Menu Plan Monday: December 10-13, 2012

Welcome Monday!

How is the holiday season shaping up so far?  With shorter days, busy schedules, holiday parties and shopping....don't you think that you need a good plan?

Check out Laura's site for more menu planning and organizing ideas!

Here is our plan for the week!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: Turkey Curry Buffet!  Just like in Bridget Jones's Diary!!
Monday: Steak with Tuscan Tomato Sauce (Slow Cooker Monday)
Tuesday: Grilled Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Wednesday: Weight Watchers Rosemary Chicken with Balsamic-Glazed Onions and a Garden Salad
Thursday: Eat out of Freezer!  Fend for Yourself!  Maybe it's Taco Night!?

Old Photo Friday: Tiny Tree

WHO: Pop
WHAT: Tree Decorating Party
WHERE: E Street; Springfield, OR
WHEN: Early 1980's

This will forever be remembered as the year Dad picked out the tiny tree.  I am not sure if he measured wrong, forgot the tape measure or underestimated the sizing, but the look on his face says it all....dog house city!  We laugh about it every year!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: French Dip

A few weeks ago, Brian made us French dip sandwiches for dinner.  It got me thinking about the history of the French dip.  Is it French?

A French dip sandwich, also known as a beef dip, is a hot sandwich consisting of thinly sliced roast beef on a "French roll".  It is usually served au jus ("with juice"), that is, with beef juice from the cooking process.  Despite the name, this American specialty is almost completely unknown in France.

Two Los Angeles, CA restaurants have claimed to be the birthplace of the French dip sandwich: Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe The Original.  Philippe's website describes the dish as a "specialty of the house", and the words "Home Of The Original French Dip Sandwich" are present in the restaurant's logo. At both of these restaurants, the roll is dipped in the hot beef juices before the sandwich is assembled, and is served "wet". The sandwich can also be requested "double dipped" at either establishment. Philippe's own brand of spicy mustard is traditionally used by patrons to complement the sandwich.

This controversy over who originated the sandwich remains unresolved. Both restaurants were established in 1908. However, Cole's claims to have originated the sandwich shortly after the restaurant opened in 1908, while Philippe's claims that owner Philippe Mathieu invented it in 1918.

The story of the sandwich's invention by Philippe's has several variants.  Some sources say that the sandwich was first created by a cook or a server who, while preparing a sandwich for a police officer or fireman, accidentally dropped it into a pan of meat drippings.  The patron liked it, and the dish surged in popularity shortly after its invention. Other accounts say that a customer who didn't want some meat drippings to go to waste requested his sandwich be dipped in them.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Slow Cooker French Dip

Ingredients:

1 beef chuck roast (3 lbs), trimmed

2 cups water

1/2 cup reduced soy sauce

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 tsp dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 bay leaf

pepper

8 french rolls, split

Directions:

Place roast in 3qt slow cooker.  Add water, soy sauce and spices.  Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or until beef is tender

Remove beef from cooker and shred with a fork and keep warm.  Strain broth and skim off fat.  Pour broth into a small cup for dipping.  Serve on rolls. 

Favorite Things 2012

I miss Oprah's favorite things!  This year on her OWN network, she revisited her classic TV show to support military families with treats.  Check it out this holiday season.

A few years ago, I decided to take a look at some my favorite things and post them for the holidays.  Here are some of the items that I am totally loving in 2012!

Enjoy!
Stacy

 

Jockey® Elance® Supersoft Bikini – 3 pack underwear

I loved these undies so much, I threw out all of my other pairs!  They are super soft and super comfortable.  I love everything Jockey makes. $22.50 for a three pack

 

 

Trader Joe's Brie Bites

I absolutely love brie, but a huge wedge often times goes uneaten in my house.  These yummy bites are perfect (they keep in the fridge for months).  Trader Joe's sells 4.4 ounce packages of five Mini Brie Bites for $3.99.

 

Bare Traps Riding Boots

I wanted to sleep with my boots on when I first took them out of the box.  Super stylish and very comfortable.  I bought mine from QVC, but I see many shoe retailer carry this brand.  Very inexpensive for boots.  $54

Keurig Single Cup Coffee Maker

I have one in Portland and Seattle and I love it.  The trick was finding the right strength of coffee.  My new favorite is Green Mountain Double Black Diamond

Finally, my favorite holiday album of all times!  Play this in your home and it will be filled with so much joy you won't believe it!

Tony Bennett The Christmas Album Snowfall

This is my favorite song!  Tony from early 1970's!
Way Cool!

 

What's on your list this year?

West Seattle Weekend Wrap Up: Decorating West Seattle and a Trip to Edmonds

We had a busy Saturday!

We first unleashed the Christmas closet and decorated the entire house, minus the tree which we will get next weekend!

Then it was off to Edmonds.  Every year, Brian and I try to get up there at least once during the holiday season.

It's a cute little town, situated on the Puget Sound with an independent bookstore, a cheese monger, pubs, coffee shops and a wine store.  It's the perfect place to wander and explore, especially around Christmas.

One of our first stops is always the Edmonds Bookshop.  This year they are celebrating their 40th year!  

No trip to Edmonds would be complete without a stop in to see the local cheesemonger.  The Resident Cheesemonger's Table moved locations recently.  The shop is bigger, serves hot/cold sandwiches, soups, etc. and is also closer to the wine shop (directly across the street from the old Tully's location).  

We had a small cup of yummy smokey tomato bisque, just perfect to warm our bellies on a cold, wet day.

After window shopping, picking up some chocolate at Nama's Candy Store, it was time for a wine tasting at Arista Wine Cellars.  Saturday's tastings were from Nine Hats Wines in Walla Walla, WA.

What a fun day!


Visit Edmonds...you will love it!

On our way home, I finally caught a glimpse of the Space Needle all decked out in holiday lights!

But the best lights of all are on our own home.  It looks like a little Christmas Cottage! 

Enjoy!
Stacy 

 

 

Menu Plan Monday: Welcome December!

We've reached the last month of the year, which is always busy.  This is another reason to really plan out your menu, take a look through your pantry and especially your freezer.  I know this month we will be eating on the go, so a wonderful opportunity to start with a clean refrigerator in 2013.

Here is our menu for the week ahead.  Remember to check out Laura's website for more menu planning ideas.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Turkey Chili
Tuesday: Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Acorn Squash and a Big Garden Salad
Wednesday: Grilled Pork Loin with Sauteed "Drunken" Cabbage
Thursday: Ladies Night!  Neighborhood gathering for cocktails and appetizers.  Chick is taking a cheese plate and I am taking Stuffed Mushrooms

Old Photo Friday: Ann and Allen Lee at Christmas

WHO: Ann and Allen Lee
WHAT: Christmastime
WHERE: Delaware (probably 109 Tamara Ave)
WHEN: Mid-1980's.

Brian's parents at Christmastime.  They are gone, but never forgotten especially at the holidays.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: A Classic BLT

The BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) sandwich is one of the most popular sandwiches in the world (second only to ham).  

The BLT evolved from the tea sandwiches served before 1900 at a similar time to the club sandwich, although it is unclear when the name BLT became the norm.

Although the ingredients of the BLT have existed for many years, there is little evidence of BLT sandwich recipes prior to 1900. In the 1903 Good Housekeeping Everyday Cook Book, a recipe for a club sandwich included bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and a slice of turkey sandwiched between two slices of bread.  The 1929 book Seven Hundred Sandwiches does include a section on bacon sandwiches, the recipes often include pickles and none contain tomato.

The BLT became popular after World War II because of the rapid expansion of supermarkets, which allowed ingredients to be available year-round. 

The initials, representing "bacon, lettuce, tomato", likely began in the American restaurant industry as shorthand for the sandwich, but it is unclear when this transferred to the public consciousness.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Classic B.L.T.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound thick sliced applewood smoked bacon (about 8 slices)

1 head iceberg lettuce

2 large, ripe tomatoes

4 tablespoons Best Foods mayonnaise

8 slices bread (it's your preference)

Make it a BLT (A) - add a few slices of avocado (optional)

Directions:

Cook bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels.  To assemble, toast bread then spread 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each piece of bread.  Arrange bacon (2 slices per sandwich), lettuce and tomatoes on bread.  Top with avocado (optional).

Washington County Oregon Wine Tasting 2012

 Pop @ Ardiri Vineyards

Once again this year, we set our sights on Washington County wineries and vineyards for our annual wine tasting road trip.

Tualatin Valley Estates

Believe it or not, we've been to at least two dozen wineries in Washington County over the past 10-12 years.  Some of them remain in existence today and some are long gone.  I decided to include some oldies, but goodies and two newbies to our trip this year.

One of my very favorite vineyards in Oregon is Willamette Valley Vineyards, 2011 vineyard of the year.  One of their off-shoots is located in Washington County.

Tualatin Estates Vineyard was established in 1973 and is one of the oldest and most respected vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley.  The name Tualatin originates from local indiginous people and means gentle and easy flowing (pretty much describes our group on Friday)!!

For $15, including a delicious cupcake and a Riedel wine glass to keep, we tried 9 Pinot Noirs.

One of the first wineries I found when I was researching this year's adventure was Ardiri Winery.

This was our second stop and the first time at this winery. 

Ardiri overlooks the Washington County countryside, with a beautiful terrace (I must remember this in summer) including a welcoming fireplace.  They call themselves a boutique vineyard and it shows in the quality of their wines and their tasting room.

Speaking of their tasting room....it's brand new and extraordinary.  It boasts a poured black concrete bar with roll-up window/doors for an indoor/outdoor feel.

Our third stop was A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery located in Cornelius, OR.

It's one of the newest and probably tiniest vineyards in Washington County, but I loved the description of their Thanksgiving Day weekend celebrations which included a spread of fabulous hors d'ouvres, in a big room with a roaring fire and live music.  Yes, please!

The tasting room is basically their home (kitchen) and it was very inviting and warm.  We especially loved their mulled spice wine which is perfect for the holiday season.

Our last stop is a tradition and a treat for our Designated Driver, Brian.  Since Cooper Mountain Vineyards is literally out our back door, Brian enjoyed a glass of Pinot Noir before taking us back to Rebecca Lane.

Cooper Mountain always has a wonderful spread of food (loads of cheese for Brian), live music and a nice tasting menu.  This is their 30th anniversary of hosting a Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Weekend!

All in all a wonderful day of wine tasting.  In the Willamette Valley, there are close to 150 wineries that open their doors this weekend (and many more that only offer reservation tastings).  I would encourage everyone who loves wine to plan a trip to Oregon in November.  You won't be disappointed!

Enjoy!
Stacy

P.S. Brian and I took some lovely photos on my cell phone, but unfortunately my SD card was corrupted halfway through our wine tasting adventure and this was all we could salvage!

Menu Plan Monday: Last Week in November

How was Thanksgiving 2012?

I hope everyone had a wonderful time with friends and family.

We are moving right into Christmas....trimming the trees this evening and making our traditional Turkey Enchilladas.

Here is the rest of our week and remember to check out more great menu planning ideas HERE!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: Creamy Turkey Enchiladas with Salad
Monday: Grilled Hamburgers with Tater Tots
Tuesday: Spaghetti with Turkey Bolognase (freezer meal)
Wednesday: Rib Eye Steak with Half Baked Potato and Salad
Thursday: Southwestern Salad

Thanksgiving Day 2012

Our party started on Wednesday with everyone's arrival.  Wine flowed, music played, stories were told of Thanksgivings past and several games of Mexican train were played.

The "Chef" was in the house prepping, making Thanksgiving Day run extremely smooth.

We prepared an easy Italian feast, so I could spend most of my Wednesday afternoon in the kitchen prepping pies, vegetables, turkey giblets and appetizers for Thursday.

Thanksgiving Morning is always a bit hectic....timing is always an issue, but by the time the Champagne was popped....no one cared!  Chick set a beautiful table!

Dinner was served at 4PM and by 4:15.....everyone was stuffed.  Pie, anyone?

It was a wonderful family celebration!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Happy Birthday, Aunt Judy

WHO: Aunt Judy (I don't know who is with her holding cake)
WHAT: Birthday Celebration
WHERE: Probably Ohio
WHEN: Back of picture says 1982

Happy Birthday to my Aunt Judy in Ohio who celebrated a birthday on November 21st.

Enjoy!
Stacy 

Happy Thanksgiving!

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!

Enjoy!

Stacy  

Thanksgiving History

I am really getting excited about dinner tomorrow!

Today...my family arrives.  My sweetheart, Brian from Seattle and my parents and uncle from Eugene.  Our party starts this afternoon and won't end until bedtime on Sunday.

Our Thanksgiving celebrations are rich in history....family history, but do we really know the true history of Thanksgiving.

Here are a few facts and figures to share around your dinner table.

Enjoy!

Stacy

• In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition is commonly traced to a 1621 celebration at Plymouth, MA.  The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest.  
•  The practice of holding an annual harvest festival like this did not become a regular affair in New England until the late 1660s.
• Much like in Canada, Thanksgiving in the United States was observed on various dates throughout history. From the time of the Founding Fathers until the time of Lincoln, the date Thanksgiving was observed varied from state to state. 
• The final Thursday in November had become the customary date in most U.S. states by the beginning of the 19th century. 
•  It was not until December 26, 1941, that the unified date changed to the fourth Thursday (and not always final) in November—this time by federal legislation.
• Interestingly enough, in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to move the official Thanksgiving date to earlier in November in order encourage a longer Christmas shopping season as a Depression recovery strategy. His idea was shut down by Congress.