Monday, August 29, 2016

Monday, August 29, 2016

What the Beck???

Today’s Recipe and Location: Cucumber Finger Sandwiches

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/cucumber-finger-sandwiches.html

I figured out that there are 90 calories, if 12 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         I absolutely loved these finger sandwiches. This is a “shower food” that I always looked forward to enjoying. I also liked the shower mix of pastel mints and salted peanuts – not that that has anything to do with this recipe. Okay, you all remember those mints, too.  
     I was used to the cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese, but this is a great “other” choice. The chives are amazing, and I would absolutely make this just for a regular lunch.  I would cut the crusts off for an event, but gosh darn it, I leave the crust on my sammy.  What I really love is that one complete sammy is only 270 calories and I felt quite satisfied after consuming this wonderful sandwich.

Try this for a light lunch – you may be surprised.

 Here are the ingredients that I used to create this recipe.

First, I should say that I was making a sandwich 

for my own lunch, and another for the Serpicos 

to taste test. I am only showing making the Serpico 

sammy in this blog. I initially spread a thin 

layer of butter on both piece of bread. 

 I put four slices of cucumber on 
one side of the buttered bread.

The next step was to make the sandwich spread 
using mayo, yellow mustard, and chives. 

I stirred the ingredients together in 
my medium size ramekin. 

 I spread the mixture over one slice of bread,
and out on the top.

I then cut off the crust - to make it fancier
(I'm not fancy...I love a good crust) 

I sliced the bread the long way, like Ree, and 

made three finger sandwiches from 

each original sandwich - which means 

the three fingers have only 270 calories total!!!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Saturday, August 27, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Breakfast of Champions Sandwich

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/breakfast-of-champions-sandwich-recipe.html

I figured out that there are 455 calories, if 1 serving is made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

Move over egg muffin – this homemade version if 100% better than that store bought one. I loved this sandwich because it was fresh and rich.  I made two sandwiches, because I wanted to freeze one to see how it held up. If it holds up great, then I will make them in batches to save time. This one is darn good!!!  

The next day, in the microwave, I heated up the remaining sandwich, and it was wonderful!!  These are so easy to do ahead, and have a great flavor. I will be making the remaining six today.

 Here are the ingredients that I used to create this recipe.

 Ree heated her English muffins on a griddle, but I took 

the easier route and used a regular old toaster.

 I buttered them after they came out of the toaster. 

I cooked them very crispy, so they would not absorb much of the 

butter from the eggs, or water from the ham.

 I heated the ham slices in a skillet,

and then patted them dry

 Since I was only making two today, 

I put them in the same skillet.

Ree used egg rings which are so cool.

They are what makes the McDonald's eggs

in a perfect circle.

 I like my eggs, over hard, so I broke the yolks,

 and separated the eggs into the two portions.

 I just love eggs!!!

 I also patted them to remove some of the butter.

 I began the assembly line. First, the muffin. I then, put a piece 

of ham on the top and bottom of the muffins. On went the eggs....

 and finally the cheese. Ree's recipe called for 

American cheese, but I only had cheddar in the freezer, 

so that is what I used. I just learned from my Mom, not to freeze cheese slices, and boy was she right. The just fell apart.  

Oh well.....I have to use'em up so beauty is not my goal.

On went the tops and....

 Wa lah!!! Two Breakfast of Champion sandwiches.

 Gosh, I just love this sandwich!!!!!

 In order to freeze it, I first wrapped 

the second sandwich in plastic wrap,

and then in foil. This will help avoid 

freezer burn. I did learn of something new that 

I want to purchase (like I need another kitchen appliance). I want one of those vacuum sealers. 

I think that will help in freezing sandwiches 

like these. I wonder if you can vacuum seal bread items????? Sounds like research is needed!!!!!!
I also want those egg rings!!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Thursday, August 25, 2016

What the Beck???

Bucket List Update

Academy Award Nominated Movies

1980     The Elephant Man                 

starring:  Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud,              Freddie Jones, Wendy Hiller

plot – Based on a real event, a great surgeon learns of a deformed man             performing in a traveling circus. He takes him in and helps             him even though others continue to harass and harm him.               Thanks to the surgeon, his life became better.        

This was a spectacular movie. The actors were all fabulous and the story had me crying at the inhumane way people treat those who are different.

******As of this moment, I have watched 345 movies. This makes 182 movies left to watch, that is until the new list comes out for 2016.

2004     Million Dollar Baby                 

starring:  Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Jay          Baruchel, Mike Colter

plot – A young woman who loves boxing wants to be trained Eastwood.            Her goal is to become a professional boxer.         

I am a huge fan of all three of the major stars in this film. This is such a great movie I was not surprised that it won the Academy Award for 2004. Is there any part that Hilary Swank cannot play??? She was amazing in this movie!

1952     The Greatest Show on Earth                          

starring:  Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, Charleton Heston, Dorothy                  Lamour, Emmett Kelly, James Stewart…plus so many more…            a giant cast

plot – The movie shares the lives of the people involved in the biggest         circus on Earth.        

This was a really long movie. I really enjoyed seeing the enormous list of stars from the 50’s.  The story was really good and I loved Charleton Heston in this film.

1960     Elmer Gantry                          

starring:  Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Arthur Kennedy, Dean Jagger,            Shirley Jones, Patti Page, Edward Andrews, John McIntire,                Hugh Marlowe.

plot – Lancaster plays a traveling salesman turned evangelist.                     Lancaster is such a con man, but his past is catching up                with him. Jean Simmons is the true believer that also sees              the good in everyone around her. Her undying faith                    eventually leads to her death.      

I had heard of revival meetings in history, but this was a wonderful movie.  I always thought that they were conning people. I am sure some of them were, but others were serious in their faith and beliefs.

1975     Nashville                          

starring:  David Arkin, Barbara Baxley, Ned Beatty, Karen Black, Ronee            Blakley, Keith Carradine, Shelley Duvall, Henry Gibson, Scott            Glen, Jeff Goldblum, Lily Tomlin, Keenan Wynn, Elliott          Gould, Julie Christie (plus man more!!!!!)

plot – The movie cover the lives of many people during a five day                  Presidential Primary in Nashville, Tennessee. This is a giant              cast with a lot of “subplots” going on simultaneously.

I really hated this movie.  I have not been a big fan of a lot of the movies from the 70’s. Of course, that is when I was in my late teens and early twenties. This one had no real point to me. Of course it lost to One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest, which was an outstanding movie. It was also up against Jaws, which was really big at the time. I’d skip this one.

1954     The Country Girl                          

starring:  Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, William Holden, Anthony Ross,                Gene Reynolds        

plot –    Crosby plays an alcoholic actor who is asked to begin                         acting again by a director (Holden). The director falls             for the actor’s wife.

I liked this movie. Crosby doesn’t play the best alcoholic, but it was okay. I loved to watch Grace Kelly and William Holden.

1971     The Last Picture Show                          

starring:  Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben          Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Eileen Brennan,                Clu Gulager, Sam Bottoms, Randy Quaid        

plot –   This story is set in a west Texas town in the 1950’s. It is a                    coming of age story of teenagers discovering their                      sexuality and their goals and choices for the future.

As I said before, I have decided that the 70’s was not my favorite years for films. This one was such a blockbuster at the time. I thought it was just okay.

1942     Mrs. Miniver                          

starring:  Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Teresa Wright, Dame May                Whitty, Reginald Owen        

plot –     It is the beginning of WWII and this movie shares the                         struggles of a British family trying to survive.        

I love Greer Garson. She is such a wonderful actress. In this movie she plays the mother of an English fighter in WWII. Her husband is also involved in the war effort. She is great at evoking my feelings in her portrayals. I hope that I have more movies to watch with her as the star!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Creamy Cheese Grits

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks blog

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/creamy-cheese-grits-recipe.html

I figured out that there are 228 calories, if 12 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

     I love cheese grits!  I learned to love them when I lived in Panama City, Florida. The name of the restaurant across from the pier was Hearty House, and it was on Thomas Drive on the Beach.  They had the best cheese grits that I have ever had before. 

     When I was in Kentucky in February, I ordered cheese grits, and they served me instant grits with a slice of processed American cheese atop the bowl. Instant grits……no thank you ma’am!!  

     These grits are the real thing if you order really good stone ground grits. Jenny Anderson found them for us, and I am so thankful because they are the best!! We ordered them from Bear Branch Milling in Ash, North Carolina. Just order them online and have them delivered to your home. Then – enjoy a little bit of Heaven. 

 These are the ingredients that I used to create this recipe

 First, I melted the oil and butter in a pot

 Prior to beginning, I chopped up the jalapeno, red 

pepper, and onion. I halved the recipe.

I added in the veggies into the oil and butter. 

 I added in the grits

 and the chicken broth and water.

I turned the heat to low and cooked them.

I had to stir them often because they really

wanted to stick to the bottom of the nonstick pan.

 It's been about 45 minutes and they're lookin good!

 In went the half and half for creamy goodness!!

 I added in extra cheese because, gosh darn it - I am a cheese freak

 Here are the two bowls I took over to the 

Serpico household. I also took one to the 

Mansours, and of course I ate a whole one 

for dinner.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Sunday, August 21, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Waffles

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime

Pages:  4 - 5  Copyright:  2015 Harper Collins  OR

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/waffles/

I figured out that there are 297 calories, if 8 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

I love, love, love these waffles.  The flavor is amazing!!  I shared a several with the Serpico family, and got a thumbs up from them.  I was quite excited with my new waffle maker, too.  So easy to use, and even easier to clean!!!

 This is my new fabulous Oster individual waffle maker.

It divides each waffle into four connected 

pieces. So, if I just want a fourth or half, 

I can just put the dough in those sections.  

Of course, I ate the entire thing and have no regrets.

Is there ever too many small appliances???

Good Lord I hope not, because I

have sooooooo many now!!

Now, on to the creating of the recipe.

 These are the ingredients that I used to create this ingredient

 I sifted together the dry ingredients.

 I added the egg yolks to the milk 
(apparently a little white was also in the bowl - oops!)

and the vanilla 

 I put the egg whites in a bowl, and whisked 
them for what seemed like forever.  I kept 
going until they were a little bit stiff.

 I gently mixed the wet and dry ingredients together.

I added in the butter and egg whites
and GENTLY stirred them together

 The batter is now ready for waffle iron

Ree's were very done and crisp.
Mine were as done as the waffle iron's highest
setting, so I will have to try to figure out how
much more time to add after the done light 
goes on, in order to make them exactly like Ree's.

 I can't wait to make them again.  YUM! YUM!

Friday, August 19, 2016

Friday, August 19, 2016

What the Beck???

Field of Dreams – “Iggy"

According to the Field of Dreams website:

https://www.fodonline.org/

     Ignacio, or "Iggy" as we like to call him, is a 17 year old, 14.2 hands high Paso Fino gelding (see below), with an incredible forelock and mane. He has a sweet temperament, loves attention and is adjusting well to life at FOD. Iggy came to FOD overweight and having experienced a slight case of founder this spring. As a result, his diet and insulin levels are being carefully monitored and our farrier and veterinarian are working together on the care of Iggy's hooves. Very soon, Iggy will begin working with our trainer to get back into shape and ready for a life of trail or pleasure riding with a new owner.

Iggy is so much more beautiful than this photo shows him to be. He is the sweetest horse in the barn. He is gentle and would be a great addition to any home.

According to: http://www.pfha.org/the-breed/history

     The Paso Fino’s journey to the Americas began more than 500 years ago with the importation of Andalusians, Spanish Barbs from North Africa, and smooth-gaited Spanish Jennets (now extinct) to the “New World” by Spanish Conquistadors. Bred for their stamina, smooth gait, and beauty, “Los Caballos de Paso Fino” – the horses with the fine walk – served as the foundation stock for remount stations of the Conquistadors. Centuries of selective breeding by those who colonized the Caribbean and Latin America produced variations of the “Caballo de Criollo,” among them the Paso Fino that flourished initially in Puerto Rico and Colombia, and later, in many other Latin American countries (primarily Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Venezuela).

     Descendants of the Conquistadors’ horses are believed to have spread into North America after the Spanish soldiers forayed for a brief time into this territory. The modern-day mustang has traces of his Spanish forbears. The Nez Perce Indian tribe, renowned for their expert horsemanship and sophisticated knowledge of breeding spotted horses, may have mixed some Spanish stock into their famous Appaloosas, whose name is derived from the Palouse River region of the Nez Perce’s tribal homeland in Oregon.

     Awareness of the Paso Fino as we know it today didn’t spread outside Latin America until after WWII, when American servicemen came into contact with the stun¬ning Paso Fino horse while stationed in Puerto Rico. Americans began importing Paso Finos from Puerto Rico in the mid-1940s. Two decades later, many Paso Fino horses began to be imported from Colombia. For a while, there was some contention as to which country produced the “true” Paso Fino. Though there are still some self-professed “purists” who advocate for one or the other country, the American Paso Fino - true to our “melting pot” tradition - is often a blend of the best of Puerto Rican and Colombian bloodlines.