Week 10 Thursday (3/13/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Chicken Apricot Panini

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

                           Page 56 - 57      Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 598 calories per serving, if 4 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         What week would be complete without a Panini?  I wondered about this recipe because I have never really been a fan of apricots, much less apricot preserves. I am basically a blackberry jam kind of girl and really don’t eat any other jellies, jams, or preserves. But, I promised myself that I would follow Ree’s recipe to a tee and then make adaptations after first doing it her way.  Once again I am amazed at how much I loved this lunch.

         The Panini spread is creamy and really makes the dish. I also loved the taste of the red onions mixed with the sauce. If you don’t own a Panini maker you really need to spend a few bucks so you can create this dish at home for yourself.

Today’s critics:  just me

Random Reflections

         I love the lottery.  I do not play it very often, but when I do, I get to dream big for a day or two.  I once made a list of the people I would share the money with if I won.  I also made a list of all of the things I would do with the money.

         My niece, Maddie, loves animals and enjoyed working in a kennel. I actually designed a huge business that I would build for Lovey (a.k.a. Maddie) It was such a fun thing to do even if it were but a dream. 

         Someone has to win, and I hope it is someone I know.  Of course, it would be really fun if IT WAS ME!

Irksome Ideas and Images

         Is chivalry dead? Are we teaching our kids to be good stewards in the world?  One of my pet peeves is when someone allows a door to slam into the next person coming through the opening.

         I was entering the hospital last week when a man let the door slam into me.  Thank Heavens that I was ready for his rudeness. As I walked through the door I actually asked the question aloud.  “Is chivalry really dead?”  He heard me.  He actually stopped and apologized to me for his rudeness. He did say he was taught better but was distracted.  I thanked him for his apology.

         As he walked away I actually felt bad for him.  I didn’t know his circumstances and maybe jumped to a false conclusion. Maybe he just heard some bad news?  Maybe a family member is seriously ill.  Maybe something was wrong with him and he was distracted. I chastised myself for my comment.

         I walked away happy that chivalry wasn’t dead in this instance. I learned an important lesson about jumping to conclusions and speaking without really thinking something through before responding. I am so happy I can learn from my mistakes.