Old Photo Friday: Happy New Year 2005

WHO: Stacy and Brian
WHAT: A NYE toast
WHERE: Tukwila, WA @ Mom and Kenny's; followed by a NYE party with friends @ Lake Morton, WA
WHEN: NYE 2005

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope your 2011 is prosperous, full of good health and much wealth.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: 2010 in Review

Sleep 'til you're hungry, eat 'til you're sleepy. ~Author Unknown

I've posted close to 52 amazing recipes this year. Most of them I've made and there are a few left to try. For the most part, I get an idea for something I am hungry for...or for a recipe I've recently discovered, and I go from there.

Here are links to three recipes that I found to be phenomenal...some are basic, but they all quenched my appetite.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Cook's Illustrated Summer Gratin (a delightful summer recipe that I can't wait to make again)
Grandma's Beef Enchiladas (I made these the day after we came home from Mexico and they brought back some wonderful memories)
Classic Iceberg Wedge ( We've had a "wedgie" several times this year)

Menu Plan Monday: Last Week of the YEAR!

Welcome to the last week of the year! Can you believe it? The end to 2010 and the beginning of a new decade.....2011.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I had a relaxing and quiet time in West Seattle.....10 days with Brian and Sammy was fabulous!

It's back to reality this week and back to work here in Portland. I think most of us suffer a bit from Christmas let-down so perhaps a great menu will ease our pain! Keep you chins up!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Tilapia with Jasmine Rice and Roasted Root Vegetables
Tuesday: Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce and Sweet Potato Wedges along side a salad
Wednesday: Pork Chops Stuffed with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach and leftover salad
Thursday: Tomato Minestrone Soup with Garlic Bread Croutons
New Year's Eve: Train to Seattle at 2:50, followed by Dinner at Elliott Bay Brewpub

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Wherever you are today...I hope you are spending time with those you love enjoying this special day.

Brian, Sammy and I are all cozy in West Seattle....eating and drinking and enjoying this special time of the year together.

As you know, I love trivia and history so here are some interesting facts about Christmas to share with your friends and family. Perhaps you'll win that round of trivia after all!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Did you know....

It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia.

But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city’s first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving’s mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status.

Here are some other factoids....

1821: William Gilley printed a poem about "Santeclaus" who was dressed in fur and drove a sleigh drawn by a single reindeer.


1822: Dentist Clement Clarke Moore is believed by many to have written a poem "An Account of a Visit from Saint Nicolas," which became better known as "The Night before Christmas." Santa is portrayed as an elf with a miniature sleigh equipped with eight reindeer which are named in the poem as Blitzem, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donder, Prancer, and Vixen. Others attribute the poem to a contemporary, Henry Livingston, Jr. Two have since been renamed Donner and Blitzen.

1841: J.W. Parkinson, a Philadelphia merchant, hired a man to dress up in a "Criscringle" outfit and climb the chimney of his store.

1863: Illustrator Thomas Nast created images of Santa for the Christmas editions of Harper's Magazine. These continued through the 1890's.

1860s: President Abraham Lincoln asked Nast to create a drawing of Santa with some Union soldiers. This image of Santa supporting the enemy had a demoralizing influence on the Confederate army -- an early example of psychological warfare.


1897: Francis P Church, Editor of the New York Sun, wrote an editorial in response to a letter from an eight year-old girl, Virginia O'Hanlon. She had written the paper asking whether there really was a Santa Claus. It has become known as the "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" letter.

1920's: The image of Santa had been standardized to portray a bearded, over-weight, jolly man dressed in a red suit with white trim.

1931: Haddon Sundblom, illustrator for The Coca-Cola ™ company drew a series of Santa images in their Christmas advertisements until 1964. The company holds the trademark for the Coca-Cola Santa design. Christmas ads including Santa continue to the present day.

1939: Copywriter Robert L. May of the Montgomery Ward Company created a poem about Rudolph, the ninth reindeer. May had been "often taunted as a child for being shy, small and slight." He created an ostracized reindeer with a shiny red nose who became a hero one foggy Christmas eve. Santa was part-way through deliveries when the visibility started to degenerate. Santa added Rudolph to his team of reindeer to help illuminate the path. A copy of the poem was given free to Montgomery Ward customers.


1949: Johnny Marks wrote the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Rudolph was relocated to the North Pole where he was initially rejected by the other reindeer who wouldn't let him play in their reindeer games because of his strange looking nose. The song was recorded by Gene Autry and became his all-time best seller. Next to "White Christmas" it is the most popular song of all time.

Old Photo Friday: Happy Birthday, Roonie!

WHO: Sandra and Steve - Sister and Brother
WHAT: Christmas Eve
WHERE: E Street in Springfield
WHEN: 1995

Happy 49th birthday to my awesome uncle, Steve or Roonie as we call him. A Christmas Day baby!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Christmas Week Tidbits

Before heading up to Seattle, Brian and Sandra exchanged Christmas gifts at Rebecca Lane.

Even Blondie got into the act.


Brian's new garden flag will look awesome in West Seattle and Chick has already worn her animal print scarf that we found at the cutest little shop in West Seattle.


Our office hosted Christmas lunch at Bridgeport Brewpub in NW Portland last Friday.



Munchies included BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, Beer Pretzels with Spicy Mustard and Hot Spinach Dip with Tortilla Chips. Entrees ordered included, Wine Bathed Mussels and Fries, Korean Short Ribs with Carrot Slaw, Shepherd's Pie, Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Sam and Beef Ragu over Pasta.


Finally, lots of relaxing here in West Seattle. 10 whole days with "my guys". Brian and I are "Christmasing"....visiting friends, listening to carols by the Christmas tree, watching holiday movies and baking cookies (okay....I am baking cookies). Four different kinds....not bad for someone who doesn't bake!

Peanut Butter Blossoms....always makes me think of Christmas!

Tomorrow we head into the city for a look at the holiday window displays and to do some last minute shopping.

How are you spending Christmas week?

Sammy sitting on Wine.com boxes....thank you, Ken and Amy!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Potato Latkes

Every Christmas Eve for like as long as I can remember, my Mom and Kenny make homemade latkes along side a roasted whole chicken.

Latkes are traditionally eaten during the Jewish Hanukkah Festival. The oil for cooking the latkes is reminiscent of the oil from the Hanukkah story that kept the Second Temple of ancient Israel lit with a long-lasting flame that is celebrated as a miracle.

Potato pancakes or Latkes are shallow-fried cakes of grated potato, flour and egg, often flavored with grated onion or garlic and seasonings. They are usually topped with a variety of condiments including sour cream and applesauce.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Potato Latkes Courtesy of Epicurious

Ingredients:

• 1 pound potatoes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil

Accompaniments: sour cream and applesauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250°F.

Peel potatoes and coarsely grate by hand, transferring to a large bowl of cold water as grated. Soak potatoes 1 to 2 minutes after last batch is added to water, then drain well in a colander.

Spread grated potatoes and onion on a kitchen towel and roll up jelly-roll style. Twist towel tightly to wring out as much liquid as possible. Transfer potato mixture to a bowl and stir in egg and salt.

Heat 1/4 cup oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of 4 latkes, spoon 2 tablespoons potato mixture per latke into skillet, spreading into 3-inch rounds with a fork. Reduce heat to moderate and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes. Turn latkes over and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt. Add more oil to skillet as needed. Keep latkes warm on a wire rack set in a shallow baking pan in oven.

Cooks' notes:
Latkes may be made up to 8 hours ahead. Reheat on a rack set over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven, about 5 minutes.
Grating the potatoes, soaking them briefly in water, and then squeezing out the liquid (as we've done here) keeps the batter from turning brown too quickly.

Christmas Date Night!

Brian and I attended West Seattle's ArtsWest Theater last Sunday night to see their rendition of "A Tuna Christmas".


A Tuna Christmas is the second in a series of comedic plays, each set the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the "third-smallest" town in the state. The plays are at once an affectionate comment on small-town, Southern life and attitudes but also a withering satire of same. The plays are notable in that two men play the entire cast of over twenty eccentric characters of both genders and various ages. A Tuna Christmas debuted in 1989.


Following the play, we walked up California to West 5 where I had a ginormous BLT, West Seattle style.


If and when you get a chance to support your local arts....we highly encourage you!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Season's Eatings!

Once again, this year I participated in a little blogging "secret Santa" exchange called Season's Eating, organized by the wonderfully talented cook, author and blogger, Katie at Thyme for Cooking.

I racked my brain for a few weeks and got a tip from a co-worker on a wonderful smoked salmon hash made famous by downtown Portland's Heathman Hotel.

I sent Kirsten in sunny Los Angeles a half pound of Pacific Northwest Salmon from the Made in Oregon store along with some crackers just in case hash is not her thing, and included the recipe so that she can then blog about her gift on her blog, From Kirsten's Kitchen to Yours.


I, then received a box all the way from the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota! Kate from Kate in the Kitchen sent me a sack full of yummy wild rice pancake mix and a box of wild rice and blueberry muffin mix. It looks like I am going to be making some yummy breakfast food over Christmas week.

Thanks to everyone who participated. It's such a special concept and a wonderful way to bring us crazy bloggers together on another level.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Christmas Week!

Greetings from Seattle, where I am spending 10 days with my two favorite guys, Brian and Sammy!

This week I get to cook and prepare meals for my #1 guy and bake cookies and entertain in West Seattle. It's my favorite week of the entire year!

We are a little extravagant this week, but we have some wonderful meals planned.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: ArtsWest performance of "A Tuna Christmas" at 3PM followed by drinks and dinner HERE
Monday: Crock Pot Beef Stew; I am watching an all day Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie Marathon!!
Tuesday: Baking cookies to distribute to friends and neighbors! Holiday grocery shopping! Preparing one of Brian's favorites...Chicken Parmesan with noodles and broccoli
Wednesday: A Spa Pedicure, then perhaps a Homemade Vegetarian Lasagna
Thursday: Our Traditional Christmas Cheer in Downtown Seattle....Westlake Center Tree, Macy's windows, a cocktail HERE and lunch HERE.
Christmas Eve: Relaxing at home by the tree; a moonlight stroll through West Seattle to look at the lights followed by a libation at The Beveridge Place (perhaps some trivia too). End the evening with The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol (with Bailey's on the rocks).
Christmas Day Morning: Brian's Breakfast Quiches and PRESENTS!!!!!!!
Christmas Day Evening: Beef Tenderloin with Bacon, Shallot and Port Gravy; Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Goat Cheese and Basil Green Beans and Crescent Rolls

Old Photo Friday: Happy Birthday, Pop!

WHO: My Pop, AKA Diamond Jim
WHAT: Fishing, probably with late friend, Roy Hill
WHERE: McKenzie River?
WHEN: I am going to say late 1990's - 1996-1998

Happy 67th Birthday to my Poppie (December 22nd)!

Recipe of the Week: Rub-a-dub-dub

Last week I gave you some ideas for homemade Christmas gifts....ideas every foodie or non-foodie might enjoy from under the Christmas Tree. Isn't the thought of a homemade gift just divine?

I love to prepare my own marinades and dry rubs, so for this week's recipe of the week, I've listed two rubs which can be used on just about any protein (even for tofu). Put them in decorative containers and give as gifts to friends, family and co-workers.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Mouthwatering Memphis Rub

Ingredients:

1/4 cup dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoon celery salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons mustard powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cayenne

Directions:

Mix the above ingredients well, and remember that you can reduce or delete the ground cayenne pepper if you prefer.

Seafood Blend Dry Rub

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar (Splenda or Sugar Twin can be substituted)
1 cup sea salt (or Kosher or Table)
1 cup Hungarian Paprika (or Spanish)
1 cup Marjoram (1/2 oregano and 1/2 basil can be substituted)
1/3 cup granulated garlic
1/4 cup onion powder
1 tablespoon ground black or white pepper
2 teaspoon dried chives (2 tablespoon if using fresh)
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon lemon basil flakes
1/2 teaspoon dill (1/2 tablespoon finely chopped if using fresh)
1/2 teaspoon French tarragon
1/2 teaspoon lime peel (1/2 tablespoon if grating off fresh lime)
1/2 teaspoon lemon peel (1/2 tablespoon if grating off fresh lemon)

If stored in a dark, cool and airtight environment rubs will last nine months to a year easy. You don't have to throw them out at the end of that time. Some of the spices and mainly herbs start to loose their potency and you will need to use more to get the same results as before.

December Adventures

Mr. Sammy says "Merry Christmas"

A fairly quiet weekend in Seattle.


A pineapple express blew in on Saturday, but we still enjoyed visiting the north-end of Seattle, a bit of Christmas shopping and our traditional Christmas drink at Scott's (okay....I call it Scotty's).

Brian and I have been grabbing a bit of Christmas cheer here for the past few years. It's a warm and cozy neighborhood sort of place.

We are in Portland.....a soggy drive back on Sunday, but we made it! I am enjoying Brian's Portland visit until Friday when we both return to Seattle for our Christmas vacation.

Enjoy!
Stacy

A Downtown Portland Christmas Evening

I love to get downtown at least once during the holiday season to see the Pioneer Square Christmas Tree. It's been in the news recently (perhaps you heard about the bombing plot).

Chick and I met up downtown last Tuesday night, which turned out to be a wet and windy evening. I quickly snapped a few photos before walking 4 blocks in the rain to H50 Bistro, located at Hotel Fifty.


The bar is contemporary urban chic with a wonderful and thoughtfully created seasonal happy hour and bar menu. Items are made with freshest products and ingredients – many of which are locally and/or organically grown. Prep and presentation is intriguing and supports the notion that diners relish food first with their eyes.


We enjoyed...
Fancy Fries with parmesan, chive, truffle oil and a hint of spice $4
Butternut Squash "Tater Tots" with a lemon, brown butter aioli $5
PDX Roll with smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, cucumber and toasted hazelnuts $8

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Mid December!

It's Pre-Christmas Week here at Rebecca Lane. Lots of celebrating, holiday outings and preparations for next week! I am heading up to Seattle for 10 days on Friday, but I wanted to put together a fabulous and easy menu this week.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: Beef Tacos
Monday: Turkey Parmesan Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Buttery Peas and a Big Garden Salad
Tuesday: Chicken Schnitzel with leftover Salad
Wednesday: Quick and Easy White Bean and Sausage Soup. (Peacock Lane, anyone??)
Thursday: Pizza Night and Rebecca Lane Christmas!

Stacy's Favorite Things (Oprah eat your heart out)

Okay, so I am not Oprah, but it's the holiday season and I have some favorite things of my own to share with you.

Here is a list (in no particular order) of some of the products and ideas that I have come across this year. Some of the items you may have heard of before and some not, but they are fabulous and they are my 2010 favorite things!

Sansa Portable MP3 Player People.....put the IPODS down! You don't need an IPOD to listen to music, in fact...thanks to a co-worker I am saving a boat load of money on downloads by subscribing to a music service (see below).

My SanDisk Sansa Clip (8GB) holds 2,000 songs along with FM radio, pictures and a voice recorder....plus the capability of adding a memory card for additional space. I take it everywhere and I love it!

Rhapsody
All the music you want for $10 a month! Let me repeat......

Rhapsody has 10 Million songs, apps for your smartphones and unlimited downloads. This is the greatest thing since sliced bread!

Dare I say....I may never buy another CD again? I can also bring this ultimate music collection into my home using my wireless Internet connection. A must have for the music lover in your life.

Logitech SqueezeBox (Wi-Fi Music Player)

It wirelessly streams what you want to hear—your digital music library, Internet radio, and online music services right through your computer or existing music system. It doesn’t matter if your library includes 100 tracks or 100,000...or if you rip your own CDs or buy your music from services like Rhapsody. The Squeezebox lets you browse, organize, and play your digital music collection anywhere in your house. I bought this for my birthday in April and it is still BLOWING MY MIND!


The Amazing Feline Fisher - America's Favorite Cat Toy/Exerciser

Thanks to our cat sitter, Carla, our newest family member, Blondie can't get enough of this cat toy. It's like kitty crack! She begs to play every second of the day. I don't know what it is about this toy, but cats do the craziest jumps, spins and flips....it's unbelievable!

The Amazing Feline Fisher is so unique. Check out the website for some amazing video. Buy one for your cat for Christmas!


KIVA

Kiva's mission is to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty.

Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the Internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.

My world has been enriched through the power of this opportunity. While I have only lent out $25, I've already received my first partial payment back of $2.75. How cool is this? Does this not make the most perfect gift for those who are hard to buy for?

Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix

I whipped up a batch last night and didn't even break a sweat! If this is a seasonal product then watch out....I am going to buy a BOX of mix and bake cookies all year round! Yummy and easy to make and they are especially good with heaps of cream cheese frosting on top!

Make some of these Gingerbread Cookies for your co-workers, neighbors and friends....wrap them in a tin with a ribbon on top and they will love love love you forever!

Enjoy and Seasons Greeting!

Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Merry Christmas, 1968

WHO: Frank, Steve and Grandma Marie Suter
WHAT: Christmastime
WHERE: Silver Lane in Eugene
WHEN: Handwriting on the back of the photo says, Christmas 1968

Perhaps Sandra took this picture? It looks like a festive time at the Suter household.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Brownie Mix in a Jar

With the holidays just around the corner every one is looking for ways to cut costs when it comes to gift giving. If you like to exchange gifts with friends, neighbors and people you work with, and find your budget a bit strained...why not give them a little "homemade" love.

Since I hate to bake, but love the smell of homemade cookies, this sounds like a unique and easy homemade gift. Check out more homemade food gifts here (everything from breakfast granola to jam).

Enjoy!
Stacy

Chewy Brownie Mix In A Jar

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped nuts or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Layer ingredients in order listed above in 1-quart jar, pressing firmly after adding each ingredient.

Note: After adding each ingredient, wipe out inside of jar with paper towel. When done, seal with lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

Recipe to Attach:
Pour brownie mix into large mixer bowl; stir. Add 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) melted butter or margarine, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons water and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; stir well.

Spread into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake in preheated 350° F. oven for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool in pan on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar. Makes 2 dozen brownies.

Note: You can pick up holiday jars and tags at Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabrics

Faking It!

I never thought I would utter these words, but.......

I bought a fake Christmas tree this year!!!


Not only did I buy one, but Chick bought one as well.


Rebecca Lane will never be the same again around the holidays and I mean that in a "good way".

We talked about it and in the end, it made more sense (or we came to our senses) for us to join the millions of people around the world who fake it!


So far......no regrets and only beauty and ease. Even Blondie approves!

Enjoy!
Stacy

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

I must confess, this year I started planning and plotting all things Christmas in July! I felt like a kid again just thinking about it. I wanted to start playing Christmas carols the minute the Thanksgiving turkey was put in the fridge. What can I say....I am a Christmas Geek!


So last Saturday, we decided to un-leash the West Seattle Christmas closet (yes, we have a full closet stacked with Christmas goodies) and started filling the house with Christmas cheer.

I wanted to wait until the 11th to get our tree in West Seattle, but Brian just couldn't wait to get the whole house decorated....tree included, so off we went to Home Depot.

Stop laughing.....we could go anywhere to get a tree, but last year's tree was not only affordable, but it was STUNNING and it lasted until New Years Day. Cheap and Chic....gotta love it! The year we chose the most amazingly beautiful Fraiser Fir.

Despite a raging head cold, we got most of the decorations out....including our Christmas Village which Brian set up on Sunday.

Enjoy!
Stacy