Stacy & Brian's Adventures in Life

Menu Plan Monday: November 9-12

2009-11-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another Monday and just 2 weeks away from Thanksgiving. Aside from cooking, I am really looking forward to 4 and 1/2 days at Rebecca Lane.....relaxing.

I am trying to dig up anything and everything NOT associated with traditional Thanksgiving cooking - while still keeping it light, low-fat and easy to make. Let's see how I did for this week.

Also... check out about 300 other menu planning ideas HERE!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Tex-Mex Casserole with a Big Garden Salad
Tuesday: Nigella Lawson's Chicken Schnitzel with Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Spaetzle (Pop's coming to visit)
Wednesday: Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Sauteed Cauliflower
Thursday: Spaghetti with Mini Meatballs

Old Photo Friday: Kingdome Memories

2009-11-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Who: Crowe, Kenny, Stacy, Mom, Rosemary (Pop took the picture)
What: Seattle Mariners Baseball Game (White Hat Give-Away Night)
Where: Kingdome (Seattle, WA)
When: Mid-1980's - I look to be about 16...so let's say 1985

The baseball season ended this week. It's always bittersweet to see our "boys of summer" go away. Just exactly how many days are there until Spring Training?

I remember this evening clear as a bell......well, really what I remember is leaving the ballpark after the game. Kenny was driving Rusty's old burgundy taxicab at the time and after the game he drove us all over to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner......weaving in and out of game traffic....flying down the road like Mario Andretti. The song blasting on the radio....Dire Straight's "Money For Nothing".

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Make-Ahead Basic Turkey Gravy

2009-11-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

Gobble Gobble Gobble......

Don't look now, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner. What are you most thankful for? How about a little more time.....time for family, friends and yourself. This month in honor of Thanksgiving and all of us who want a little more time - I am creating helpful holiday short-cuts.

What if I told you that you can make your Thanksgiving Day gravy a day or so ahead....so that you could have more time with family and less time in the kitchen. Honest!

I am throwing tradition out the window this year! I am going to make this a day ahead. Wish me luck!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Turkey Gravy - Make Ahead Recipe

Makes 4 cups

Ingredients:

1-2 turkey wings (or neck and giblets {everything in that little bag} from turkey, rinsed and patted dry)

2 tablespoon butter (or more, as needed)

2 medium onions, coarsely chopped

2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped

4 large celery stalks, coarsely chopped

6 garlic cloves (leave two whole and coarsely chopped the rest)

1/2 bottle white wine (drink the rest while you are cooking)

3 tablespoons flour

Poultry bouquet; fresh thyme, rosemary, sage

2 bay leaves

1 quart water

salt and pepper, as needed

Directions:

1. Cut the turkey wing into pieces with a heavy knife. (If using neck and giblets, cut the neck into three or four pieces. Trim the tough membrane from the gizzard. Rinse all neck pieces and giblets, and pat them very dry with paper towels.).

2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter, and, when its foaming begins to subside, add the turkey pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and saute over medium heat until golden brown - about 15-20 minutes.

3. Add the coarsely chopped vegetables and garlic, season again with salt and pepper, and continue sauteing (add small bits of butter if necessary to prevent scorching) until vegetables begin to color slightly - about 5 minutes.

4. Sprinkle over the flour, and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the floured vegetables turn brown - about 10 minutes. Deglaze the pan with wine; add the herbs, bay leaves to the vegetables. Slowly add the water, whisking or stirring briskly to incorporate flavors and prevent lumps.

5. When the liquid begins to boil, lower the heat and allow to simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

6. Strain the sauce and discard the solids. Reserve the sauce. You should have about 4 cups of sauce.

*This sauce may be made ahead (up to 3 days before serving). You can also freeze it. It may be served as-is, OR thickened before serving. You can also add pan drippings to the sauce for added flavor

Image courtesy of Google Images

Virginia/North Carolina: Day Three

2009-11-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Our last day in Virginia took us on a real adventure.

Mom and Kenny have been talking about a trip down into North Carolina and the "outer banks" since they moved to Virginia last April.

Brian and I jumped at the chance to see this beautiful stretch of country and see the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

We drove south over the Virginia/North Carolina border and out to the outer banks - through the communities of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Avon.

Watch video of our drive below

We had an amazing burger with an even more amazing view at Mulligan's in Nags Head.

The Outer Banks is a 200-mile long string of narrow Barrier Islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in southeastern corner of Virginia Beach. They cover approximately half the northern North Carolina coastline, separating the Currituck Sound, Ablemarle Sounds and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean.

The treacherous seas off the Outer Banks and the large number of shipwrecks that have occurred there have given these seas the nickname "Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Watch video of outer banks towns/homes below

I must say, we are quite spoiled here on the west coast and the beautiful Pacific Ocean road. I was expecting more views of the ocean and we really only saw it when we drove through some of the small towns.

The easternmost point is Cape Point at Cape Hatteras on Hatteras Island, site of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

It was a dream trip form Brian and unfortunately, this lighthouse closes for tours on Columbus Day - so we only missed a tour by a few weeks. We were both still in awe!

On July 10, 1797, Congress appropriated $44,000 "for erecting a lighthouse on the head land of Cape Hatteras". The Lighthouse cost $14,302 to build and was completed in 1803.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Keeper, Gerry and Brian (look at that smile on Brian's face)

In 1860 the Lighthouse Board reported that Cape Hatteras Lighthouse required protection, due to the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1862 the Board reported "Cape Hatteras, lens and lantern destroyed, light re-exhibited. A new lighthouse was erected in 1870.

Due to erosion of the shore, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse was moved from its original location at the edge of the ocean to safer ground 2,870 feet inland between 1999-2000. The move was controversial at the time with speculation that the structure would not survive the move, resulting in lawsuits that were later dismissed.

After we wandered around the lighthouse - we drove over to where we had beach access and let the dogs (and people too) run in the sand and play in the water.

Mom got absolutely soaked in the Atlantic!This was a "bucket list" trip for Brian and I. I've dreamed about the outer banks for years (thanks to movies like Nights in Rodanthe and Message in a Bottle) and Brian's love of lighthouses made this like a dream come true.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Virginia: Day Two

2009-11-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

Our second full day in Virginia so we headed to the beach......

Lunch with Kenny's work colleagues from Liberty Tax at Mahi Mah right on Virginia Beach . I had a wonderful crab bisque.....yummy!

Brian, Kenny, Mike, Hava, Jonetta and Mom

Virginia Beach is located in the South Hampton Roads area of Virginia on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia.

Virginia Beach is a resort city with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels, motels, and restaurants along its oceanfront.

A Virginia Beach attraction is King Neptune, a colossal 34-foot-high bronze statue that rises from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean at 31st Street & Atlantic Avenue, overlooking Neptune Park.

The city is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world. It is located at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world.

Near the point where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Cape Henry was the site of the first landing of the English colonists, who eventually settled in Jamestown, on April 26, 1607.

A real treat was a tour of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse....all the way to the top!

Kenny and Stacy preparing for the climb up into the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse

The lighthouse has long been important for the large amount of ocean-going shipping traffic for the harbors, its rivers, and shipping headed to ports on the Chesapeake Bay. It was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government, dating from 1792.

It was also the first federal construction project under the Constitution, for an original contract amount of $15,200 (an additional $2,500 was required to finish the lighthouse).

Brian, Kenny and I climbed to the very top and the views of the "new" Cape Henry Lighthouse were amazing.

In the 1870s, concerns about the condition and safety of the Old Lighthouse at Cape Henry led to the construction of the New Cape Henry Lighthouse in 1881, which stands 350 feet to the southeast of the original. The lighthouse was fully automated in 1983 and remains in use today.

The lighthouses are located to the north of Virginia Beach within the boundaries of Fort Story, an Army base.

Brian with the "new" Cape Henry Lighthouse in the background

Our Friday night wrapped up with a Halloween costume party across the street at one of Mom's new friends.

I dressed up as a classy witch and we put a long blond wig on Brian's head and called him Gregg Allman. Too funny!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Virginia: Day One

2009-11-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Brian and I flew back to Norfolk, VA last Wednesday to spend a very short (long) weekend with my parents. Mom and Kenny moved to Norfolk (Virginia Beach/Portsmouth) last April.

New puppy puppy - Australian Shepherd named Boo

We had a great trip flying all the way across the country. It's a long journey, but at the other end was an opportunity to see their new home and experience their new surroundings. Very well worth it.

Front Porch - very popular for southern homes

Mom's decorating touch is felt all the way through their home in Portsmouth. The 3 bedroom (with an extra bonus room for computer/crafts and an atrium/greenroom) is adorable and sits right on a inlet of the Elizabeth River.

View of back of house (the white part is the atrium, which faces the Elizabeth River Inlet)

We went to sleep every night to the sounds of crickets (all of you in the east are very lucky to hear such a glorious sound night after night) and woke up to the sounds of geese and ducks swimming around the inlet.
We spent out first full day, not only getting acclimated to the east but to the Norfolk area.

Mom drove us into old town Portsmouth for a tour and I was most amazed with the history of this area.

Portsmouth, Virginia is a small seaport that has managed to hold onto its 18th-and 19th-century charm for over 250 years. At the heart of the waterfront revitalization is Historic Olde Towne with the largest collection of period homes between Alexandria, VA and Charleston, S.C.

Mom and Brian by statue of Portsmouth founder, William Crawford

Portsmouth was founded as a town 1752 by Col. William Crawford, a wealthy merchant and ship owner, who dedicated the four corners of High and Court Streets for a church, a market, a courthouse, and a jail. It was named for Portsmouth, England.

The area, located north of High Street, has been listed as the Olde Towne Historic District and is primarily residential.

There were churches built in the late 1700's still standing and operating today as well as buildings built in the mid to late 1800's that have been renovated into homes and business.We found this adorable bar/restaurant eclectic tapas called "Still" in an old building dated 1858. The barmaid told us that the bottom level (where the restaurant is located - see above) was the slaves quarters. This kind of history gives me goosebumps....big time. She also mentioned that the building is haunted by former residents. Cool!

We then caught a paddle boat ferry on the Elizabeth River into Norfolk. The Ferry travels between North Landing and High Street in Portsmouth and Downtown Norfolk at The Waterside Marketplace. It offered panorama harbor views and was only a 5 minute ride.

Not too bad for our first day!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Welcome November!

2009-11-01T16:57:00.000-08:00

We are back from Virginia and a week off from Menu Plan Monday. It's good to be back home and back in the kitchen!

Man, we had some good food in Virginia but I am ready to get back to a week full of light, low-calorie treats.

Enjoy your week!

Stacy

Monday: Poached Salmon Parcels with Acorn Squash
Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas
Wednesday: Chili-Rubbed Pork Chops with Broccoli
Thursday: Grilled T-Bone Steak with BBQ Sauce and a Big Garden Salad

Old Photo Friday: Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

Who: Stacy
What: Halloween - dressed as a hobo
Where: Living Room at E Street in Springfield, OR
When: I look to be about 8 - so October 31, 1977

My Pop designed this entire Halloween costume right down to the cigar (which he smoked half of). He rubbed fireplace soot on my face to mimic the beard stubble (great idea). I looked exactly like a train jumping hobo.

A hobo is a migratory worker or homeless vagabond, often penniless. The term originated in the United States during the last decade of the 19th century. Unlike tramps, who worked only when they were forced to, and bums, who didn't work at all, hobos were workers who wandered.

Notable people who have hoboed include, Jack Dempsey, Woodie Guthrie, Jack London, Robert Mitchum, John Steinbeck and Burl Ives.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Bon Voyage!

2009-10-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

Brian and I leave for our Virginia adventure today!

This week I am preempting the Recipe of the Week, but I promise to post as many pictures of our Virginia adventures as possible.

Enjoy your week!

Stacy

Napping Boys

2009-10-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

This is just too adorable to not post (sorry, babe)

My two boys napping on Sunday afternoon!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Pop in Alcatraz

2009-10-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Who: My Pop, Jim
What: Inside Alcatraz - actually inside the cell of Robert Franklin Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz
Where: San Francisco, California
When: April 1985

For my 16th birthday, Pop and Rosemary took me to San Francisco for a few days. One of the highlights of our trip was a tour of Alcatraz

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Chicken and Apples with a Honey Mustard Sauce

2009-10-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

Brian and I fly off to Virginia next Wednesday so this will be the last recipe of the week for October (I promise lots of travel posts in its place).

Did you know that Virginia is one of the nation's top six producers of apples? I betcha, our neighbor to the north, Washington is somewhere close to the top. Red and Golden Delicious, Rome, Stayman, York, Winesap, Granny Smith, Jonathan and Gala are just some of the varieties found in the hillside groves of Virginia.

Winchester, the state's top apple packaging location at the northern tip of the Shenandoah Valley, is often called The Apple Capital of the World!

Did you also know that poultry is also raised in abundance, with broiler chickens being the second largest agricultural product for the state. The recognized birthplace of the commercial turkey industry is Rockingham County, which dubs itself The Turkey Capital of the World.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Chicken and Apples with Honey Mustard Sauce

Slightly adapted from Simply Recipes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup apple cider

1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp whole grain mustard

2 Tbsp seasoned dry breadcrumbs (panko if possible)

4 (6oz) chicken breasts

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 small unpeeled apples, cored and cut into eighths (use Golden Delicious,

Granny Smith or McIntosh)

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup white wine

Fresh parsley

Cooked Rice or Pasta

Directions:

1. Whisk cider, cornstarch, mustard, honey, salt and pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Spread bread crumbs on a plate and lightly coat chicken with crumbs.

3. In a large non-stick skillet, heat the oil and add the chicken breasts. Cook over medium heat until golden brown on one side, about 3 minutes. Turn chicken, add apples, and cook until browned on the other side.

4. Add chicken broth and wine, cover and simmer until chicken is tender, about 15 minutes.

5. With slotted spoon, remove chicken and apples to serving plates. Whisk cider mixture again and add to skillet. Cook and stir over high heat until lightly thickened and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon over chicken and apples, sprinkle with parsley.

Serve with rice or pasta. Serves 4.

Image courtesy of Google Images

Recipe courtesy of Simply Recipes

Dodger Inspiration!

2009-10-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the night.....make or break.....revenge or regurgitation.....heroes or zeroes.

Gotta love this clip...brings back so many memories. I watched this game with my Mom (Kenny was gigging) at The Cones apartment in Burien, WA (1988).

Enjoy!
Stacy

The Weekend Wrap Up

2009-10-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

Not too terribly much going on in W. Seattle this weekend. We had planned a fall drive out of the city.....an adventure just the two of us, but Mother Nature wasn't very cooperative and we scrapped the idea until next Spring.
The rains started this week....lots of blustery-ness. Time to think about hibernating.

We had lots of house time as a result....watched the rain fall and the leaves blow. Time with Sammy to play and nap. Time to work on a 300 piece puzzle (Sammy did most of the work).

Time to go out to breakfast on Saturday and read the paper while sipping really good coffee. We treated ourselves to Edonlyne Joe's and a big plate of biscuits and gravy (Brian had bacon and eggs).Time to make a big pot of fall chili and eat three steaming bowls while watching college football.

Time together to sit on the couch and drink a big glass of Merlot.See....not much going on at all!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: October 19-22

2009-10-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! We have had some wonderful fall weather here in the Pacific NW. I just love the blue skies, bright colored leaves......pumpkins and colorful mums.

This week's menu is well balanced and full of comforting favorites that are low-fat, healthy and easy to make.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Chickpea Pasta with Almonds and a Big Garden Salad (Meatless Monday, Rocks!)
Tuesday: Chili-Beef Tacos
Wednesday: Dijon Chicken with Corn Salsa Salad and Jasmine Rice
Thursday: Tuscan White Bean and Pumpkin Soup

Old Photo Friday: Pike Place Market

2009-10-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Who: Jennifer (Mom) and Virginia (Gram)
What: Shopping and Sightseeing
Where: Pike Place Market, Seattle
When: Summer 1985

I was probably spending a bit of my summer vacation with my Mom and Kenny in Seattle and Gram came up for a visit.

Pike Place Market has always been a great place to take out of town guests.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Thomas Jefferson's Chicken Fricassee

2009-10-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

In less than two weeks, Brian and I will be heading to Virginia. It's a short trip - but it's the first of many to see my parents who recently located to Portsmouth, VA.

In anticipation of our trip, I've been doing a bit of research on Virginian Cuisine.

Perched on a mountain top in Charlottesville, Virginia, is the home of Thomas Jefferson's, Monticello. His enlightened approach to food molded the course of Virginia food and wine history.

To his garden, Jefferson brought sophisticated vegetables and plants from Europe, including Belgian endive, eggplant and artichokes.

Guests to Monticello noted that the first dinner bell customarily rang at three o'clock, and the second called them to the table at four.

Family recipes that have survived -- eight in Jefferson's own hand -- include blanc mange (almond cream) and nouilly à maccaroni (a pasta dough). Outside of France, Jefferson enjoyed delicacies such as waffles in Holland. On his return to America, many such dishes, including ice cream, were considered novelties. He also imported a variety of foods, such as Italian olive oil and French mustard.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Thomas Jefferson's Chicken Fricassee

Ingredients

2-3 pounds chicken pieces
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
3 tblsp. all purpose flour
2 cups water
1 cup dry wine
3 tblsp. butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cups fresh small mushrooms
1 tblsp. chopped fresh sage
1 tblsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 cup half and half cream
Hot Cooked Rice (or how about egg noodles?)

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, nutmeg and paprika.

2. Brown the chicken in hot oil over high heat in a Dutch oven; remove the chicken when well browned. Reduce heat to medium, add flour, and cook the flour until lightly browned, stirring constantly. Whisk in 2 cups of water, 1 cup of wine until smooth.

3. Return the chicken to the Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 50 minutes.

4. Remove chicken, keeping warm, reserve broth in large container. Broth may be strained to remove particles.

5. Melt butter in Dutch oven, over medium high heat, add onion, cook until lightly browned. Add mushrooms, sage and parsley. Add broth, and chicken. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thoroughly heated. Served over rice or pasta.

Yields 6 servings.

Sammy's Toys

2009-10-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Sammy is so funny!

Brian and I have bought various cat toys.....feather duster's, cat-nip balls and squeaky mice.

Guess which toy he likes the most?The Fed Ex box Brian's new phone came in!

Sammy...you are so funny!

He sits and sleeps in it every day.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Saturday in Snohomish

2009-10-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of years since Brian and I have been to Snohomish. Our friends, the Seymour's joined us on a beautiful sunny fall Saturday.We hit the pumpkin patch first. There were many varieties to choose from.....some pumpkins I've never seen before. I even found the tiniest white pumpkins to decorate the Thanksgiving table with.Most of the pumpkins were smooth on the outside, but I likes the ones with bumps all over them! Brian and I ended up taking three home (only one with bumps).The weather was cool and mostly sunny (the north Cascade range at our backs)Overall, it was a great spot for picture taking!

Sonja, Maile and Geoff

After the pumpkin patch, we drove into Snohomish and walked the main street. We found a cute Scottish Pub to grab a pint and lunch.

Snohomish is north of Seattle and prides itself for its historical downtown feel, and is known for its many antique shops. Snohomish bills itself, and First Street in particular, as the "Antique Capital of the Northwest."Snohomish was founded roughly in 1858 by E. C. Ferguson and E. F. Cady. It was originally known as Cadyville, and changed its name to Snohomish City in 1871. The name Snohomish is taken from the name of the dominant local Native American tribe.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Mid October

2009-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Don't look now.....but Thanksgiving is just 6 weeks away! WOW! I am already thinking about my menu and exploring new recipes. Exciting times ahead.

Anyway.....in anticipation of all that holiday eating, let's say we keep it light and low-fat this week. It's A Deal!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Broccoli-Cheese Soup with Texas Toast (whole wheat bread toasted in the oven with 1 Tsp light spray butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder)
Tuesday: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells with Leftover Salad
Wednesday: Cheeseburger Casserole with a BIG Garden Salad
Thursday: Pan-Fried Parmesan Crusted Fish with Smashed Red Potatoes and Green Beans

Old Photo Friday: Brian by the Sea

2009-10-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

Who: Brian and his mom, Ann
What: Family vacation
Where: Possibly Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
When: Brian looks to be about 3 or 4 so about 1963-64

I love the expression on Ann's face (the water must have been a bit cold)! My sweetheart with his arm wrapped around his mother....too enamored (and possibly a bit scared) of the water to be bothered by his father, Al snapping the photo.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Brunswick Stew

2009-10-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

Brian and I are heading to Virginia at the end of the month. Aside from seeing my Mom and Kenny, I am really excited about the cuisine of Virginia.

Brunswick Stew is a traditional dish from the Southeastern United States. The origin of the dish is uncertain, and there are two competing claims as to the place in the South where it originated. A debate currently exists as to whether Brunswick Stew was actually originally made near the town of Brunswick, Georgia or in Brunswick County in Southern Virginia.

Recipes for Brunswick stew vary greatly but it is usually a tomato-based stew containing various types of lima beans, butter beans, corn, okra and other vegetable and one or more types of meat. Most recipes claiming authenticity call for squirrel or rabbit meat, but chicken, pork and beef are also common.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Brunswick Stew

Yield: Makes 6 to 8 (main course) servings

Ingredients:

1 (3-pound) rabbit or chicken, cut with a cleaver through bones into 2-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn
1 (10-ounce) package frozen lima beans (I am not a fan of lima beans, so I prefer canned white beans)

Directions:

1. Pat rabbit/chicken dry and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

2. Whisk together flour and cayenne in a shallow bowl, then dredge rabbit/chicken in flour, shaking off excess.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wide 6- to 7-quart heavy pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Brown half of rabbit/chicken, turning once, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pot and brown remaining rabbit;/chicken transfer to plate.

4. Add remaining tablespoon oil to pot along with onion, bell pepper, potatoes, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring and scraping up brown bits, until vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.

5. Add bay leaf, broth, tomatoes with juice, and rabbit/chicken with any meat juices from plate and bring to a simmer. Simmer, covered, 50 minutes.

6. Stir in corn and beans, then simmer, uncovered, until stew is slightly thickened and vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Discard bay leaf.

Serve with warm crusty bread

Saturday in the "pearl"

2009-10-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

A rare weekend in Portland gave us the opportunity to do a bit of exploring in NW Portland on Saturday.
Brian and I hopped on MAX...then to the Portland Streetcar and on into "the pearl" (Sandra met up with us about an hour later).

Autumn was definitely in the air in Portland......blowing leaves, a cool breeze and bright sunshine for most of the day.It's been awhile since we'd spent anytime in the "pearl". This place is still transforming but has really carved out a cool, urban niche for itself. Lots of new restaurants and shops - a little city within a city.After centering ourselves and a bit of window shopping.....our first stop was Wine Unwind (recently written up in the Oregonian's MIX magazine). A very friendly, small wineshop masquerading as a winebar. Seats about 10, live music on the weekends and an incredible selection of not only NW wines, but international as well. They had a nice selection of "pours", including a wine flight (any three on their pour list for $10). No real kitchen to speak of, however they do have a large selection of cured meats and cheeses, nuts and olives.I really wanted to check out a second winebar, Vino Paradiso - but they didn't open until 4PM - perhaps next time!

For a complete turn-around we hit the Goose Hollow Inn on the way home. Opened in 1967 by former mayor, Bud Clark - this pub is a neighborhood gem. We always enjoy sitting on the patio - perhaps the last time this season.
Enjoy!

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: October 5-8

2009-10-05T03:13:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had the chance to see that Harvest Moon last night (still singing Neil Young)!! We welcomed Autumn at Rebecca Lane with a Harvest Dinner on Sunday. It's always a good idea to welcome Autumn and make it feel right at home!

This week I've found some really yummy, light and low fat recipes. For those needing a bit of comfort, the baked turkey ziti casserole is a real favorite at our house.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Broccoli Sauteed in Garlic
Tuesday: Beef Pot Pie (made with leftover Porter Braised Pot Roast from Sunday)
Wednesday: Baked Turkey Ziti with a Big Garden Salad
Thursday: Fend For Yourself Night (Chick has a big dental appointment)

Old Photo Friday: Happy Anniversary Ken and Amy

2009-10-02T04:59:00.000-07:00

WHO: Ken and Amy Lee (Brian's oldest brother and sister-in-law)
WHAT: Catching some rays either before or after the ceremony (Ken, I love the cut-offs)
WHERE: Hawaii (Brian thinks Maui, Ann remembers Kauai)
WHEN: They are celebrating their 24th Wedding anniversary this week so that would make this picture 1985

Congratulations Ken and Amy! We hope you enjoyed your time in Eugene and your Amtrak journey home.

Enjoy!
Stacy