Lunch with Mom and Kenny

On Saturday we stopped in on my Mom and Kenny and had lunch at our favorite brewpub in Burien. The weather was better than expected and a bit on the humid side.

On our way home from lunch we took a walk in this really cool botanical garden right smack dab in the landing flight path of SeaTac (very strange). The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is really beautiful and everything is just now starting to bloom.

The gardens were established in 1996 by volunteers determined to save Elda Behm's award winning cottage garden from expansion at SeaTac. The Botanical Foundation located a new home for the garden and in 2000 the City of SeaTac, the Port of Seattle and over 200 volunteers moved thousands of plants to their new home at North SeaTac park.

Today you can wander along a stream, cross a little bridge, relax by a goldfish stocked pond and enjoy a stunning array of plants.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday!

It's hard to believe that this is the last full week of June! It doesn't even feel like we've started our summer yet! Brian will be down from Tacoma on Wednesday night after dinner and we are going to try and go to a Portland Beaver's Baseball game on Thursday, so here are my three picks for this week.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Monday: Chicken Fettucine Alfredo with a Garden Salad

Tuesday: WW Chilli Dogs and Sweet Potato Fries

Wednesday: Grilled Flank Steak with Wasabi Slaw (last weeks ROTW)

Old Photo Friday: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes

Date: Summer 2005
Location: Salem, OR @ Volcanoes Stadium
Who: Brian, Pop, Rosemary and Stacy (Sandra took the picture)
What: Brian, Sandra and I drove south to Salem and Dad and Rosemary drove north from Eugene and we met at the Salem-Keizer's stadium for an evening baseball game. The Volcanoes play in the Single A Short Season NW League which runs each summer from mid-June to September 1st.

Enjoy!

Stace

Recipe of the Week: Flank Steak with Wasabi Slaw

We probably grill flank steak at Rebecca Lane, 3-4 times a month. This week's ROTW really packs a flavor punch! Wasabi powder found in Asian markets and most gourmet grocers adds heat and zest. Along side the crunchy cole slaw, this quick Asian steak will be added to your summer favorites for years to come!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Ingredients
5 tbsp wasabi powder
2 tsp brown sugar
1/8 tsp table salt
1 pound flank steak
1 pound packaged coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
2 tsp canola oil
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce

Juice from 1 lime
1 Tbsp sugar

Instructions
1. Preheat grill or broiler. Stir together 2 tablespoons of wasabi powder, brown sugar and salt. 2. Rub on beef. Grill or broil to desired doneness, about 10 minutes for medium.
3. Stir together slaw, oil, remaining wasabi powder, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice and sugar until well coated.

I like to serve with a side of jasmine rice

Our Garden: Update

Our garden pots are doing well, despite more rain than sun these past few weeks.

Both tomatoes are growing and have numerous yellow flowers, which means lots of yummy tomatoes in our future (say......45 days+).

The herbs are growing with the exception of the basil which is dead. I am not sure if it was the rain, but the leaves began turning brown with spots and some of the leaves turned yellow and shriveled up. The basil just didn't make it! I think I'll wait until July and plant some more.


The pot of lettuce is attracting the slugs, but I feel there is enough for all of us (little creatures included) to share. I think I'll plan a small gourmet salad next week with a few chives and see how the lettuce tastes before I start on all out assault!

What our herbs really need is some sun....consistent temps and less rain!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Wish List: Adirondack Chair Cushions

I love my new Adirondack chair and have spent every evening in it this past week.

It's very comfortable, however I think some of these are much needed!

Which one shall I choose?

Enjoy!

Stacy

Father's Day Weekend in Eugene

Wilma Crowe

Brian and I drove to Eugene on Saturday morning to spend Father's Day weekend with my Pop and Rosemary.

"Family" Photo - what an honor

It also happened to be the 90th birthday of a remarkable woman and very close family friend, Wilma Crowe. Wilma is my Pop's second mom and he was the best friend to her son, Lowell Crowe (crowebird) who left this earth about 9 years ago after a long battle with cancer.

Her birthday party was held at an Native American "longhouse" or gathering place near the University of Oregon campus. It was great to see Wilma again and hear stories about how many lives she has touched in her 90 years.

I think Brian really enjoyed seeing a part of the Native American culture that not many people get a chance to witness.

After we left the celebration, I took Brian on a little tour of Eugene and we drove past the old house on Hilyard Street. I peeked in the window......a window to my past. Although I couldn't see much (not sure if anyone was home) I did recognize the front door and the ornate peephole and the mail slot, where as a child I hid my barbie dolls.


We spent some good time with my Pop and enjoyed dinner with him and Rosemary down on the old Eugene Mall at a place called Davis. Although the food wasn't remarkable....the company sure was.
Enjoy!


Stacy

Menu Plan Monday!

Another week is upon us. Let's hope our Pacific NW weather begins to improve. I am ready for more summer flavors. This week's menu continues to be quick and easy with an inspiring recipe from fellow "foodie" blogger Kamaile at Simple Food. I had forgotten that I too subscribe to Eating Well Magazine. Thanks for reminding me what great recipes they have.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Monday: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta with a Garden Salad

Tuesday: Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Jasmine Rice

Wednesday: Black Bean Croquettes with Fresh Salsa

Thursday: Portland Beavers Baseball Game (if weather improves). I love ballpark dogs!

I Heart!

A few months ago I mentioned that this item was on my wish list!

Here it is......

Thanks to Brian for helping me stain and seal it and put it together. You did an awesome job, baby!

I was so excited to sit in it the last few nights.

I am really looking forward to many summer evenings in my chair.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Father's Day

Date: August 1985
Location: "E" Street backyard
Who: Stacy (age 16) and Pop
What: Wedding to Rosemary. I believe it was also Grandma Cavey's birthday

Enjoy!

Stace

Recipe of the Week: Cajun Chicken and Pasta

Ever since that Saturday on NW 23rd, Rebecca Lane has been in search of the perfect pasta. Sandra cooked this ROTW a couple of weeks ago and it was AWESOME! We ate it for three days! Here is another pasta that sounds creamy and wonderful.

Enjoy!

Stacy

CAJUN CHICKEN AND PASTA

SERVES 4

Ingredients:
1 pound Penne/Rotini or Spaghetti (your favorite pasta)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast tenders, cut up
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or one can diced tomatoes)
1 cup (loosely packed) basil leaves, sliced

Directions:
1. Cook pasta as package label directs.
2. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet warm 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
3. Wash and pat dry chicken and add Cajun seasoning; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken just loses its pink color throughout, stirring frequently (you’ll want it to blacken a bit).
4. Transfer chicken to plate and set aside. In same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and pepper; cook, covered, 8 to 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and browned, stirring occasionally.
5. Add mushrooms and salt; cook, covered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Drain pasta; Add heavy cream to veggie mixture; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in tomatoes, add chicken and pasta toss to mix well. Add basil and serve.

Images courtesy of Google

Anniversary Dinner: Cafe Mingo

Brian and I went to one of our favorite restaurants on Friday night to celebrate our 4 years together.

Mingo West located in Beaverton's "The Round" was established back in 2004 as a sister to it's NW 23rd Avenue location. Simple Italian with a NW twist, Brian and I always enjoy the fresh pastas, local vegetables (Brian absolutely loves their grilled asparagus) and meat and seafood combinations.

The front of the cafe features modern, window-laden, rolling garage doors that look like a feature in a glossy architectural magazine that stretch the length of the dining room. The interior has a loft-like appearance that is very upscale, simple, but elegant - remember....this is Beaverton!

The restaurant offers seasonal outdoor seating in the Round's central piazza, offering a friendly neighborhood feel. When the restaurant is full, the noise level, along with the background music, can get rather loud.

We purused the menu while sipping on a bottle of Italian wine. I am always surprised that the menu is so small yet packed with so much variety. The rabbit was inticing, but the ravioli called my name!

Brian enjoyed his old stand-by.....

Penne with beef braised in Chianti and Espresso

I had the house special ravioli....

Beef tenderloin, spring onion and ricotta ravioli in a spicey tomato sauce

The food is always exceptional and the service was excellent. I only hope that we don't have to wait another year to have a meal like this!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Beaverton Farmer's Market - Market #2

Brian and I had a brief look at the 2008 Beaverton Farmer's Market last Saturday. I think this is the best market around. The variety of vendors and the beautiful produce is second to none. This market seems to have a lot of fresh produce now - unlike some of the smaller markets in the Tacoma area.

This week I picked up some beautiful baby carrots, a bunch of fresh picked asparagus and some hot house tomatoes.

Brian and I enjoyed a small quiche/tart for breakfast which was really quite good.

I am in Beaverton next Saturday and I'd like to go back for some fresh rhubarb and a flat of Oregon strawberries!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Maryhill Winery - Crosby, Stills and Nash Concert

Maryhill Museum

Goldendale, WA

For our anniversary, I bought Brian tickets to go see Crosby, Stills and Nash out in the Columbia River Gorge.

The concert was held at Maryhill Winery, one of the most amazingly beautiful places in Oregon (and their wine is pretty good as well). This was the first concert in their newly renovated outdoor "bowl".

We meandered through the gorge and stopped in Hood River in the late afternoon just in time to see the sun appear (it's been very wet). It was a cool afternoon with wind (much expected in the gorge) but a beautiful evening for a concert.

We had a nice view of the stage. I laid out a sleeping bag and blanket and Brian sat in a camping chair and we tried to stay warm (dressed in layers).

CSN hit the stage at 7PM and sang for over 2 hours with a short intermission. For three old guys, they still know how to rock! Stephen stills really jams on the guitar and the harmonies of Nash and Crosby, especially on the song "Lay Me Down" were as good as they were 30 years ago. They did so many old tunes, "Marrakesh Express", Helplessly Hoping", "Southern Cross" and Brian's all time favorite, "Wooden Ships" (which was the lead up to the finale).

The crowd was mixed and many people danced during the second set (probably to keep warm).

They closed the show with "Teach Your Children" just as the sun was setting and the crescent moon began to shine over the river. A very enjoyable concert.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday!

Happy Monday! Here is another weekly menu for the Rebecca Lane household. Head on over to I’m an Organizing Junkie for more really cool menu ideas!

Enjoy!

Stacy

MONDAY: Beef Tenderloin with Spiced Blue Cheese Sauce with Roasted Garlic Baby Carrots

TUESDAY: Fend for Yourself Night (I think Taco Del Mar is in my future)

WEDNESDAY: Shrimp over Cumin-Scented White Northern Beans*

THURSDAY: Copper River Wild Alaskan Salmon with Grilled Veggies and Rice

Shrimp over Cumin-Scented White Northern Beans

Ingredients:

1 small jalapeno pepper(s), cored, seeded and minced (use 1 pepper)
1 small garlic clove(s), minced
15 oz canned white norther beans, undrained
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 pound shrimp, large, peeled
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, about the juice from 1 lime
1/4 tsp paprika, hot
2 Tbsp chives, minced

Directions:

1. Coat a small pot with nonstick cooking spray. Add jalapeño and garlic; sauté over medium heat 2 minutes. Add beans, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper; simmer 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place shrimp in a bowl with lime juice and paprika; toss to coat.
3. Coat sheet pan with cooking spray. Arrange shrimp on cookie sheet. Place 4 inches under broiler and broil 3 to 4 minutes. Turn over and broil until cooked through, about 3 minutes more.
4. Spoon beans onto a large serving plate. Top with shrimp and sprinkle with chives.

Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Old Photo Friday: Anniversary Extra!

Date: 7/3/2004
Location: Pier 66, Seattle Waterfront
Who: Stacy and Brian (photo taken by Sonja who met up with us for a 4th of July drink and to "re-meet" Brian - long story).
What: This is the first photo ever taken of Brian and I together. I remember thinking in my head....I hope this doesn't freak him out (we'd only been "dating" for a month).

Enjoy!

Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Asian Pork Tenderloin

I am snatching this recipe from fellow blogger's Matt and Kat over at "A Good Appetite" for this week's ROTW (which I will be grilling on Sunday). They make me so hungry every day with their awesome meals. Thanks guys! If only I could bake some of your cupcakes! Blogging has introduced me to some really incredibly talented and interesting people. Thanks for sharing your ideas and experiences with all of us!


Grilled Asian Pork Tenderloin

This Asian variation is adapted from one in the Best of Cooking Light. Thanks to “A Good Appetite" blog

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp sliced green onion
2 Tbsp oyster sauce (hoisin sauce is good too)
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp hot water
2 garlic cloves minced
1 lb pork tenderloin
1/4 t salt


Directions:

1. Mix onion, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey,hot water & garlic together in a bowl.
2. Pour 1/4 c of the sauce in a large zip-top bag & add the pork. Seal & refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. Remove the pork from the bag & sprinkle with salt. Discard marinade in bag.
4. Cook on grill until the pork registers 160 F about 20 minutes.
5. Slice to serve serve with remaining sauce.


I am going to serve with a side of coconut jasmine rice and some stir-fry veggies.


Enjoy!

Stacy

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Today is our 4 year anniversary! It's hard to believe that 4 years have gone by so quickly. Time flies when you are having fun, and we certainly have had lots of fun.

Brian, you are a wonderful man with so much love in your heart. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for being so loving, patient and supportive. You are such a good partner.

Can I have 4 more years? And 4 more after that? And another 4? And after that....4 more, with an option for another 4?! After that we can negotiate!

I love you!

Stacy

Hodge Podge

Brian and I had a hodge podge weekend.

On Friday night we went to one of our favorite places in Tacoma, down on the Foss Waterway - Katie Downs. Boy they sure make a good hamburger! Check out the sailboat that cruised past.

On Saturday, we checked out our 2nd Farmer's Market of the season on Proctor Street near Old Town Tacoma. Cool little neighborhood market that reminded me of a small Beaverton Market. Once again, not a lot of fresh produce; however they did have a vendor selling some wonderful goat cheese - one selling some organic lamb and pork and another selling some nice varieties of salmon. We'll check back again!

Brian and I decided on our Saturday dinner - a nice New York steak we picked up a Tacoma Boys and Brian had an idea to marinate the steak in a nice Cabernet and then make a mushroom, shallot reduction sauce. Great idea! Served on the side was some fresh asparagus we picked up on Proctor Street and some roasted Yukon Gold potatoes.

In the afternoon, we walked down to Titlow and had an afternoon libation at "The Beach" tavern at Titlow Beach. It's just a local hangout, with tons of character (and characters), but it was fun to walk down and back (and good exercise).

We enjoyed a bit of sun on the back patio and fired up the BBQ. Even the local raccoon thought the BBQ smelled wonderful!
Our dinner turned out good - despite some "creative bickering" about BBQ cooking styles and my inability to step down from being a "head chef" - but all in all a good Saturday.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday!

Here is this weeks menu. Brian will be in town on Friday and our plan is to celebrate our 4 year anniversary at Mingo. I am going to try and eat good this week and stick to a healthy menu, WW plan (lots of walking) so that I can really enjoy myself on Friday.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Chicken with Tomato Mint Salsa and Garlic Asparagus (last weeks ROTW)

Tuesday: Thai Shrimp with Coconut Almond Rice

Wednesday: Asian Mushroom Stir-Fry with Fettuccine with a Garden Salad

Thursday: Garden Burgers (these are my favorites)