Cry Baby

So, I guess I must be pre-menopausal. I thought this emotional overload and crying at the drop of a hat was simply a result of being so far away from my children and family and friends. Ha!

While I miss everyone - especially my children - more than I can possibly tell you, that certainly doesn't explain why I just cried like a baby at the last 10 minutes of "Toy Story 3"! Silly to get so torn up, but it is like suddenly finding your own children are all grown up and you don't know if they'll put you in the attic or give you away:( Just typing it I am crying all over again.

Wild Mushrom Risotto

So, one of these days I'll remember to take a photo before we eat:) I am not a huge fan of mushrooms though I will eat them. I made this specifically for Gary because he really likes them. To my utter surprise, the mushrooms were not overpowering, nor was the leek. It is a dish you have to stay with and stir as you add in the broth - a bit at a time so it can be a bit time consuming. Well worth the effort, it was absolutely delicious and very creamy.

I have already been looking for other risotto recipes.....think I will try the butternut squash next time.

New Chili Recipe!

Samuelsson Chili


· Prep Time: 30 mins
· Total Time: 2 hr

3 dry chipotle peppers
2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 pounds ground beef chuck
2 red onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin seeds, crushed
2 teaspoons salt
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 15-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and riinsed
1/4 cup masa harina (Mexican hominy flour)
3 ounces Mexican chocolate
shredded tortilla chips
SOUR CREAM:
1/2 cup sour cream
juice of one lime
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped


Directions
Soak chipotle peppers in water till soft and chop.
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides. Add the onions, garlic, chili powder, chipotle chili and cumin. Sauté until onions are softened and fragrant. Mix in the masa harina. Continue cooking on medium heat.
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, cinnamon stick, oregano and 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a slow simmer.
Stir in the kidney beans and continue to cook, covered, for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally add the chocolate and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, mix sour cream with lime juice and cilantro and set aside.
To serve, divide into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips.


FYI - I substituted dark cocoa for the mexican chocolate and corn meal for the masa harina...and it worked out just fine. In fact, it was deliciousioso!

Ta Da - Success!

Baking, a la high altitude!

So, it turns out that baking at a high altitude such as we have here in Broomfield is a bit tricky. I made rolls for Thanksgiving not once, but twice and neither batch worked. AGH!

Today I did a bit of research on baking yeast recipes at a high altitude and picked up a few tips to try, so here we go again:)

Hopefully the things I am doing this time will work. If not, it will be back to the drawing board. If it does work, photo's will be added soon:)

My Honey!

We went into Boulder on Sunday afternoon, thinking we would have a nice afternoon walk with Georgie. Turns out that you can't take dogs on Pearl Street.....bummer. Oh well, a storm rolled in and we had to head for home anyway. Got this shot of Gary in the hallway of our complex. He is so cute:)

Here is what we had for dinner.

Here is the "Spicy Chicken and Shrimp" that I had and the "Sesame Chicken" that Gary had.