Thanksgiving!!

I came. I saw. I conquered. I got stood up and therefore didn't take pics.


Everything was absolutely delicious though. I'm very proud and as I recreate the sides or the desserts I'll share them.

Macaroons Motherfucker!

Ok so I wanted something sweet and I don't have butter or shortening. So I made some macaroons.

It's a good start but there's definitely room for improvement. I want to make sure I dry them out more, maybe use a little less sugar than the recipe called for.....flavor them a bit.

Tell me a little bit about your experience with macaroons! I wanna hear! 

Pot Roast #3 pics

The third pic is a better presentation. It was good but it wasn't GOOD. I forgot something to cut the acidity of the tomato sauce. Drew said it was too complicated but that's to be expected.


However....the other day I tried again and I do believe I got it right!!! I'm stoked!!!!!!

Pot Roast

So I've made pot roast three different times now. The third time is actually in the Crock Pot now. This is one of Andrew's favorite meals so it's nice to have the Crock Pot and be able to make it but I'm experimenting with the flavor. I got all fancy (seared it, used a bone in chuck roast, wine, onion, simmered it all day) and he put ketchup on it. So now I'm tweaking it and keeping it simpler. For the last 2 times I've used a boneless beef sirloin tri tip roast and it's been succulent.

Recipe this time:

• 32 oz of water in the bottom of the crock pot; generous amount of salt and pepper
• 1 lb bag of baby carrots in there and then garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, thyme, and a dash of ground cloves
• Roast on top of that. This one was about 2.65 lbs. Small Yukon Gold potatoes quartered on top of that.
• 6 oz can of tomato paste stirred in 20 oz of water; pour that over everything. Sprinkle on more garlic, salt and pepper. Also sprinkle on parsley and basil. 

It smells really really good.  I'll be along with some pics.

Just Had the Most Fantastic Salad

So I was running around doing house stuff (we bought a house!!!) and I passed a lovely restaurant here in Jax called Native Sun. I went to the deli and got a salad custom made. Oh. Em. Gee!!!!! Must must MUST recreate at home. I had:

• spring mix
• tomatoes
• cucumbers
• roasted red peppers
• dried cranberries
• strawberries
• almonds
• chicken
• feta cheese
• citrus dressing

There aren't enough words to explain the yumminess. I can't believe I forgot the onions though. :(

Something New to Try and I Know I Suck

I have photos. I have recipes. I just haven't had the time to write the posts. I'm sorry, I suck. :(

That being said...I saw this on a forum and I was intrigued. I will be trying it next grocery trip.

CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE!!!! Yes, Im yelling.

1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded American cheese (6 oz)
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Crescent refrigerated flaky dough sheet
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon sesame seed

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in pickles, water, ketchup, mustard and pepper.
2. Spoon beef mixture into 11x7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.
3. Unroll dough; press into 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut into 6 squares; place on top of cheese. Brush with egg; sprinkle with sesame seed.
4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown.

I top mine with sliced american and tater tots instead though. Its better that way.

Drew really really REALLY likes burgers so I'm thinking....this could be fun? We shall see.

I have a new toy!

I bought this today:

http://www.crock-pot.com/Product.aspx?cid=113&pid=389

I am SO excited. Tomorrow we're having pot roast.