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!!!!!