17 March 2011

Thursday Recipe

One of my favorite summer treats is the Lobster Roll. I'm picky though, I don't like onion so I am particular about my recipe. This one from the Deen brothers meets my criteria perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 4 (1 1/2-pound) cooked lobsters or 4 lobster tails or 1 1/2 pounds lobster meat
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 inner celery stalks and leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 rolls, split and lightly toasted
  • Melted butter, for brushing

Directions

Remove the meat from the lobsters, chopping any large chunks into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, combine the lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

Cook's Note: Place lobster salad in refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the salad to absorb the flavorings.

Brush cut sides of the rolls with melted butter and fill with the lobster salad.

15 March 2011

Jack is Six Years Old Today

Pardon the blurry picture - but this is the only picture I have of Jack when he was still a little kitten. He's six today. It feels like yesterday that Steph and I went to SPCA/Angell in Boston to find a cat for me to adopt. He was the first one I held. He looked at me with those huge eyes and that was it. I was hoping for a cat that would love to curl up on my lap. I soon discovered that wasn't in his nature. He comes to me to be petted only when the mood strikes him. He can be grumpy and he's not incredibly playful. I feel bad for Kate sometimes because all she wants to do is play and Jack wants no part of it. But he's still a gorgeous kitty with his big eyes. While he's not a lap cat, he does love to curl up on the pillow next to me while I sleep at night. I think that's as close as it's going to get. I still remember him as a sweet little kitten in that little studio in Boston. He would sit on top of my old CRT computer monitor and watch all the squirrels and birds in the park next door. My RAs loved it - he finally got accustomed to them after a few weeks and I never had better petsitters. Happy Birthday Jack!

12 March 2011

Saturday Day Book

Outside my window ...it's a gorgeous, sunny, 70 degree day in the DFW

I am thinking … that I am taking today off from work and from homework. Bliss!

I am thankful for ...the wonders of modern medicine - LASIK was the best decision.

I am reading The MacGregor Grooms. Again. I'm also reading Cinderella Ate My Daughter. It's good.

I am hoping …to book my cruise next week!

On my mind ...I need to recommit to the weight loss. I've only been half-hearted about it really and I need to focus.

I'm learning … that I have zero tolerance for incompetence.

Noticing that … it's time to dust. I'm seriously considering hiring a maid to come clean every two weeks.

From the kitchen …baking cookies tomorrow

Around the house …Jack is napping next to me and Kate is snuggled under the covers of my unmade bed.

One of my favorite things …getting a pedicure. Sigh.

10 March 2011

Thursday Recipe

For those of you who don't know, I am a practicing Catholic. As of yesterday we have entered the Lenten season, which for me means many things, one of which is I don't eat meat on Fridays. I'm not a huge meat eater to begin with, but this gives me an opportunity to look for new seafood recipes. Here is one from Paula Deen for Shrimp and Grits. I'm not normally a grits girl, but it provides such great texture with the shrimp. It's a great combination.

Ingredients

  • 2 servings cooked grits
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced tasso ham*
  • 2 tablespoons diced leeks
  • 2 tablespoons diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons diced green peppers
  • 20 medium to large shrimp, peeled and de-veined, with tails on
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • Green onion tops, chopped
  • *Cook's Note: Tasso is a Cajun ham and is often hard to find outside of Louisiana, but you can find it at some specialty gourmet shops or by mail order. If not, you can substitute salt pork, pancetta, or prosciutto, but you will have to beef up your seasonings, as tasso is very flavorful.

Directions

Cook grits according to package directions; set aside and keep warm.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tasso and saute until crisp. Add diced vegetables and saute until onions are translucent. Add shrimp and saute for 30 to 45 seconds, or until pink. Remove from the pan and set aside. Deglaze the pan with a little white wine. Slowly add the cream and let reduce until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Divide grits among 2 serving plates. Line plate edges with shrimp (10 shrimp per serving). Pour sauce over grits. Garnish with green onion tops.

For a great wedding idea, use martini glasses to serve shrimp and grits, with the grits on the bottom and shrimp and sauce on top.


**not being in Louisiana, I would substitute prosciutto for tasso

09 March 2011

In Your Eyes

It's a whole new world folks. I took the plunge and had LASIK surgery last week. I knew a couple of people who have had it done and they were thrilled with the results. I went for a consult and decided to do it. PEOPLE. If you have ever considered having it done, DO IT. Seriously. No pain, you can't even tell what they're doing. It's not like you can see them or feel them doing whatever it is they're doing. I won't go into detail for those of you who are a little squeamish, if you want all the details, let me know and I'll be happy to fill you in. I could see clearer right off the bat. Was almost back to normal the next day. I was more tired than I expected, so I slept a lot that weekend, but I've been fine ever since.

I have had a few moments though. The first time I got in the shower I had a revelation. Oh. My. Word. THE DUST. I needed to dust the shower. I never looked at the shower with glasses on, so I never saw the dust. We set that to rights immediately. I also had a moment this morning where I went to adjust my glasses, out of habit. I had a mini-panic attack when they weren't there. Then I quickly remembered, oh yeah - I don't wear them anymore. Ha ha.

Truly the best decision I've made in a while. And if you're in the Dallas area and want a LASIK consult, go to Key-Whitman. They are THE BEST. So no more glasses or contacts for me. It has been a revelation. I never imagined I would be able to see like this.
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