of California Adventure! It's so cool to see it again!

Its that time of year again...

2011-11-25T20:53:00.001-07:00

...when our Family makes our annual pilgrimage to

Our family has been going to Disneyland, every year for the past 25 years!

We will also be celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary!

We will be with our son and his wife and three of our grandkids!

But our first stop will be Lego Land this year, in beautiful Carlsbad California.

We haven't done this before so we are looking forward to a day at Lego Land then up the coast to Disneyland.

I'll be posting live from California!

Enjoy Life!

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-24T09:41:00.001-07:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Animations provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

Sprucing up for the holidays!

2011-11-21T08:49:00.001-07:00

I've been busy getting my home in order for holiday guests... Its the little things. Making sure all the linens and sheets and towels are fresh and fluffy. Every thing is dusted and shining. Windows sparkling and laying in food supplies! But I think its the details that really make a difference.

Perusing Pintrest and Blogland I kept seeing this little project.

And while on a Goodwill hunt I found the perfect decanter!.

Easy project, cost $1.00

I found this beautiful glass decanter at the Goodwill for $1.00

Before and After:

Getting the clutter off the countertop and it makes a huge difference!

I also put the Q-Tips in a glass Biscuit jar and bathroom cups in a candle holder.

And I set everything on a Pretty tray for easy cleaning...

I've linked to Met Monday at Susan's Between Naps on The Porch

I know you are as busy as me...

Thanks for visiting!

I've been chosen as a contestant!

2011-11-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

O Olive Oil & eRecipeCards.com

Recipe contest

I've been chosen as a contestant!

O Olive Oil is the amazing sponsor for eRecipeCards.com

cooking contest

O Olive Oil is is the original maker of specialty organic citrus-crushed olive oils since 1995 and premium barrel-aged wine vinegars since 1997. We are a group of committed foodies making products that taste as good as they look!

eRecipeCards.com is a fantastic site to post and organize your recipes, photos and build a recipe box online.

Its all up to me and my recipe... but I could use a little help from my fabulous blogger friends and readers. If you will...

Visit the O Olive Oil web site and see how amazing their Organic oils and vinegar combinations are.

O Olive Oil

And

Visit them on

Facebook and give them a "like" to show them the love.

They post exciting recipes and events on their Facebook page.

Also if you haven't already, give eRecipeCards.com a look. Can't think of anything for dinner? Go there first. Want to get inspired? Its all there... I guarantee you will find amazing ideas. Register for FREE and post your recipes and photos.

There are so many features in the works for eRecipeCards.com too!

Also visit Dave over at "Inspired by eRecipeCards.com" to see the contest announcement.

I'm so excited to get started on the contest!

My ideas and inspiration of the fabulous blends of olive oil and vinegar are bubbling up and I'm ready to cook and photograph!

December 1st is the entry day... I'll have my post up to be judged. Please visit and comment. I could use all of your support here on my blog, and visit O Olive Oil's Facebook page today and show them some love, or at least some "LIKE".

Thank you my friends!

Love

~Rainey~

Cilantro~Lime Rice

2011-11-06T11:10:00.001-07:00

If you don't like cilantro you won't like this side dish...

It resembles the fancy Burrito Restaurant's rice.

Its a very nice side dish to replace the tomato saucy Spanish rice for a change.

I serve it with grilled fish, but you can place it on the plate with a steak or grilled chicken too!

Cilantro~Lime Rice

2 cups cooked rice (I use my rice cooker and long grain Jasmine rice)

1/2 finely chopped cilantro

1 lime zest-ed and juiced

1 Tab. Butter or Olive Oil

As soon as rice is cooked, add butter, cilantro, lime zest and juice.

Stir well and serve.

~ Enjoy Life~

Foodie Friday ~ Cinnamon Pull~Apart Ring

2011-11-04T09:53:00.002-07:00

This recipe has been floating around blog~land for a while now and finally I got a chance to try it.

Cinnamon Pull Apart Ring

2 Cans refrigerator biscuits (I used Great Value "Grands")

1 Stick of butter (I used real, salted butter)

3 TABLESPOONS (yup) of Cinnamon

(I used the new McCormick "Roasted Saigon Cinnamon")

1/2 cup of brown sugar (dark or light)

Bundt pan

Oven set 350*

1) Melt butter and set aside

2) In a large bowl mix up cinnamon, brown sugar

3) Cut each biscuit into quarters and toss into bowl of sugar and cinnamon

4) Using your hands coat those babies well, coat... toss... every spot.

5) Transfer those lovely gems to your cutting board and put the remaining sugar and cinnamon into your melted butter and give it a good stir.

6) Pour half the butter mixture into a bundt pan.

7) Start layering the little cinnamon biscuit gems into the pan. Get em in there all snug, but don't push them down.

8) Pour the rest of the butter and cinnamon mixture over the top and bake @ 350* for about 30 mintes.

Then stand back... THIS is SO good!

I made this with my grandkids and we had a hard time saving some for Mom and Dad when they got home!

I've linked this delicious post to Miss "G's" FOODIE FRIDAY!

To visit more fabulous food click here!

Enjoy Life!

Lemon Chicken

2011-11-02T08:45:00.004-07:00

There is something comforting about Lemon and chicken.

Here is my recipe.

Lemon Chicken on Buttered Pasta

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 large or 2 small lemons

1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon SeasonAll (or your favorite seasoning)

Olive oil or peanut oil for browning

Cut up chicken into bite size pieces.

Zest a fully washed lemon and stir it into 1/2 cup flour and add the SeasonAll, Stir well.

Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in heavy skillet.

Dredge chicken in flour/lemon mixture. Gently cook and brown chicken pieces. Don't stir, just turn to brown. Serve over buttered pasta and squeeze fresh lemon juice over whole plate last minute.

30 minute meal quick and delicious!

Enjoy Life!

Wishing You All...

2011-10-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

WARNING: There is music on this blog to celebrate Halloween!

But its a cool song you might wanna give it a listen...

A Happy Halloween!

From Rainey @ The Project Table!

Halloween Jewelry Skeleton Fashion.

2011-10-30T08:54:00.004-07:00

This is the only time of the year that I can wear Skeletons!
WARNING: There is music on this blog to celebrate Halloween!

I found some cute skull beads so I whipped up some bracelets and a necklace to wear on Halloween Night for when the family comes over.

Here is the Jewelry I am wearing on Halloween night.

I'll wear my witch hat too!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Project~Wine Bottle Fascinator

2011-10-29T09:28:00.001-07:00

Going to a party this weekend?

Is it a BYOB? Dress up your bottle too!

Make a easy Wine Bottle Fascinator!

I bought 6 wood napkin rings at a yard sale for 50 cents

And I just used things I had in my Halloween decor.

A skeletons from the dollar store

moss

spider ring with the ring part cut off

napkin ring

ribbon

feathers

hot glue

fun label (Dollar tree, but you can make your own)

Bottle of wine or rum or whatever...

Just use your imagination and anything you have in your Halloween decor box or make a trip to the Dollar Tree

Cheers & Happy Halloween Everyone!

Foodie Friday ~Roasted Root Vegetables~

2011-10-27T14:07:00.001-07:00

This is such a great side dish to serve with Pork, steak or chicken!

Roasted Root Vegetables

(Sweet potato, carrot and beets)

1 Sweet Potato

2 beets

2 or 3 carrots

sea salt

1 tea balsamic vinegar

2 Tab Olive oil or Coconut oil

Peel, and cube veggies. Toss in balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Sprinkle sea salt and roast for 45 min at 350 degrees.

I've linked to the Fabulous Miss "G's" Foodie Friday!

~Enjoy Life~

Tablescape Thursday~ Dinner with Mr. Bones

2011-10-26T20:52:00.003-07:00

Dinner with Mr. Bones...

I had a lot of fun with this tablescape... Last year was Dinner with a Vampire. (See it here)

This year its Dinner with Mr Bones.

(Warning: There is music on this blog in celebration of Halloween!)

I've linked to Susan's Tablescape Thursday.

To see many more creative tablescapes click the link above!

Its amazing this week!

~Enjoy Life~

A little Jack for Halloween?

2011-10-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

Here's a little Jack for Halloween...

Warning:
There is music attached to this blog for the next few daze till Halloween.)

Jack Skellington that is...

Cookies!

Surprise your kids when they get home from school this week. These were so easy!

A Betty Crocker Sugar cookie mix or Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough or your own easy recipe and some black icing and you have a fun and easy treat! (Plus a black tongue the rest of the day!)

I can't take credit for this amazing photo of Jack...
I Googled Jack Skellington and fell in love with this handsome fellow!
The cookie photos are Rainey'z @ The Project Table

6 Daze Till Halloween Coach Light Project

2011-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Coach Light Project $2.00

Here's a little project that is low cost and a huge impact.

These went from Candy Jack-O-Lanterns to Coach light covers.

Cost $2.00 (Target and Wal-mart have them for a $1.00 ea.)

Take 2 Jack-o-lanterns

With heavy duty scissors cut down the back (thanks Mike)

and cut the bottom out:

So it looks like this:

Then wrap it around your coach lights!

They look so cute and you can't beat the cost!

I've linked to Susan's Met Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Shadow Shot Sunday

2011-10-22T20:51:00.002-07:00

He's Standing right behind me, isn't he?

(I just thought that shadow looked like Darth Vader. Anyone else see it?)

Linked to Shadow Shot Sunday

Have a Halloween!

8 Dayz till Halloween Project ~Witch Finger Cookies

2011-10-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Witch Finger Cookies

Using your favorite Sugar cookie recipe or refrigerated cookie dough

you too can make severed witch's finger cookies this halloween season!

Just follow my simple tutorial:

Severed Witch Finger Cookies and a Cauldron of Cold Milk!

Cut off a hunk of chilled sugar cookie dough and cut it into strips (5)

I use a lightly dusted powdered sugar work surface.

Make sure your dough is as cold as possible.

Using a knife make knuckle marks and an indentation for a blanched almond for a fingernail.

and an indentation for a blanched almond for a fingernail.

Still in the oven... see how puffed up they get? Roll them as thin as possible...

I've linked to Foodie Friday

Happy Halloween!

10 daze till Halloween! A Ghost Story

2011-10-21T00:41:00.001-07:00

A Ghost Story as I recall it.
I'm just going to tell you the story as it happened.

(Photo credit: Hotel Sidekick.com)

Hubby and I drove to San Diego from Phoenix Arizona in a heck of a rain storm for a short business trip... It did take us a little longer than expected. The rain whipped around by the rain and we headind right into it! By the time we got there it was almost Sunset. Our destination... The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. As the hotel came into view, I was more than impressed! I wanted to see some of the hotel, the grounds and especially the ocean and beach. We checked into our beautiful room then got our coats and headed out to see the hotel and the ocean. Yes, even in a terrible rain storm, one of the worst San Diego has seen in years, we wanted to see the ocean. As we headed down the twisting, squeaky and howling corridors and turrets of the old Victorian wing we finally found our way to the pool area and finally the beach... It had stopped raining but the wind was so strong! I inhaled the fresh ocean air as the wind blew us around... We decided to head back to the warmth and comfort of our room. Coming back we found a different way and came across the historic museum part of the hotel.

Re-using in the 30's. Paper dolls from day old menus

That's when I first saw the book:

I had heard a few things but really didn't pay too much attention to the stories. But for some reason this book really caught my attention. I had just stood on the beach where this woman in black was standing on the cover of this book. I got a chill...

When we finally made it back to our room we realized we forgot our bottled water from the trunk of the valet parked car... so I volunteered to find the sundries store.

The hotel was fairly empty, we never passed anyone in the halls the whole time we were there. As I headed back down I knew right away that I had turned the wrong way... Nothing looked familiar.. I didn't remember this:

It was like a very large room in the middle of all the hallways... weird okay which way now? Back? Which way was back? I felt (not physically) a nudge to go forward and headed down a very drafty corridor. The wind still howled outside and whistled through the windows and drafty doors rattled. I was more amused than scared but when I told my daughter about this she went pale! I don't know... I just wasn't scared. After all, the ghost of Kate Morgan (AKA Lottie Bernard) had never hurt anyone.

I actually found a open area that over looked the courtyard and there it was... I didn't remember seeing the "West Elevator" before... We had taken the larger attended lobby elevator up to our room the first time. Then coming up from the beach we had taken the stairs, since we were only on the second floor. So, I don't know what made me do this; but I pushed the call button for the elevator... it make a clacking noise... and it hummed to life... Keep in mind... No other persons were around... no hotel staff, not even another guest. I had my phone on me in case I got lost I could call hubby so I snapped these photos of the "West Elevator".

The door opened and I stepped inside...

Once inside I wasn't sure what button to push... So I pushed One, the door shut and it jumped and clanked and down I went...

This elevator lead me to the court yard and into the lobby to the sundries store where I purchased 4 bottles of water and spied that book for sale so I thumbed through it...

Seems Kate Morgan (short version) checked into the Hotel Del Coronado on Thanksgiving night alone with no luggage using an alias name. Apparently waiting for her lover to arrive. He never showed and after a few days she went to town bought a handgun and the pregnant Kate Morgan walked down the hallway down to the stairs leading to the beach and shot herself in the head and died, right there on these very steps!

Do I still have your attention?

Here are some photos that I snapped that I didn't notice things until I got home and uploaded to my computer and compared!

This shot of the room... I took the one on the left first... then the one on the right a second later... Notice anything? My camera isn't a point and shoot so that isn't my finger shadow.

How about this night shot of the large red turret. These were taken only seconds apart:

Notice the blue orb and the black blotch to the left of the top of the turret?
Enlarge this photo... Its SO COOL! (unless your scared)

And this creepy window with a ratty curtain???? I noticed it flappin in the breeze and snapped a shot with my telephoto!

(Go ahead, enlarge these if you dare)

So I leave you with this:
Coming back to the room I walked right to it. Didn't get lost and it only took me minutes...
As I went to put the key in the door I heard someone whisper "good night".
I turned and looked down the hallway and snapped this last photo:

This was my experience at the Hotel del Coronado one deserted evening...
As I recall it.

11 Daze till Halloween~ Corpse Project #3 (re-post)

2011-10-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Corpse for the Graveyard!

This is a pretty scary project!
It was a lot of fun to make!
I'll update when I get it planted in the yard!

How to make bones... Look like a corpse...
I took a bag of Styrofoam bones from Target, some Mod Podge and paint, a foam brush and some tissue paper and made the dried up bones look like a corpse.

I carved out some grooves in an old board, filled the grooves with hot glue and let dry, then pried out the "teeth" and glued them to the jaws of the skull:

Then attached the bottom jaw to the top jaw with toothpicks.

Instead of having the mouth closed.
(I should have been a dentist! HA!)

I chose to have it open like its screaming!
Then I started applying the tissue paper... one strip at a time using the Mod Podge with some burnt sienna stain in it.

Then put tissue paper over all the bones in the bag:

After it was dry it looked like decaying skin covering the bones...
This isn't their final resting place yet...
Stay tuned...

I'll update this post as soon as I get "Harry" planted in the graveyard.

Happy Halloween!

12 Daze till Halloween Project #2

2011-10-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

Bat Napkin Rings

I saw this in the October edition of Woman's Day Magazine.

So I made some for my upcoming Halloween Tablescape.

I downloaded the template & instructions here.

I enlarged the template and cut it out.

Traced it on my black card stock (or you could use construction paper)

Cut out Six while I watched the Addams Family.

Took me all of 20 minutes

Cut slots and put them together

Slid them on my fun paper napkins

I love em!

And they are disposable like the napkins.

Happy Halloween!

13 Daze till Halloween Project Countdown

2011-10-18T08:52:00.002-07:00

Day 13...

A spooky Halloween lamp for the buffet table ($2.00)

For Halloween I am doing a spooky buffet so I needed some spooky light... I found this lamp and shade at a yard sale for a dollar! I had the edging left over from another project and I bought the black light bulb for a dollar at Big Lots.

(There is a regular light bulb in it for the photo.)

I used black spray paint to make the Metal lamp and shade look spooky. I hot glued on the edging and screwed in the black light! I'll be using this on my Halloween buffet tablescape.

Checking to see if the lamp even works and how the black light looks.

Some flower/yarn edging I had on hand.

I love black lights but they are hard to photograph when they are on.

Before

After

Glueing on the edging

What an easy Halloween Decor project! You can even add creepy eyes to the inside of the lamp shade for some fun!

I've linked to Susans Met Monday... A very cool linky party!

13 Daze of Halloween Projects!

A Foodie Blogger Meet up and Stuffed Pork Chops!

2011-10-14T10:03:00.004-07:00

Blogger Meet Up

Caramelized red onion and fig pork chops.

On Wednesday Hubby and I had the pleasure of meeting up with Dave and Jackie from My Year on the Grill and Inspired by E Recipe cards dot com. What a fun time! The four of us hit it off right away and the lunch turned into dinner at our house. Four Foodies in the kitchen was hilarious for various reasons. Dave's stuffed pork chops were amazing! You will have to wait to get the recipe over at his blog when he gets home and does a post. (I'll update when he gets the recipe post up)

We met for lunch at the Queen Creek Olive Mill:

The Queen Creek Olive Mill Entrance

The buildings

Dave purchasing their lunch

We found a table outside over looking the garden and olive trees.

There was so much to choose from... Yes that is fresh Sangria. Jackie and I thought that sounded so good!

More Sangria.... on and some salad too... hehehe

I thought these looked amazing!

More delicious looking snacks...

Jackie and I had the chicken Panini

Mike had roast beef on marbled bread and a delicious tomato and basil soup

Dave had bruschetta

It looked so good with all those fresh ingredients!

Dave and Jackie sampling all the different olive oils and vinegar's!

So much to choose from

Oils, vinegars, and jars of flavored olives!

This one was interesting...

This is the garden where the restaurant gets most of its fresh herbs. Look at all that basil!

Then we headed to my house which is only two miles down the road and had cocktails on the patio then Dave got this great idea to stuff some pork chops! He made the pork chops and I made a spinach salad! Jackie and Mike Kept the wine glasses full!

Dave cutting a "pocket" in the pork chops

close up

Dave used a jar of "Caramelized red onion and fig he bought at the Olive Mill and some blue cheese and cream cheese to stuff them. He added seasoning and I'm not sure what else, I'll update this post when he posts his recipe.

Right from the oven!

Dave from eRecipes.com and Rainey from The Project Table! It was SO much fun!

I'm not sure what we were doing here!

Caramelized red onion and fig stuffed pork chops with Spinach Salad

Those chops were amazing and so flavorful and moist.

Ahhhh ok this might be one of the worst photos I have ever posted... But we are outside having dinner on the patio and all I could think about was diggin into my pork chop!

Next time we are going to meet up at Dave and Jackie's house and
hopefully have some of Dave's BBQ! Hint Hint

I'm linking to Foodie Friday!

Orange light pumpkin canister project

2011-10-11T15:01:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick and easy project that add lots of Halloween drama to your kitchen!

Needed:

1 string of orange lights $2.99 at Walmart

1 glass pumpkin jar (Libby) at Walmart $4.98

Orange light Pumplin Project

A string of orange lights and a Libby glass pumpkin with a lid.

Stuff the lights in the jar...

Leave a little cord out

Nestle it in your canisters by an electrical outlet.

Pretty and spooky

Happy Halloween...

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-10-08T12:04:00.005-07:00

That's what they called it. The folks over at Cooks Illustrated. They were good... I'll give em that. However they were a little more difficult to make, more labor intensive and only made a dozen and a half.
So here is the recipe... I'm not sure I'll make them again... I like a more "cakey" cookie but the taste was certainly there. Chewy texture and the browned butter gave the cookies a caramel flavor which I loved! I also found the best chocolate chips through this article. I'll not go back to Toll House Chips again.

The jury is still out on the cookies being "Perfect" but the chocolate chips ROCK!

Ghiradelli Bittersweet came in FIRST place at the Cooks Illustrated test kitchen.

They did indeed! I'll not go back to Toll House ever.

These melt in your mouth with no "cheap halloween candy" taste!

Here's how mine came out... Golden and chewy.

I love the carmel flavor from the "browned butter".

~Enjoy Life~

Foodie Friday ~ One Ingredient Banana Ice cream~

2011-10-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

I just had to try it! I had been seeing this recipe all over blogland and finally I got a chance to try it. We had some beautiful bananas and we were leaving on a trip last week so I made the Banana Ice Cream and it was a huge hit with the family!

Banana Ice Cream

5 ripe bananas

(I secretly added some vanilla...shhhhhhh)

Slice bananas, place on a plate and freeze for a couple hours... Then put them in the blender... at first they will look crumble and I was kind of doubting this was going to come together... But magically... it turned creamy VERY creamy, I couldn't believe it! But the magic was how delicious it was and how much my grandkiddos loved it! I secretly added a teaspoon of vanilla. I served it to the grandkids with chocolate syrup and homemade whipped cream.

Oh yeah... I'm making this again!

I've linked to Miss "M's" Fabulous Foodie Friday!

~Enjoy Life~

Back from Colorado!

2011-10-06T07:04:00.001-07:00

We went to a wedding and to visit friends... We lived in Colorado for 10 years, more than 10 years ago... So it was fun seeing our friends, and seeing how much everything has changed.

Its good to go... but its great to me home!

Short Trip to Beautiful Colorado!

2011-09-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

I'm in Colorado this week for a wedding... Its absolutely beautiful here today. The weather is incredible and its so nice for me to be in some cooler weather. Its still in triple digits in Arizona.

Ocean Charm Necklace & a Giveaway~

2011-09-22T21:17:00.002-07:00

I finally finished my ocean themed charm necklace... I have been gathering charms for a couple years and finally got enough to make a necklace and bracelet...

Don't forget to enter my Goodbye to Summer giveaway too!

*Don't forget to enter

The Project Table

End of Summer

Giveaway!

Click

HERE

I've linked with Cindy at My Romantic Home

Show and Tell Friday

Foodie Friday ~ Chili Relleno Omlete & Giveaway!

2011-09-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Chili Relleno Omlette


Breakfast just upgraded!

2 eggs beaten with a little milk

1 whole fire roasted chili fresh or canned

1 stick of string cheese

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Gently slice open one side of the chili

slip the cheese stick in and try to close it.

Heat up a non stick skillet spray with cooking spray

pour in the beaten eggs and milk mixture and let set a few minutes...

Then gently lay in the chili in the middle and start folding the forming egg over the chili (I added a photo to demonstrate)

cook a few minutes till the egg is done.. Turn off heat. Top with Cheddar cheese and cover for 2 minutes (or until cheddar is melted) Serve with fresh salsa!

Its the best breakfast ever!

Cooking time... 10 minutes

slice open one side and slip string cheese in.

When the egg is slightly set place your stuffed chili in the middle

Start folding egg around chili, when egg is done... top with cheddar and melt everything.


Mmmmmmm... so easy and Delish!

Only 4 more days to enter my Goodbye to Summer Giveaway!

Enter today to win a Tree Anchored Hammock!
Giveaway ends 9/26/11

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE ENTRY FORM

I've linked with Miss "G's Foodie Friday over at Designs by Gollum

I've also linked up with Ekat's Kirchen Friday Potluck!

Click on either of those links about to get menu idea and great recipes!

Tropical Tablescape and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the GIVEAWAY

A tropical setting for a Hawaiian dinner.

With the wonderful weather Arizona has to offer this time of year, most people are outside as much as possible. Please enjoy my tropical setting. And be sure to visit tomorrow for Foodie Friday to see what gets served up for the menu to go along with this tablescape!

*Don't forget to enter
The Project Table
End of Summer
Giveaway!
Click
HERE

I've joined Tablescape Thursday over at Between Naps On The Porch!

GoodBye to Summer Giveaway

2011-09-21T00:13:00.000-07:00

The Project Table

Goodbye to Summer Giveaway!
A comfortable cloth Hammock!

I'm a "Summer" person... I love the thought of lazy days, hammocks in the woods or on the beach, dog days of summer. Vacations, out of school, long days on the lake with the boat. Fishing, BBQ's, lounging in the pool with not a care in the world... I could go on and on... Although its still very warm in Arizona still,

Summer is definitely making its way into Fall.

I'm ready for Fall. Its cooler... The view is different out the window and

The Project Table is always busy!

I'm giving away a Tree Anchored Hammock to a randomly chosen follower and reader of my blog.

***All you have to do to enter is***

1. Become a follower of The Project Table.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

3. Use the rafflecopter form below.

That is the only way to officially enter!

Its fast, fun and easy!

I've linked this post to A Southern Day Dreamer Outdoor Wednesday

Click the link above to see all the beautiful outdoor posts

Costco Pork Roast

2011-09-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well, its pretty much still summer here in Arizona...

With temps this week heading for triple digits again!

I am putting all my kitchen gadgets to good use.

Today I used the Showtime Rotisserie to perfectly cook a beautiful pork roast that I got at Costco.

"Showtime Rotisserie" pork roast

I'm sure you have seen these at Costco.

What a great deal, I got a 8lb roast for a little under $17.00!

I was able to get 5 meals from this. I cut it up into meals. Seasoned it and vacuum sealed each packet and froze them. I got one large roast and three packages of pork chops and one package or chunks for pork green chili. All for a little over three dollars a meal!

I seasoned everything before vacuum sealing.

The roast got a nice rub

the 3 packages of boneless chops got different seasonings

And the pork chunks got a can of creen chili salsa before I vacuum sealed it.

Here is the Pork roast in the Showtime!

Set it and forget it!

Right?

Absolutely!

Slide roast on...

Place in the Showtime and set it and forget it.

~Enjoy Life!~

Perry the Platypus

2011-09-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute little project that my crafty friend Danielle featured
on her Facebook wall after she did the project with her son.
I wanted to try this with my grandkiddos.
We all enjoy watching the Disney Afternoon cartoon Phineas and Ferb.
And you just can't ignore Perry the Platypus. He is always up to something.

She got the printable template at Disney Family

Here is how he is supposed to look, isn't he cute?

Here's how ours came out:

What a fun Project!

*UPDATE* I strongly suggest using a fine tip glue stick (at Walmart for $1.88) rather than TAPE!
HAHAHA

Click here to go to DisneyFamily.com to make your own Perry the Platypus.

~Enjoy Life~

We Will Never Forget!

2011-09-11T06:46:00.002-07:00

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

2011-09-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

"Inspired by "Inspired by eRecipecards.com" whom was inspired by "Lake Lure Cottage Kitchen"

Looking for something "Inspiring" for dinner?

Check out my friend Dave's web site eRecipeCards.com.

This recipe looked so good to me and since I am cooking in my crock pot at least once a week I knew I had to try this one! Plus I had everything in my pantry/freezer for it too!

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
6 tablespoons cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 1/2 teaspoons cold water
Hot cooked long grain rice

Place chicken in a 4 qt. slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, soy sauce, cider vinegar, ginger, garlic and pepper. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken to a serving platter; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Place liquid in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into liquid and stir until sauce is thickened.

I served it with white Jasmine rice.

I put the chicken on at lunch time... Then made the rice just before dinner.

After 5 hours... My home smelled so good!

I shredded mine a little cause I had grandkids over but you don't have to.

This recipe really is a keeper!

~Enjoy Life~

Steak Burritos

2011-09-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

Steak Burritos

4 Tri-Tip Steaks~ Trimmed and cut into small cubes

1/2 bunch cilantro

1/2 onion~ cut into large chunks

1/2 lime juice + zest

This is best marinated for at least 72 hours. Of course you can make it the next day too.

Place cilantro, onion chunks, lime juice and zest in a food processor and pulse till chopped. Don't over process. Add steak and pulse once or twice. Dump everything into a zip-lock and put in fridge for 24 to 72 hours. When fully marinated cook meat on a flat griddle till browned. It's steak so don't ever cook it.

Sauce

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 tea chili powder (to taste)

1/2 tea paprika

a couple dashes of hot sauce (your choice)

Place meat on a steamed flour tortilla, add fresh chopped onion and cilantro and top with sauce. Wrap tightly and enjoy!

~Enjoy Life~

I've linked to Foodie Friday

Friends and family...

2011-09-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Anasazi Beans with Bacon

2011-09-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

Anasazi Beans

(Click any photo to enlarge)

The dried beans in a bowl.

One of my Brother's lives in the Four Corners area.

Where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah actually touch in the corners.

There is a lot of South Western History there, but I will save all that for another post. Today I want to talk about Anasazi Beans. These Beans were cultivated by the Anasazi (Ancient Ones) and were a staple in their diet. Today the beans are still cultivated right there in the Four Corners Region. When I visit my Brother I always stop in Adobe Milling and buy a 10 pound bag and some bean spices. That will last me a year or more depending on if I share with Friends! I took some photos of them to show you how pretty they are. The crisp white and maroon, sometimes almost purple. I just love how they look... And the flavor! They are unlike any other bean I have had. A firm texture and a dash or natural sweetness.

Anasazi Beans lined up on a plate.

Maroon and white patterns

Waiting for pop in the bean pot.

Capturing the color and patterns on the Anasazi Beans.

Anasazi Beans and Bacon

This meal can't get any easier. I can get two meals from this one recipe. One is a bowl of beans and seconds if you want. With the rest I make refried beans and freeze for a future meal of tostadas or enchiladas.

2 Cups Anasazi Beans soaked over night

1/2 pound of bacon chopped and fried with...

1 large sweet onion

4 cups of water or chicken stock

3 tablespoons bean spice (Or any blend of spices you like including a Season All of some kind.)

Put everything in a heavy pot or slow cooker and cook till tender. About 2 hours on the stove or 4 hours in a slow cooker on high.

Soaked Beans ready for pot

I used my slow cooker this time cause its still hot here.

Adding the chopped fried bacon and onion

Stirring in the water and seasonings

Dinner

Serve with some fresh baked honey cornbread

Closer look at deliciousness

~Enjoy Life~

I've linked to On the Menu Monday
At Stone Gable

Fig (Newton) Bars

2011-09-01T17:25:00.001-07:00

My son has a beautiful fig tree in his back yard. Last year I made fig jam.. this year I am going to make fig bars. But I couldn't wait to try the recipe so I bought a bag of Black Mission Figs and made a batch!

Homemade Fig Bars

Filling

1 cup coarsely chopped dried Figs I used Sun-Maid Black Mission Figs

1 cup water

1 cup apple juice

1/4 cup sugar

Cookie Dough

1 stick butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tea. cream of tartar

1 large egg white

1/2 tea vanilla (I used vanilla paste)

1 1/2 cup flour

The day before put chopped figs, water, juice and sugar in a pan and cook for at least 2 hours on simmer. When figs are the consistency of jam take off stove and let cool. Then blend in food processor or blender till smooth. Put in fridge till ready to use.

Dough. in mixer cream butter and sugar and cream of tartar till fluffy. Add egg white and vanilla ad beat till well blended. Then slowly add flour till dough comes together. Chill.

Cut dough in 1/2 and roll out to a rectangle spread on filling and fold over to a bar... Cut into cookies and bake at 350 for 11 minutes. DO NOT OVERCOOK. The cookies will be better the next day. The first day they will be a little crunchy but the next morning they are soft and chewy.

dough and filling waiting to be cookies!

roll dough into rectangle

Careful not to tear the dough

Spread filling down the middle

gently fold over 1/2 of the filling

sliced into cookies

waiting for the oven

Lovely snack

~Enjoy Life~

I'm linking to Foodie Friday On Designs by Gollum
I've also linked to On The Menu Monday At Stone Gable

Sweet Creamed Corn

2011-09-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

This is a pretty easy recipe and puts creamed corn from a can to shame...

Of course in my opinion anything puts creamed corn in a can to shame!

This is my creamed corn.

Not too creamy but oh so dreamy!

Did I say it was low calorie?

No... I didn't.

Cause it isn't!

Sweet Creamed Corn

4 ears fresh sweet corn, yellow or white (or both)

2 tablespoons of butter

1/2 cup of cream

Shuck corn and carefully cut kernals off the cob... Then taking a spoon run the edge down the cob and get all the corn "milk" you can. Do that to each cob.

Melt the butter in a skillet add the corn and corn "milk" and sauté for about 5 minutes over med/low heat, stirring as it simmers. When corn is tender add cream (you can use milk or 1/2 & 1/2 too) and cook another couple minutes till it thickens up a bit. We like it "loser" but some people like it more creamy. Salt and liberally add pepper to taste.

*NOTE* You can make creamed corn with frozen corn too... However you will need to add a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch so make a roux.

I served creamed corn with the indoor grilled Tri Tip!

~Enjoy Life~

Oh The Figs!

2011-08-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

My son and daughter-in-love have a beautiful fig tree in their back yard...

I can't wait for the figs to be ripe...

Literally, I couldn't wait for them to get ripe!

I picked one early and it wasn't ready.

If you see fresh figs in the store they are most likely expensive. Because they are so delicate once harvested. They barely make the 30 minute drive back to my house. I found a good idea to transport them in cardboard egg cartons.

Here is what they look like on the tree.

A closer view...

You can see the prickly little hairs on the baby fig.

(Click to enlarge 2x)

I'm linking to Susan's Outdoor Wednesday

~Enjoy Life~

Grill indoors when its hot!

2011-08-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Its still hot here in Arizona so I decided to drag out my indoor grill.

I'm so glad I did!

Indoor Grilled Tri-Tip Roast

I used a dry rub on this roast (Any kind you like) when I got it home from Costco. Then

vacuum sealed it over-night to marinate.

The secret to grilling indoors is to not over cook it.

I used my Bistro indoor grill/griddle

Five minutes @ 400 degrees and 8 minutes on the other side @ 350 degrees.

I served it with baby bella mushrooms in some butter, garlic and white wine and creamed corn.

~Enjoy Life~