Secrets lost and Secrets found!

OK, so misfortune sucks, but I believe in heaven and that those that I lost are very happy there so I would like to keep my spirits up. The way I do this is by keeping busy. I cannot let the realities of life get me down. So, I look onto the future! What is the future you ask?



Easter!



That bunny loving holiday is one of my favorites because it encompasses the things I love most, animals, family and CANDY! Yes, I know, I could stand to lay off the sweets, but you can kiss my fat sweet loving ass. I love the yumminess, cheries!



One of my favorites (at least from what I can remember) is my aunt Mary's Ginger Snaps. Except, I haven't had them since I was four. Yes, you heard me, FOUR! That would be over 15 years!!! And, trust me ppl, it is not because I have not asked. I have. Her excuse? I lost it >.<



Damn. That sucks.



BUT! Today, I came across the recipe (well she had a bunch sitting out because we are going to make goodies for easter, so she must have found it. BUT ANY-WHO!). 15 years of just dreaming about these cookies and now, I have the recipe! They are fantastic with an after dinner cup of coffee, o'cher! Trust and BELIEVE!!!! When you make these, think of the best and most talented Auntie in the World!!! Love you Aunt Mary!



Mary's Ginger Snaps!

3 sticks butter - melted
1/2 cup molasses
2 cups sugar
2 eggs - Beat well
4 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger - ground
1 tsp cloves - ground

Combine all!
Mix
Refrigrate for 3 hours (min)
Form small balls
roll in sugar
Bake @ 350 Degrees F for 8 - 10 mins

Most delicious! Enjoy cheries!
Happy Easter, N.

This is for my little kitties! RIP my little furry angels

I moved away to GMU about 8 months ago, and just before I left a baby kitty Smokey died. He was a rescue that my neighbors basically abandoned when they moved away. He quickly became part of the family. He was a big, fanged grey baby and I loved him very much, but one day he go sick. We started taking care of him (feeding him gatorade and keeping him warm) but he didn't get better. When we took him in to the vet, he never left. He was very loved, and hopefully we made his life better.

A little over two months later, my new neighbors (who we think are meth dealers) had let their dog get out and it came into my yard. It attacked my other baby kitty Ace. This was a kitty that my Dad gave me when I was very young. The dog killed her, although I am very proud of her, she fought valiantly. She was a very loved and helpful kitty.

We reported the doggy and I do not know what happened from there. I wanted to ruin the people. I wanted them to pay. I think the dog was put down, but I don't know. What I do know is that my other kitty Pippin disappeared shortly after this. My mother thinks that they did something too him. I would like to think he got away and another family picked him up and loves him just as much as we did. He was our buddy and he was loved.

Now, this morning my other kitty Yoda was found dead. I would like to think she died in her sleep and she was happy and comfortable. She knew she was loved and I hope she enjoyed her life. She was an interesting kitty. She liked to sleep on top of cabinets and job 6 feet or so straight up in the air. I am going to miss her, but I tried my best to give her a good life. I just wish I was there to say goodbye.

I wonder if God hates me. He has given me alot, but he has also taken things from me that I was not ready to give up. I would never say God owes me, but when I get to heaven I should most definitely see them there (because he would be most cruel if he would not). You know, I think this may be because I dare to question God, but if I am a child of God then of course I am going to question. That is what children do! It's upsetting but I cannot renounce God or heaven because I don't want to think of them not existing anymore. They are a part of the family, they do have their own personalities, and they most definitely are loved. I just hope I loved them enough.

P.S. we found Pippin. He has gone to join his borthers and sisters in heaven. I feel in my heart that he knew he was loved, as did they all. I will see them again in heaven and send my love every second until then. I know they are happy (and better off than me down here on earth) and I love them.

Delicious and Nutritious, and doesn't piss me off!

THE CONTENTS OF THIS POST HAVE BEEN REMOVED BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T FEEL LIKE MAKING WAVES. APPARENTLY, I CANNOT BLOG WITHOUT DOING SO.

THANK YOU FOR THE CONCERN, THOSE WHO WANT ME TO BE HAPPY, IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED, BUT NOT NEEDED. I AM NATURALLY VERY HAPPY, BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO VENT MY FRUSTRATIONS IN HEALTHY WAYS. HOWEVER, IT MEANS ALOT.
POST HAS BEEN REMOVED!!!
-MANAGEMENT


Green Beans w/ Chicken and Feta


1 lb chicken breast (I tend to cook more, but w/e)
1 tbsp EVOO
1 lemon
6 oz fresh green beans (or more, these cook separately so make as much as you can eat.)
1 block and a half of feta cheese (bought the size of a woman's hand)
1 tomato, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste

Broil chicken with lemon slices and on top for anywhere between 4-10 mins (depending on size and thickness)
Flip the chicken half way through and try to replace lemon slice (doesn't have to be perfect)
Let cook between 4 - 10 mins (make sure it is entirely done before you remove it from the oven!)
When it is getting close to finishing, boil green beans until they are tender but still bright green (they will not be like canned ones, but they will be softer than when you placed them in the pot. Theoretically, 3 mins should be about perfect. A little more if you aren't into crispy legumes.)
Cut chicken up into cubes and set aside.
Remove green beans from pot and set in bowl.
Add chicken, tomato, feta, and EVOO while the beans are hot. It helps to melt the cheese.
Toss as if it were salad. ( I add a little lemon juice, but the chicken is really lemony so it is up to your tastes)
Serves 2 - 4

Believe it or not, this is really good. I hate feta, but this dish is fantastic and it isn't complete without the feta. (trust me, I have tried it. The creaminess of the feta is a nice contrast to the lemon and tomato) Trust and believe people!

Peace.

Spring has Sprung!

Ok my smoofy followers! I would like to welcome the spring season! Glorious as it is, it will fade and before I know it, winter will be here again. So, I figured I would give you all a fantastic little treat that is perfect for the springtime.

Apple, pear, and walnut salad.

1 orange, zested
2 1/2 tbsp. Orange Juice (I just squeeze the orange I zested. It is fresher and tastes better. I use the whole orange too, even if it is more than the recommended amount.)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp EVOO
1/2 c. raisins
2/3 c. toasted wlanuts
4 apples, chopped (try for two kinds. I use fuji and granny smith)
2 pears, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix it all together. Serves 6. I like to let it chill for a few hours so the flavors have time to meld together. Fantastic as an appetizer, dessert or snack!

St. Patrick's day adventures!

OK! On the day of March 17, 2010, where was I? I was in old town Alexandria, of course!

I just broke it off with my fiance in October, and I wanted a little fun. . . what? I wasn't going home with them or anything. My aunt was with me all night, so total fun! *sarcasm* Anywho, I got all sexy because I needed a little somethin' somethin', even if it was just a confidence boost.

I looked good too. Green lace cami under a loose white button up shirt and tight ass jeans make a girl look and feel good, and apparently I wasn't the only one feeling that way too. I had several guys chatting me up.

The first was an ex-military ranger. Nice guy, spoke five languages and was scarred up. SO, smart and war worn are checked off the list of wants. He was only about 4 inches taller than me, so I woulda liked him a little taller, and he was too thin. I would definitely call him attractive, but only an 8 out of ten.

Anywho, my aunt mimi was talking to him and I was on the other side of her because I couldn't block the walkway, so she kinda dominated the convo with him, but that's cool. I got a few words in, he showed me the scars on his arms, and told me a war story. He even wanted me to hold his beer, (although I am not a table), but he disappeared several times for about 5 mins to call someone or something. I don't know, but you don't keep a woman waiting in a bar for you. HEAR ME BOYS? DON'T MAKE A LADY WAIT!!!

Fortunately, he offered to get us a drink which I accepted (but I felt bad for him spending money on me, a stranger) but this brought about the awkward convo of my age. I told him I was 20 (Well, I will be in June!) His exact words were, "Ouch, that hurts". WTF does that mean? I would like to think that was because he was liking me a tad, but I don't know. Oh well, what he said after that made me think he was an ass.

He asked me if he could get me a drink or something, maybe a chocolate milk? Obviously harping on my age. Umm, men, that is a no no. Youth an wisdom are not mutually exclusive. And, I have skillz that would have fucked him up in the head, so his loss. Haha, I'm sure he will make that mistake again, but I sure as hell won't waste my time. Scars were sexy tho >.>

Other than the old drunk men who kept trying on my aunt's boa and using us to hold there shit again, It was a pretty tame evening. Got ice cream and walked the streets. We walked to the water front and got hella compliments on our outfits. All and all it was a good evening. Unfortunately, I didn't get my man.

I am thinking that I was cursed 'cause I didn't make me some lucky Boxty. DAMN MY LAZY ASS! You may be wondering what I am ranting about luck and not having. Well there is a poem that comes before every Boxty recipe. It is:

Boxty on the griddle, boxty in the pan, If you can't make boxty, you'll never get your man

So, obviously the equation is: no Boxty = no man.

. . . . Damn, and I thought it was only an old rhyme.

Anywho, so that you will always get your man in the end, I share with you the recipe.

8 oz/ 250 g/ 1 cup raw potato
8 oz/ 250 g/ 1 cup mashed potato
8 oz/ 250 g/ 2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
large knob of butter, melted
about 1/4 pt/ 125 ml/ 1/2 cup milk

Grate the raw potatoes into a bowl. Turn out onto a cloth and wring, catching the liquid. This will separate into a clear fluid with starch at the bottom. Pour off the fluid and scrape out the starch and mix with the grated and mashed potatoes. Sieve the dry ingredients and mix in along with the melted butter. Add a little milk if necessary to make a pliable dough. Knead lightly on a floured surface. Divide into four and form large, flat cakes. Mark each into quarters but do not cut right through, and bake on a griddle or in a heavy pan.

If liked, more milk and an egg can be added to make a batter which can be fried in bacon fat like drop scones.

It's traditional Irish fare, so potato is obvious. Idk what else to say, except I better make this before I go out again and pray to the Irish God that he sends me a man who can work it like I know I can ;-P

May the wind be at your back babies! Peace!

History is preserved in a cup of sugar!

Haha, well, maybe not always sugar.

You see, I was never a believer in this secret recipe bull. Food is like love on a plate, and love should be shared. And, although I am not on speaking terms with love at the moment, nothing makes me happier than a well executed dish of the yum! I have seen good food draw together even the most hated of enemies! So, the power of food should not be messed with.

I always find it amazing to see what does and does not cross international borders, cultures and transcends time. I mean, look at how many people know how to cook some random dish the exact same way their great great great aunt Berta once did. And, how many kinds of food are cherished by American's the world over? I think historians are missing a large part of the past when they choose to overlook what is inside the family recipe box (or file as the world turns more electronically based).

So, with my love for sharing and my ideals on it, let me tell you a little bit about my family.

My Granny is originally from the hill country of Virginia. She is one of the few who when she calls herself a hillbilly, she isn't degrading herself. It is said with absolute pride because it is the hill folk that shaped her into who she is today. It is amazing to see where the roots of my family were once laid.

My grandmother said her mother once made this recipe when she was a little girl, and my great aunt Margaret always makes them when the bell peppers ripen. These freeze great!

Funny side note: I had to ask my Aunt Margaret for the recipe (which she had in her head because who writes down family recipes?) because my Granny said when she makes these it is touch and go >.> comforting thought.

A blast from the past and magically delicious!

STUFFED BELL PEPPERS - A LA HILL PEOPLE!

4 - 6 Bell Peppers
1 lb. hamburger (give or take)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 lg. can chopped tomatoes
4 - 6 pieces light bread, toasted

Cut bell peppers in half and take out the icky innards.
Boil until tender (use a fork to test. Make sure they aren't mushy, but aren't hard)
Drain water and dry peppers
Put on a pan (baking sheet works)
Brown hamburger in a pan
In separate pan add onion and green pepper. Cook til tender.
Add tomatoes and hamburger to the onion and pepper mix. Cook til it begins to thicken. (about 10 min)
Shred the toast by pinching it. Let it absorb the liquid for a few minutes.
Taste it. Add salt, pepper and spices to taste. ( I like oregano, marjoram, and rosemary)
Fill peppers with a heaping mound of this mixture.
Put the peppers in the oven at 350 degrees F for 45 mins. (this will brown the mixture and dry out the rest of the water. Essentially they are finished before you bake them, but still a lil too wet to be perfect).
I love these, and they freeze fantastically!
A little love on a plate from my family to yours.

Let them eat cake!

You know, when Maria Antoinette said this I don't think she meant it to apply to today's world. She was referring to the poor not having bread and it was considered rather cruel more than anything. I'm sure she is rotting in the depths of hell for saying it.

I risk the same fate and must proclaim "LET THEM EAT CAKE!". It seems ridiculous that people are so obsessed with their weight. I find it even more perplexing that some people have sworn off bread because they fear these evil lil bastards calls *GASP* CARBS! I have only one thing to say to those bread fearing ninnies!

Let them eat cake, when no bread can be found (suitable).

All this leads me to fear to wonder where exactly we all went nuts. People want to cite Kate Moss and her impossibly slight frame, but I think the answer is more simple. We are imitators by nature. We see these things and we want to be them. Even as we are looking on them, we start to formulate that five year plan (or whatever time frame we pick) to become that. I know this, because I am bad for that (although not where weight is concerned).

We are also discourged by the times that we are told that we are "overweight" by others. (i.e. doctors, co-workers, gym teachers, etc) Interestingly enough, overweight people live longer than the normal or "healthy" weight people. Also, they forget to mention that a large American's became overweight overnight when the CDC changed the definition for 27% fat index to 25%.

Yes, yes, I can hear ever tormentor though my schooling year voicing their opinion in my head (no, I am not insane, but words do leave an impression). Seriously, are people so closed minded that they can only see beauty in one way? If I am not unhealthy, them why do I need to change? So you can look upon me easier?

The truth is, if you don't love every inch of who I (or any other woman for that matter) is, flab and all, then you are a close minded idiot and aren't good enough for them! I love who I am, and I won't change until I want too.

Back to my lovely ladies reading this, EAT! You want bread? EAT BREAD! Want cake? EAT CAKE! Want salad? EAT SALAD! God would not have made food taste so damn good if it was truly bad for you. Liberate yourself from the calorie counting, the carb calculating, and the self imposed starvation! Break away from that (twisted) idea of what beauty is and look at the women who were truly magnificent! For those gorgeous women naturally thin, embrace it. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! For those women naturally hearty, embrace it! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Each and every woman is an angel, just the way she is!

In the spirit of this post, I am giving you angels some cake!

ANGEL FOOD CAKE!

Prep Time:

10 Min

Cook Time:
40 Min

Ready In:
50 Min

12 egg
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar

1. Separate eggs; discard yolks or refrigerate for another use. Measure egg whites, adding or removing whites as needed to equal 1-1/2 cups. Place in a mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, sift confectioners' sugar and flour together three times; set aside. Add cream of tartar, extracts and salt to egg whites; beat on high speed. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Fold in flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time. Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely before removing cake from pan.

Everything changes, but they aren't always bad.

Moving to TX is a big deal for us (if my Uncle would ever decide, that is) and it makes it even more agitating when that means my relative (who will not be named) wants to be a complete bitch about it. It isn't her life to dictate and we have cleaned up her shit for the last time. . .we hope.

You know, it wouldn't bother me nearly as much if it didn't upset my grandmother. The fangs are out. Idk what this relative's problem is, but I can't tolerate it. Shit changes, and it will change again. She isn't a child anymore, and even if she wants to relive that, she will never be again. GROW UP PPL!

I have been dealing with this too. I want to be a kid again, but dreaming means nothing and I never will. Time to grow up.

A great thing about growing up. You don't have to count on anyone. However, I realize that the first step to me growing up will be living in a dorm. It is sad that there will be no kitchen, but it can't be helped. So, in the spirit of that, I have decided to post a quick and easy recipe for one of my families favorite treats. In a dorm I assume they allow the basics in terms of food and a hotplate, so if you have an oven and a frig full of stuff you are going to be far better off than me!

Yes, they will kill you at an early age because of all the cholesterol and fat, but it will be a happy death. I am a firm believer that the primordial ooze we all crawled from was in actuality a vat of melted butter. Any-who, on with the recipe!

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS!

1 lb margarine (country crock) or 4 sticks. . . loosely translates into 2 cups.
140 oz. Peanut Butter (Peter Pan etc etc)
2 box confectioner sugar (or one of those medium bags)

Mix everything together. (messy, no?)
Refrigerate for 2-3 hrs.
Put wax paper on a pan and roll out "dough" into small balls.
(Optional - chocolate coating)

1 cake Paraffin wax (MAKE SURE IT IS THE EDIBLE KIND! another type is used for candlemaking)
12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips.

Melt wax (be careful and do this slowly. It is flammable)
Melt chocolate chips in the same pot with the wax once wax is melted (the wax retains shine and consistency when chocolate is at room temp)
Mix and lower heat.
Dip in balls while making sure the chocolate is still mildly warm.
After dipping place in freezer for 1 hr.
Take out and put in Gal. Ziploc bag and replace in freezer or refrigerator until ready to serve

I have been making these since I was young. They are great if you aren't on a diet. I love them, and some things will always stay the same. . . even as everything else changes.

Contemplating the Future

There will be one point in everyone's life where they are forced to make a decision. I have always been one who always has a plan. Except when I went to college, then that plan went out the window. Go figure. I suck, fail at life, etc etc.

Anywho. I was suppose to be a med school student and go on to granduer and glory. Except the first class I took at GMU was an AIDS/HIV class. Yea. . .definately not going to make me love Bio. Anywho, after a mega crisis that I probably should not have had until at least 35, I discovered I would like to be either an animator or a chef. I don't know what of the two I would like more, but I don't see why I can't do both.

Oh well, time will tell.

special occassions! or. . . NOT!

Mango Lassi!

It is a drink, from India, that is usually only served during special events. When I first had it, I was at an Indian wedding (a three day event!). I downed about 4 of them! They are sweet and fun and all around banging!

The recipe is easy! Fantastic for summer or when eating something spicy as the creaminess of it negates the heat!

1 cup mango
1 cup PLAIN yogurt
1/2 cup milk
(optional) dash of cardamon
sugar to taste (usually about 5 tps for me >.> but I like mine really sweet)

peel and chop mango
place chopped mango, yogurt, milk, and sugar (and cardamon if desired) in blender and liquefy!
serve cold!

I loved this, except I gave up sugar for lent and used sweet and low. Not exactly bad, but I prefer granulated sugar! Oh well, it is only forty days. *shrug*

Fast and Easy, dinner from the east!

In light of doing anything school related, I have decided I was going to cook myself some dinner! I really was craving chicken stir-fry,but of course. . . I forgot to thaw the chicken (being that I live with a granny that loves to freeze everything! EVERYTHING!). I have a bad track record when it comes to thawing things, so I decided to wait for another night for chicken!

What I did end up doing was making some of the yummiest fried rice! The recipe is simple and it took me only about 5 minutes. (Rice must be precooked!)

precooked rice
peas (canned)
soy-sauce
egg
oil

heat a skillet over high heat and put a tablespoon (or so) or oil in it.
When oil is hot, crack an egg and scramble very quickly!
Transfer to plate, wipe skillet and put in a tablespoon more oil.
Toss in precooked rice. Let fry for around 3 minutes or so.
Toss in your egg, some soysauce to taste and salt and pepper.
Throw in some canned peas (only about 1/4 of the can)
Cook for a minute or so more, then eat!

very good (at least mine was) very easy. I was very proud of this! Usually I hate soy-sauce and cannot cook asian food. I have skillz!