I love the day the pool cover comes off and our pool is officially opened for the season..... cleaned and sparkling blue.... teasing and temping us to just jump on in! But..... the water is still a tad bit too cold for my taste yet. However..... it has been nice to splash my feet in the past couple of days after being out in the hot sun.
The past couple of days have been glorious weather wise. One day Lauren was off and wanted to lie out..... so we did..... the next day Jessica was off and wanted to lie out..... so we did. I'm going on a cruise next week and was worried about being pasty white and would burn on day one of the cruise..... but just after two days of sunning for a couple of hours has browned me up enough to have a nice light shade of bronze..... and I am no longer worried about burning on the boat or looking like a ghost on the pool deck! I can thank my Dad for being able to tan so nicely and so quickly because he is part Indian and I swear a drop of Indian blood in your system is perfect for tanning purposes. Me being a blondie..... everyone thinks I have delicate fair skin..... but I brown up like a biscuit in no time. THANK YOU DAD!!!!!
My daughters puppy Zoey has been learning to swim the past couple of days, and she is so funny to watch. She swims through the water like a little torpedo dog! She didn't like it at first.... I'm thinking she too thinks it is just a tad bit cold.... but she doesn't panic and has learned to swim and climb out of the pool by the steps. This was a big deal for my daughter who was petrified Zoey would fall in, or jump in after a toy and drown when we weren't home..... so the training began and we can all rest assured that Zoey definitely knows how to swim and climb out of the pool safely. We were pretty sure she would be a swimmer with her HUGE webbed feet..... and she definitely is! I bet she is jumping in on her own before long.
I just love being outside in spring and summer..... and once I'm outside for the day, it is very hard getting me back inside. I try to rise early and get all my house chores done and a plan for dinner, so that once I'm outside, I can stay outside. In about 2 weeks it will be a safe time (weather wise) to plant up my flower pots, get my herbs going again..... I love gardening and I don't mind all the watering that has to be taken care of because...... those chores take me outside and on rainy days.... the good LORD is taking care of those chores for me. And..... nothing is better than picking fresh herbs for whatever recipe I may be fixing.
I feel like my whole body is one huge smile right now.... I'm soooo happy for winter to be gone and that nice weather has returned. We have already had several cookouts, and I just think food tastes soooo much better cooked and eaten outside. I love going to little cafe's, sitting outside while we eat and people watch as we chat over our meals/drinks...... it makes me feel like we live in NY, LA or in Europe.
I love getting up in the mornings, making my tea and going outside on the patio to read for a bit before I start my day of chores and/or errands. We have this amazing patio area where we pretty much spend most of our time when we are home. It is the perfect place for an after work beverage and a chat about our day, it is perfect for Sunday morning breakfast as we read through the paper, and it is a perfect place to have family and friends join us for cookouts...... it is a very inviting place..... our own little Garden of Eden!
May the sun kiss your face today, may the spring breeze play with your hair, and may you have a marvelous day!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Springtime Favorites
Spring just keeps springing..... the grass is now lush and bright green, the spring flowers have sprung up, the trees are all budding out and the lilac bush is about to burst forth with it's delightfully scented blossoms! All I want to do is be outside with the sun shining on my face..... and grilling out.
Once the grill is uncovered and fired up for the first time in spring..... most of the meats (and lots of veggies) we eat in spring, summer and fall are grilled.... and mostly Joe is the Grill Meister and I prepare the side dishes..... which brings me to the subject of this blog....... Grilled Chicken and Oriental Slaw!!!! I probably fix this meal at least once a week all spring and summer because it is soooo yummy, crunchy and good for you!
The chicken I make for this recipe is easy and always as moist as it is flavorful. I use boneless/skinless chicken breasts that I marinate in salad dressing for anywhere from 10 minutes to all day..... depending on how much time I have. 20 minutes is preferable if you have the time..... but you can do it in 10 minutes in a rush. I trim up the breasts, pat them dry and then salt and pepper each side. Then I pierce the chicken several times on both sides with a fork.... this allows the dressing to seep inside to help flavor and tenderize the chicken. I use a variety of salad dressings for the chicken..... it depends on what I have on hand and/or what my flavor mood is at the time. What you want is a vinaigrette that has oil and vinegar in it. I started using Italian vinaigrette, and then one day all I had on hand was Balsamic Vinaigrette and decided..... oh what the heck.... it was DELISH!!! So that led me to try other vinaigrettes such as Sundried Tomato, Red Wine Vinaigrette... etc. Each one was DELISH and the flavor changes are very subtle. This is the easiest way to grill chicken with lots of flavor yet low on calories. I let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes and then I slice it on the diagonal and serve it on top of or on the side of individual portions of the Oriental Slaw. Grilled marinated steak is also good to go with this slaw....... either way...... it's a meal all in itself and very filling!
There are hundreds...... literally hundreds of recipes for Oriental Slaw, also known as Oriental Salad, Asian Slaw....etc. I first ate Oriental Slaw when we lived in Michigan and was an instant fan.... but since that first bite..... I have had this dish at several other homes and each hostess had prepared it differently..... and yes, I definitely asked for the recipe from each hostess. I found bits and pieces (AS ALWAYS!!!!) of the recipes that I liked and disliked, and after much tweaking and combining of all the recipes I had collected, I finally have my own version that is a mix and combination of all the recipes I had personally collected. My version is on the lighter side..... meaning it doesn't have as strong of an Asian flavor as most do, and thought I would post and share it with you so you could have another version to try out and/or to tweak. Here is my own version of Oriental Slaw.
ORIENTAL SLAW
1 pkg - Slaw Mix
1 pkg - Ramen Noodles (discard seasoning packet, place noodles in sandwich bag and smash into small bits)
1 bunch - Green Onions (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup - Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup - Sunflower Seeds
ORIENTAL SLAW DRESSING
4 Tbsp - Sugar
1 tsp - Pepper
1 cup - Canola Oil
2 tsp - Accent Salt
2 tsp - Salt
4 Tbsp - Rice Vinegar
Mix together, Slaw Mix, Ramen Noodles, Green Onions, Slivered Almonds and Sunflower Seeds.
Mix together all dressing ingredients and mix well. I put mine in a shaker (a glass jar with lid works well too) and shake it several times, especially before dressing the slaw. Set aside until serving time. Dress Oriental Slaw with dressing immediately before serving. Some recipes include the seasoning packet that comes with the ramen noodles, but I think it makes the dressing too strong and too salty.... but it can be added to the dressing mixture if desired. Beef is the typical seasoning packet used in the dressing, but chicken would work well too.... especially if you are serving the slaw with chicken.
I personally get all the ingredients gathered and ready for mixing and toss it all together right before serving..... this keeps the crunchy ingredients crunchy and the dressing from making the slaw goopy. This recipe makes at least twice as much dressing as needed, so start with a 1/4 of the dressing and toss over slaw well.... add more dressing as needed or for personal taste and texture. Salad dressing will keep for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator.
My daughter and I enjoy this salad several times a week and we have learned to make individual portions of the slaw mix to use with the leftover dressing. And of course we always have left over grilled chicken to go with it.
Hope this recipe starts your spring off to a crunchy, fresh and tasty start!
Once the grill is uncovered and fired up for the first time in spring..... most of the meats (and lots of veggies) we eat in spring, summer and fall are grilled.... and mostly Joe is the Grill Meister and I prepare the side dishes..... which brings me to the subject of this blog....... Grilled Chicken and Oriental Slaw!!!! I probably fix this meal at least once a week all spring and summer because it is soooo yummy, crunchy and good for you!
The chicken I make for this recipe is easy and always as moist as it is flavorful. I use boneless/skinless chicken breasts that I marinate in salad dressing for anywhere from 10 minutes to all day..... depending on how much time I have. 20 minutes is preferable if you have the time..... but you can do it in 10 minutes in a rush. I trim up the breasts, pat them dry and then salt and pepper each side. Then I pierce the chicken several times on both sides with a fork.... this allows the dressing to seep inside to help flavor and tenderize the chicken. I use a variety of salad dressings for the chicken..... it depends on what I have on hand and/or what my flavor mood is at the time. What you want is a vinaigrette that has oil and vinegar in it. I started using Italian vinaigrette, and then one day all I had on hand was Balsamic Vinaigrette and decided..... oh what the heck.... it was DELISH!!! So that led me to try other vinaigrettes such as Sundried Tomato, Red Wine Vinaigrette... etc. Each one was DELISH and the flavor changes are very subtle. This is the easiest way to grill chicken with lots of flavor yet low on calories. I let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes and then I slice it on the diagonal and serve it on top of or on the side of individual portions of the Oriental Slaw. Grilled marinated steak is also good to go with this slaw....... either way...... it's a meal all in itself and very filling!
There are hundreds...... literally hundreds of recipes for Oriental Slaw, also known as Oriental Salad, Asian Slaw....etc. I first ate Oriental Slaw when we lived in Michigan and was an instant fan.... but since that first bite..... I have had this dish at several other homes and each hostess had prepared it differently..... and yes, I definitely asked for the recipe from each hostess. I found bits and pieces (AS ALWAYS!!!!) of the recipes that I liked and disliked, and after much tweaking and combining of all the recipes I had collected, I finally have my own version that is a mix and combination of all the recipes I had personally collected. My version is on the lighter side..... meaning it doesn't have as strong of an Asian flavor as most do, and thought I would post and share it with you so you could have another version to try out and/or to tweak. Here is my own version of Oriental Slaw.
ORIENTAL SLAW
1 pkg - Slaw Mix
1 pkg - Ramen Noodles (discard seasoning packet, place noodles in sandwich bag and smash into small bits)
1 bunch - Green Onions (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup - Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup - Sunflower Seeds
ORIENTAL SLAW DRESSING
4 Tbsp - Sugar
1 tsp - Pepper
1 cup - Canola Oil
2 tsp - Accent Salt
2 tsp - Salt
4 Tbsp - Rice Vinegar
Mix together, Slaw Mix, Ramen Noodles, Green Onions, Slivered Almonds and Sunflower Seeds.
Mix together all dressing ingredients and mix well. I put mine in a shaker (a glass jar with lid works well too) and shake it several times, especially before dressing the slaw. Set aside until serving time. Dress Oriental Slaw with dressing immediately before serving. Some recipes include the seasoning packet that comes with the ramen noodles, but I think it makes the dressing too strong and too salty.... but it can be added to the dressing mixture if desired. Beef is the typical seasoning packet used in the dressing, but chicken would work well too.... especially if you are serving the slaw with chicken.
I personally get all the ingredients gathered and ready for mixing and toss it all together right before serving..... this keeps the crunchy ingredients crunchy and the dressing from making the slaw goopy. This recipe makes at least twice as much dressing as needed, so start with a 1/4 of the dressing and toss over slaw well.... add more dressing as needed or for personal taste and texture. Salad dressing will keep for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator.
My daughter and I enjoy this salad several times a week and we have learned to make individual portions of the slaw mix to use with the leftover dressing. And of course we always have left over grilled chicken to go with it.
Hope this recipe starts your spring off to a crunchy, fresh and tasty start!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Easter Feast
This Easter was the best Easter I have had in years.... the weather was spectacular, I was able to be with my extended family, who I haven't had the chance to celebrate Easter with for years, the food was plentiful, and even my Grandmother was able to join us in the celebration of Easter..... it was a really really really GOOD day!
After church services, my entire extended family gathered at my cousins (Nancy) with her family. Everyone brings a dish to share and the buffet counter was jam packed with soooo many delish dishes. There was sliced ham, pork and gravy, cheese balls, mashed potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, mac and cheese, pretzel salad, corn, broccoli casserole...... and those are just the dishes I can remember. Then..... there was also the dessert table, which had cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and candy. And to wash all this good food down, there was homemade sweet tea, unsweetened tea, homemade lemonade, coffee, water and sodas. There were about 40 folks at this gathering.... and no reason for anyone to walk away hungry!
After everyone had filled their bellies, several of us Mom's sat on the floor filling big and small plastic eggs with money.... both coins and bills.... up to $5.... little trinket toys and candy.... then we went outside and hid them for the BIG Easter Egg Hunt! Not sure what was the most fun.... the filling of the eggs and sitting around laughing and chatting as we did so, or hiding the eggs with all the giggling and running around trying to find the perfect spots in which to hide the eggs and once finding that perfect spot, noticing someone else beat you to it, or watching the kids racing around trying to find as many eggs as they could..... it was all just one big day of fun, laughter and hugging! It has been over 15 years since I was last able to be with my extended family for Easter because my family lives out of town and we have had to miss out..... but this year it just worked out that my husband and I, along with my youngest daughter and her fiance were able to drive up and join the rest of the clan. And it has been a long time since we have had such GORGEOUS weather for Easter too.
The drive home went by quickly with us all talking about the different family members we visited with, the food, and the fun we had spending the day with everyone. Before I married, I spent every single Easter with my Grandparents and Cousins.... we all had our dresses, bonnets and little white gloves on in every single picture! So this year was like a walk down memory lane.... only better! I feel like it was a totally awesome Norman Rockwell-ish Day!!!!
Thank you Nancy, Paul, Clay and Abbey for opening your home for us to gather and enjoy a 'Family Day' together! You are Bestest!!! And I LOVED all the antiques and decorating! Nancy....... you, your home and your family are ADORABLE!!!!! I will cherish this memory forever and hopefully.......next year we will be able to join you again!
After church services, my entire extended family gathered at my cousins (Nancy) with her family. Everyone brings a dish to share and the buffet counter was jam packed with soooo many delish dishes. There was sliced ham, pork and gravy, cheese balls, mashed potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, mac and cheese, pretzel salad, corn, broccoli casserole...... and those are just the dishes I can remember. Then..... there was also the dessert table, which had cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and candy. And to wash all this good food down, there was homemade sweet tea, unsweetened tea, homemade lemonade, coffee, water and sodas. There were about 40 folks at this gathering.... and no reason for anyone to walk away hungry!
After everyone had filled their bellies, several of us Mom's sat on the floor filling big and small plastic eggs with money.... both coins and bills.... up to $5.... little trinket toys and candy.... then we went outside and hid them for the BIG Easter Egg Hunt! Not sure what was the most fun.... the filling of the eggs and sitting around laughing and chatting as we did so, or hiding the eggs with all the giggling and running around trying to find the perfect spots in which to hide the eggs and once finding that perfect spot, noticing someone else beat you to it, or watching the kids racing around trying to find as many eggs as they could..... it was all just one big day of fun, laughter and hugging! It has been over 15 years since I was last able to be with my extended family for Easter because my family lives out of town and we have had to miss out..... but this year it just worked out that my husband and I, along with my youngest daughter and her fiance were able to drive up and join the rest of the clan. And it has been a long time since we have had such GORGEOUS weather for Easter too.
The drive home went by quickly with us all talking about the different family members we visited with, the food, and the fun we had spending the day with everyone. Before I married, I spent every single Easter with my Grandparents and Cousins.... we all had our dresses, bonnets and little white gloves on in every single picture! So this year was like a walk down memory lane.... only better! I feel like it was a totally awesome Norman Rockwell-ish Day!!!!
Thank you Nancy, Paul, Clay and Abbey for opening your home for us to gather and enjoy a 'Family Day' together! You are Bestest!!! And I LOVED all the antiques and decorating! Nancy....... you, your home and your family are ADORABLE!!!!! I will cherish this memory forever and hopefully.......next year we will be able to join you again!
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About Me
- Vickie G
- I am a short little lady with a passion for cooking and pilates. I have been married for 31 years to my high school sweetheart (my soulmate and love of my life!!!) and we have 3 amazing daughters. I am 50 years old and love living life with as much zest as possible.