Potato Peasant Bread

I made this bread on Wednesday and it was gone within 24 hours. We did give one loaf to the neighbors, but still...I think it is addictive!!!

Potato Peasant Bread

3 1/2 c. flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 c. sugar
2 packets yeast
2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. water
3 T. butter or margarine
3/4 c. mashed boiled potato (*for instant potatoes, see note below)
1 T. flour

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, contents of yeast packets, and salt.
2. In small bowl, microwave water, butter and mashed potato until very warm (120 to 130˚).
3. Gradually add to flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
4. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
6. Divide dough in half. Roll each half to 8 x 12-inch oval.
7. Beginning at short end, roll up tightly as if for jelly roll. Pinch seam and ends to seal. Place both, side by side, on a large greased baking sheet.
8. With sharp knife, cut 3 diagonal slits (1/4-inch deep) on top of each loaf. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon flour. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
9. Bake at 400˚ for 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Remove from sheet; cool on wire rack.

*To use instant potatoes: Combine 1/2 cup water and 3 tablespoons milk in saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup potato flakes or buds. Cool to room temperature.

Hawks win game 3; lose game 4

Get ready, Hawks...

Game 5 is tonight, and it is a must-win. I have been offline a lot because we had a birthday weekend, and I've been spending more time in the yard. I didn't see much of game 4 because we were outside most of the day, but every time I came in to check the score, it turned my stomach. It still pisses me off, and I don't really want to talk about it. However, looking forward, this team CAN play a good game and they CAN beat the Deadthings. Get your heads straight, and get to work, boys, you can do it!!!!

I'm planning a birthday cake for Casey, but it'll probably have to wait til the weekend. Another project on my mind is that we're looking for a cement contractor so we can get a nice patio put in behind the house. I'd like to be able to sit out there in my jammies and drink my morning coffee. Not that there's a lot of people around here to begin with, but sitting in the back yard would be less conspicuous than on the front porch.

I should get back to baking...maybe it would improve my mood...

random amusements

This is totally ME as a cat:


http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Leftovers and Eggs

This is a good meal for any time of day; it does not have to be for breakfast. Any leftovers will do. In the photo, it is leftover sloppy joe meat and some zucchini.

Leftovers and Eggs

1. Find some leftovers in the fridge.
2. Put them in a frying pan over medium heat with a dab of butter.
3. Heat leftovers, then add eggs; cook until eggs are done.

You can use basically any leftovers you want, or throw in some fresh veggies with some meat, then add the eggs. There are no rules for this one. It depends on what you can find in the fridge and what you have a taste for. I use this as a meal idea for low-carb cooking options.




Thumper: "Where's mine?!"

Round 3 Game 1

Hawks lose game one

In a high-action game where Chicago out-skated the Deadthings in the first period, the Hawks were only granted one power play, which they did score on, and Detroit was allowed to hook, hold, and slash their way to a victory.

Maybe game two tonight will see the refs pull their whistles out of their asses and actually call penalties at both ends of the ice. Nah, what am I thinking?! I can accept losing when it is fair and square, but that game was anything but. We were out-playing them. Period.


Game 2 Tonight

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Detroitsucks

Hawks need to keep hitting and take the wind out of their opponents sails; out 4th line had them running around in their own zone, and we need much more of that. I know these kids can win. They know they can win. But the ice has to be level, or at least close.

C'mon, Hawks. Let's run 'em over and take a win away tonight.

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

Garden Party Today

Goldie's garden party/plant swap

This isn't working out exactly the way I had planned it, but I think it'll still be a fun day.

I invited some friends and family over to have some snacks and join in a plant swap. Basically, you bring a flat of flowers or plants, and everybody takes one, then gives you one of theirs. My only requirement was to make one purchased flat for trading, and then you could also bring stuff from your yard that needed to be thinned out.

The issues I ran into were that it has been a cold spring and I didn't want to plan this too early where things could still get hit with frost, and then we have two holiday weekends in May (plus my birthday & Casey's!), so I should probably have stuck with an April date. Next year, I'll do this earlier!

I will also make the next one an open invitation on a first-come-first-serve basis, because of the whole scheduling and weekend activity issue. And maybe it will be a two-day process of swapping whenever you have a chance to stop by. At the start, I didn't want this to get too big or crazy, so I limited the number of people invited, and that kinda didn't work out so well...but I was trying to pick the friends who I knew were interested in gardening, and I over-thought the process.

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone brings. It is always a good idea to share, and this gives people an organized time and place to do it; prompting them to go ahead and dig up some of those daylillies that are going crazy in the yard, ya know?

Below is the text I used in my email and flyers—feel free to borrow it for your own garden party plan:

I'm planning to have a garden party & plant swap on [date] .

The basic premise is to share different types of plants among all the attendees. However, if you are not interested, or aren't available on this date, please let me know a.s.a.p., so I can plan accordingly.

What you should bring:
1) A flat of plants + a few more from any of the local garden centers (grocery stores even have the garden tents put up now). If each person does this, we will each receive a nice variety in the swap.

2) Bring any plants from your yard that need to be thinned out or divided. But you are NOT required to bring extra store-bought plants—this part is strictly voluntary, for those who have the resources in their yard and want to do the digging.

3) Extra seeds or seed packets that you'd like to share. I know every year I save a TON of seeds from my columbines, marigolds, hollyhocks, dill, and all kinds of other stuff.


If you want to join us, please let me know what you intend to bring, so that we can coordinate colors and not get too many duplicates in the swap. I’ll keep everyone updated on this.

Snacks and drinks will be provided, so you only need to bring plants and not food.

Thanks a bunch, you guys! See you soon, I hope!


RSVP:


I will try to post some pictures later or tomorrow...

Blackhawks advance to Western Conference Finals

How about that title, eh? Can you believe it?! WOW!

There are so many reasons why this team is successful. If you look up and down the roster, you'll see that scoring ability is balanced throughout. With four lines putting up numbers, it takes the pressure off of the "star" players, and keeps the opponents guessing about who to cover. Both Calgary and Vancouver had trouble shutting down the Hawks' offense because everyone has the potential to score goals.

In the next round, we will be facing either the Anaheim Ducks or the Detroitsucks Redwings. Their game 7 is tonight, so we will know by the end of the evening who the next opponent will be. People have asked me which one would be better. I could argue it either way, really. Both will be tough to play against and have a physical style of game, which would make for an interesting series.

I have also been asked who my "favorite Hawk" is... What an impossible question! Each guy has a particular function on this team, and it's like a jigsaw puzzle which would not be complete without any one of the pieces in place. I like them all equally. Any Hawk can be the hero on any night, so you cannot put more of the value on one player over another. It's a great team. They all put forth excellent effort.

Game 6 Hawks VS. Vancouver

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Vancouver Canucks

Game 6 will no doubt be a slugfest and physically punishing game. Our skilled players who hit like a ton of bricks include: Ladd, Sharpie, Versteeg, Byfuglien (pronounced BUFF-lin), Bolland, Seabrook, Barker, and Havlat when he's in the mood. Looking for sharp play from our defensive corps--we're gonna need it. Hope our snipers can make Luongo look bad, as we've proven before he's not invincible. "Buffalo" seems to have gotten into his head in past games, so I hope he can have another strong game.

C'mon, Hawks, let's shut 'em down and win this one!!!!!!!




NOTE: For those of you who are not hockey fans and think that I am nuts, please turn on a game and try it out for a short while, before you pass judgment on a sport which you probably know nothing about.

I mean, how many of you have sat and watched a football game once a year because you wanted to go to a Super Bowl party to eat the food?!! (Admit it!!!) Or, how many of you have hosted Super Bowl parties despite the fact that you don't give a crap about football? (Guilty?!?!)

Hockey is much more exciting than football, and especially more active than baseball which has all the stops and starts. These guys are fantastic athletes with amazing skills! Just watch a few minutes; even if you don't understand what's going on, you have to respect the fact that all of the things these guys do requires talent. Can you even stand up on ice skates...?

Happy Mother's Day

icanhascheezburger.com

Hawks Win Game 5

I don't know how this game started because stupid Comcast decided to cut back to the Cubs losing (oh, there's a surprise) to whoever it was beating them in a late inning.

WHO CARES?!?!?!?!!!! It's only stupid baseball. This is PLAY OFF HOCKEY!!!! And you're placing more importance on a @#%$ing baseball game?! Get your s*** straight, Comcast!!! Grrrr....

So, in somewhat dramatic fashion, the Hawks pulled off the win. Bolland scored on the power play to put the Hawks ahead in the third period, and the 'Nucks never got the momentum back. The last goal was Havlat's empty-netter. Hawks win 4-2.

Game 4 tonight...

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Vancouver Canucks

I cannot stress enough how much special teams will play a part in this game. If we remain disciplined and stay out of the penalty box, then we should beat them. 5-on-5 they can't handle this young and enthusiastic Hawks team, but the Vancouver power play has been our downfall. We need to win this game tonight, for sure. I really think the Hawks can win this round.

Hawks lose in game 3

Chicago Blackhawks VS.

Vancouver Canucks

The Hawks basically beat themselves in this game, getting into early penalty trouble yet again, and never really recovering from it.

While nobody had a good game, I have to say that Troy Brouwer played his ass off tonight. One uplifting note on an otherwise sucky game.

Looking forward, the Hawks need to get their stuff together and stop taking stupid, useless, selfish, lazy penalties if they hope to move on in the Play Offs. I know they have the talent, but their youthful enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of them. Chill out, Hawks, and get the job done.

Chocolate-Banana Mondae

I'm not a big fan of ice cream...please don't disown me for saying that... I like the chocolate syrup, nuts and whipped cream, but I'm just not very often hungry for ice cream. So I invented the "mondae" which is like a sundae, but without the ice cream.

Chocolate-Banana Mondae

1 banana, sliced
Hershey's chocolate syrup
chopped pecans
Cool Whip

Put it in a bowl and eat it. I mean...what else am I supposed to tell you? If you need further instructions, then you probably should not be in the kitchen at all, anyway. And put that knife down before you hurt yourself!


*NOM, NOM, NOM*


GONE!!!

Game 2 VS. Vancouver

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Vancouver Canucks

Tonight is Game 2 versus Vancouver. I hope the Hawks learned their lesson about letting up on defensive coverage in the last game, same as they did against Calgary. You just can't allow stupid mistakes to throw the game away.

I thought that Vancouver had an unfair edge in the faceoff circle, too. They seemed to cheat a lot on draws, and our guys were the ones getting tossed out all the time, which I thought was ironic. Maybe the officiating will be a little better tonight. Of course, a lot of the time I think the officiating is complete bullshit, but, hey, what are ya gonna do? Best way to fight that is to just go out and score more goals.

I liked the physical play in Game 1, and I'm hoping the Hawks can sustain that kind of effort tonight.

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

Hawks VS. Vancouver Round 2 Game 1

Chicago Blackhawks
vs.

Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver. Yes, that's right, I said, "Vancouver."

And who could forget this:
Alex Burrows Is A Hair-pulling Sissy

Vancouver is on the sh*tlist, as far as I'm concerned. Of course, I'm against any opponent the Hawks will face, but this is one that will actually raise my blood pressure to within normal levels, or maybe even higher. (note: I typically have low blood pressure.)

I read online in one of the newspapers that Hawks forward/antagonist-extraordinaire Adam Burish said it really isn't on their minds, but I suspect he's lying (no offense, Adam!). Or at least downplaying the significance. I mean, he really can't say, "oh, yeah, we intend to take their friggin' heads off."

Anywho, I'm looking forward to a hell of a hockey game tonight. Can't make any predictions right now...we'll just have to wait and see. But I do suspect this will turn into a huge grudge match. Probably won't take too long for that to surface, either.

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

Milk Loaf Bread

This recipe came from a cookbook on my shelf: The Ultimate Bread Machine Cookbook.

Milk Loaf

1 c. milk, room temp. (or slightly warmed in microwave)
1/2 c. warm water
4 c. flour
1 1/2 t. salt
2 t. sugar
2 T. butter
1 pkt. rapid-rise active dry yeast

If making in the bread machine, follow the directions specified in your owner's manual with regards to what order the ingredients should be added to the bread pan. This is for a medium or 1 1/2 pound loaf.

1. Otherwise: in large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast packet in warm water; then add milk. Stir well.
2. Add the other ingredients and mix to form a dough.
3. On floured surface, knead dough until smooth.
4. Allow dough to rest, covered, in a warm place for 40 minutes to one hour, until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and knead again, 6 to 8 times.
   
6. Shape into desired loaf to fit dimensions of whatever pan you're using. (I used a round glass casserole dish.) Allow to rise again, covered, 30-40 minutes.
7. Carefully remove plastic wrap or waxed paper, so as not to "deflate" the dough. Bake at 400˚ for about 35 minutes. Bread will be done when the outside crust is a nice golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap it with a knife.

LOL...

Almond Cream Cheese Squares

Borrowed from the Rhodes Bread website...this is a fantastic recipe and a great breakfast to serve to guests.

Almond Cream Cheese Squares

6 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
sliced almonds

1. Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
   
2. Combine 3 rolls together and roll into a 9x9-inch square. Place in a sprayed 9x9-inch baking pan.
   
3. Pre-bake crust at 350º 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
4. Roll remaining 3 rolls into a second 9x9-inch square. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest.
5. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and almond extract and mix well. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cooled crust.
   
6. Remove plastic wrap from second dough square. Place dough over cream cheese mixture. Brush with butter.
   
7. Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the butter brushed dough and top with almonds.
   
8. Bake at 350º for 25-30 minutes. Let cool in pan and then cut into squares to serve.

linky:
http://www.rhodesbread.com/

Blackhawks beat Flames; Advance to Round 2

Wooooooooooo-hooooooo!!!!!! Hawks win!!!!

Tonight the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Flames in Game 6, and move on to Round 2 of the NHL Play Offs.

In this game, the Hawks didn't actually seem to have the same intensity which they had played with in Game 5, but goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin made a total of 43 saves to keep the Hawks alive. Great game by Nik. It's no wonder they call him "The Bulin Wall".

Taco Salad

Ya know what you should do with that leftover taco meat? Make a taco salad!

Taco Salad

mixed greens, or chopped Romaine lettuce
leftover taco meat, heated in microwave
taco sauce or salsa
green onions, minced
tomatoes, chopped
black olives, sliced
sharp cheddar, grated
Ranch dressing, or whatever your favorite dressing might be
Optional: sour cream, guacamole, tortilla chips

1. Get a big bowl or a salad plate.
2. Place a good amount of lettuce in the bottom of the bowl/plate, but don't forget that there will be a pile of stuff on top of it.
3. Layer meat on top of lettuce; top immediately with cheese, so that it melts a little.
4. Add other ingredients, as needed. Top with dressing.
   
5. Enjoy!!!
   

NOTE: that is a stock photo that I found online somewhere; it is not mine.

Hawks Win Game 5

Yeah, I know, I'm late. We've been really busy with work, and then the power went out during the storm last night. We only missed a few minutes of the game while the generator kicked on and the TiVo rebooted.

This game was awesome—the Hawks dominated play for the entire game. They need to keep playing like this, with this kind of intensity.

Excellent game by Brent Seabrook, among several others. Even Area 51 had a strong game. Nice job, boys. : )

Red Tulip Progression

...sounds like the name of a band, doesn't it? LOL!

March 30th...
April 5th...

April 18th...

April 22nd...

Those are the Bouquet Tulips, variety: 'Toronto', which are supposed to be pink...what do you think?

I think they're red. Call me crazy.

I still love 'em, though.

Beef Roast in the Pressure Cooker

This is one of my favorite meals. It was last night's dinner and tonight's leftovers. If you don't own a pressure cooker, you really ought to get one; it makes roasts foolproof.

Pot Roast in the Pressure Cooker

2 lbs. English, shoulder or pot roast (your choice)
2 T. olive oil
4 or 5 red potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 medium sweet onion, cut into wedges
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 t. sweet marjoram
2 bay leaves
4 to 5 c. water

1. Brown meat in olive oil in pressure cooker (without lid); turn to brown on several sides. Add onions and give them a stir—you can allow them to brown a bit, if you'd like.
2. Add the other ingredients. Bring to a boil with the lid off, then slap lid on, seal and bring to pressure.
3. Allow to cook for 30-45 minutes, depending on how thick your cut of meat might be.
4. At end of cook time, turn heat off and carefully remove pot to empty sink. Douse with cold water until pressure comes down and it is safe to take lid off. Move back to stove and remove lid from pressure cooker.
5. Place meat on cutting board and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

NOTE: I scoop out the 'taters and make gravy with the leftover broth; just add 2 T. cornstarch to 1/4 cup of cold water, stir it well, and add back into pot over medium heat. Cook until thickened.

Roasted Acorn and Butternut Squash

Since it is still pretending to be winter, or winter-ish, I decided to turn the oven on...this dish is ridiculously easy and unbelievably tasty.

Roasted Acorn and Butternut Squash

One (2-lb.) acorn squash
One (2-lb.) butternut squash
4 T. olive oil
sea salt (or regular salt)

1. Preheat oven to 400˚.
2. Remove stem and tip end of squash; halve lengthwise. Remove seeds.
3. Cut into 1/2-inch thick chunks; transfer to a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat; season with salt (and pepper, if desired).
4. Spread squash in a single layer; roast, turning once halfway, until tender and golden brown around edges, 35 to 40 minutes.

Game 4

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Calgary Flames

I've already predicted the Hawks wining this one. Calgary had an advantage of the last game in their home arena, playing hard for their fans. But the Hawks aren't gonna give in to the crowd factor tonight. In fact, I think they're gonna light it up. Kipper (the Flames goalie) has been fighting the puck, and getting lucky; but tonight, luck is going to turn in favor of Chicago and pucks will just keep going past Kiprusoff. Watch for Martin Havlat to have a great game.


LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!

Cole Slaw Dressing

I have used this recipe forever...don't even know where I got it. One little option is to add a tablespoon of sugar to the mix, if you like your cole slaw sweeter.

Cole Slaw

1/4 c. milk (or heavy cream)
1/2 c. Miracle Whip
1/2 c. sour cream
1 T. vinegar
1/2 t. prepared yellow mustard
1/4 t. salt

Gradually add milk to Miracle Whip, blending thoroughly with a whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients. Add to 1/2 a head of shredded cabbage or one of those pre-made packages of 'broccoli slaw.' Allow mixture to set and cool in fridge for at least an hour or two before serving; overnight is even better. Be sure to give it a good stir just prior to serving.

Game 3

The Hawks lost game 3 last night, as I had predicted (not here) that they would. Going into the Saddle Dome, I knew the Flames would be very charged up, and it would have been hard to beat them on their home ice in that first game there. Not surprised at all. I figured it'd be a 3-2 loss, and it ended up at 4-2 loss, so I was close.

The Hawks will win the next two games, however; next one in Calgary (good guys will win 5-1), and then close up the series at home in Chicago in game 5.

We lost because the team did not adhere to the defensive positioning required to defend our own zone. No action was taken and Calgary just waltzed right in and to the net, basically, on 3 of the 4 goals. Someone needs to teach Brian Campbell to play defense. I mean, we didn't lose because Patrick Kane was not in the lineup. He's not exactly a defensive forward. We coulda used him on the power play, though!

Oh, and Rene Bourque needs to stop spearing and slashing people. He only got three calls for slashing, and I counted a few more... Whatever. Play on. Eh?

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!

Game 2

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Calgary Flames

After a stunning win 12 seconds into OT on a shot by Martin Havlat, the Hawks once again host Calgary at the United Center. There seemed to be a heavily physical tone set early in the game, and the Hawks will need to carry that on into this game to beat the Flames.

I like Mike Calamari [Cammalleri]....but not tonight. I like Jerome Iginla....but not tonight. They are very good hockey players...too bad they are going to lose tonight.

Looking forward to parking my ass on the couch and watching this one.

Go get 'em, Hawks!!!


LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

Spaghetti Shells Dinner

Okay, this is going back a ways. Remember: I had a mom who subscribed to the "tough love" (dinner can fend for itself) method of cooking, where she'd throw a frozen chunk of ground beef into a skillet, turn on the fire, and wait for someone else to take over dinner. My brother and I came up with this recipe, and like children will do, we gave it a funny name. Hence the title. I still have an original hand-written index card…

Shells & Sh*t

1 box (1 lb.) small pasta shells
2 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 can stewed tomatoes (large can)
1 onion, chopped
1 can mushrooms (small can)
1 stalk celery
1 T. butter
ketchup (I'm guessing about 1/2 c.)
salt
mozzarella cheese

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter in large skillet. Add ground beef to pan; cook til browned. Salt to taste.
2. Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and put cooked pasta in Dutch oven. Add meat. Add tomatoes, mushrooms and ketchup; mix well.
3. Serve and sprinkle with cheese on plate.

NOTE: You can replace the ketchup with some pasta sauce, if you'd like, but there's actually something about the ketchup which adds a certain complexity to the taste of this dish. In thinking back, we probably put some Italian seasoning in it, too, or at lease a dash of oregano. I was probably about 10 years old when we first came up with this recipe, FYI.

Game 1

Chicago Blackhawks
VS.

Calgary Flames

Well, friends and neighbors, this is it. This is what we've been waiting for. The Hawks are back in the play offs and have a young, skilled team with an edge of toughness. Not a bunch of thugs, but tough enough. I think. I hope.

Tonight is Game One of a best of seven series. We start in Chicago, as the Flames season began to tank a little and they lost the division lead to Vancouver; meanwhile, the Hawks reamed Detroitsucks (twice!) and ended the regular season on a strong note.

I'm thinking that once the initial jitters are over, they will fall into their pace and play a good game. Maybe Havlat or Ladd will score in the first 23 seconds... [/predict]

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!