Are you Bored with your Food?

So, lots of my friends love to cook. It might be one of the reasons we get along so well :) A couple of them have asked where I have been coming up with all of these new recipes, and all I can respond with is The Chew. Have you heard of the new addition to ABC daytime? It got on the air last September and replaced some of the soap operas whose viewership was lagging. I have to say that even though I like a good soap while I am doing dishes, I have gotten so much more out of The Chew. Think of a cooking show from food network, with lots of fun and comedy, and a little bit of talk show.

I have tried so many new things that I just never would have thought of before thanks to this show. And my husband says that my cooking skills are becoming legendary among his co-workers. I honestly don't watch it during the normal airing time because our TV in only hooked up for movies and Netflix, but it is available on ABC's website with half of the commercials. Its a great option for those of us who are super busy during the day.  They store up to 5 episodes on their website (a week of airtime). Check it out today. One episode will take you under 45 minutes including commercials.

Another website that has changed the way I cook is Pinterest. There are lots of websites out there that let you create a recipe box of stuff they have and store thousands of recipes from different users. My problem has been that I end up need an account with all of them and then I have trouble keeping track of what website had which amazing dish. With Pinterest- an online pin board- I can create links directly to the recipes I want from almost any website. I can also see what other yummy stuff other people on their network are posting and link that. Lots of bloggers are getting their recipes and entertaining tips out there thanks to the cute photos they take. Just be sure to try stuff after you "pin it." It can get addictive to just spend all your time finding recipes, but what good is that if you never make them?

The Chew's official Website

Pinterest Main Page

Assembling the New Dresser and Mirror

So earlier this week we purchased a very nice and solid bedroom set from an officer who is moving soon. Has both a head and foot board that we still need to look at and attach. I did get a chance to put my stagecraft skills to use once again. The mirror was cut down from the original scary, super mirror from the early 80's which means the supports were not the same. Hubby has been busy and couldn't remember how the former owner said to assemble it. When he went into work I started playing with it and thinking through what we were given.

I figured out that we had to independent types of support. Before we kept trying to link it all together which didn't line up. So with my little had screwdriver and a lot of care, I screwed everything back in place. 

At this point I attached the second plank and assessed my work. We are missing 2 screws, and the two on the top of the planks aren't biting into the wood of the mirror anymore. It is sturdy enough for now. While its cool this week I will be heading to Lowe's to pick up a handful of new screws to reinforce my work. Not bad for someone who can't use power tools. 

Quick Homemade Guacamole

I remember being a little kid and hating avocados. They were always a special treat mom would get for herself when they were on sale. As a teenager I worked in fast food and I tried the guacamole we served on top of our taco salad- still not loving it. In college I picked up a taste for fresh avocados on sandwiches and wraps. And then there was real guacamole. The first really good guacamole I ever had was made by my friend Phil after I moved to Arizona. His secret is simple: guacamole should still be made mostly of avocados, not filler. Now that I live so far south the ingredients to make good guacamole are much cheaper and fresher than I have ever experienced, so I started experimenting with making my own recipe. Share it if you like it :)

Guacamole


2-3 ripe avocados
4 medium to large cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander (cilantro seeds)
Juice from 1/2 of a lime
Fresh cilantro to taste

Smash and peel garlic, then mince finely. If you have a garlic press you can use it too. Let this sit on the cutting board while working avocados. I read a study that says this help the garlic's good for you chemicals bloom and be more effective.

Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Spoon small pieces of avocado into the bowl. Smaller pieces will smash faster. Add garlic after the first avocado is in bowl. Add the second avocado and smash mixture with a fork until it reaches desired smoothness. Add remaining spices and lime juice, and be sure to taste as you go to make sure you like the blend. Mix everything together one last time and store in an air tight container until ready to serve.

Happy Friday!