So, I don't know why I have been on a copycat recipe thing these last few days, but I found a recipe for Winger's wings, that all the comments said tasted spot on. I tried it last night in one of my rare fried food indulgences, and boy, was it tasty with a capital T! The recipe is so simple, I can write it down from memory.
3 T. Frank's hot sauce (apparently it absolutely has to be Frank's)
2 T. water
3/4 c. brown sugar
Cook these ingredients in a small pan until boiling, then remove from heat. Meanwhile, fry your frozen, breaded chicken nuggets in a frying pan in a little bit of oil until crispy, drain on paper towels when done, and pour the sauce over them. (I put my chicken in a large tupperware with a lid, poured the sauce on top, then shook it 'til the sauce coated the chicken.) Arden made us some yummy homemade ranch sauce to dip the wings in (which Maile promptly knocked over, then stepped in on accident, and yes, we still ate it. Be warned if you decide to eat at my house! To be fair, in an attempt to preserve sanitation, we did try to rescue the bit that hadn't gotten stepped in or touched the countertop.) Anyway, it was fantastic.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Of Hot Rods and Designer Clothes
Isn't it ironic that when we are young and want the fancy cars, designer clothes, and expensive "toys," we can't afford them, and then later in life, when we can afford them, we just don't care about stuff like that as much. (At least I don't--I'm sure others would beg to differ.) Curtis and I have experienced this same type of thing with our house. For the last three+ years we have lived in a beautiful, large house on 1/2 an acre, right by the Rexburg temple. At first, it was a wonderful novelty, as we had previously been in small apartments the entirety of our married lives. Now, I look back, and I am grateful that we've lived here--it's been perfect for us, and we've loved playing host to all the family members who have passed through, but I just don't care about the size any more. I don't care about a big house or yard, because I know how much work and expense goes in to maintaining them. I still want to have a beautiful house, because I find that being surrounded by beauty brings peace and tranquility to my soul, but as far as the size, I could care less. My only hope for whatever place we find to move to in California, is that we will have a little room for visitors, because I love to see friends and family. Other then that...I am happy with pretty much whatever!
I love Baloo the Bear from "Jungle Book" when he sings his song, "Bare Necessities." Isn't that all we really need to be happy--the bare necessities? Food, clothes, a place to live, friends and family, and most importantly, the gospel? I guess other things are niceties, but it's all about the bare necessities of life! Da da dada...da! Yeah!
I love Baloo the Bear from "Jungle Book" when he sings his song, "Bare Necessities." Isn't that all we really need to be happy--the bare necessities? Food, clothes, a place to live, friends and family, and most importantly, the gospel? I guess other things are niceties, but it's all about the bare necessities of life! Da da dada...da! Yeah!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Why Did I Open My Big Mouth?!
Wow, I was just sitting here looking back over my journal briefly. Last time I wrote in it was 2008. I originally intended my blog to become my "public journal," and reserve writing in my other one for my more private and personal thoughts. (-: Judging by the amount I have written though, I apparently don’t have any private and personal thoughts!
Changing the subject, it’s kinda funny--about a year ago, I remember Curtis and I commenting to each other how easy we felt our life was--like we didn’t really have any significant trials, so to speak. I guess we shouldn’t have opened our big mouths, because I feel like this whole last year has been one heck of a ride! First of all, Curtis starting a company, then all the medical stuff that was going on with Leila, then insurance issues, a two inch high stack of medical bills following Leila's birth (I measured it!), and now trying to sell the house in a down economy for our impending move from Curtis’ change in jobs. Selling the house right now I think is the most stressful thing for me by far, mainly because we have done everything we can possibly think of to sell it, and there is nothing else really to do--it is out of our hands at this point. I know I am a really type-A personality, and it is hard for me when I have no control over something. I am trying to have faith that it will all work out for the best, but some days it is harder then others.
I keep quoting to myself the beautiful scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants; "...Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
Changing the subject, it’s kinda funny--about a year ago, I remember Curtis and I commenting to each other how easy we felt our life was--like we didn’t really have any significant trials, so to speak. I guess we shouldn’t have opened our big mouths, because I feel like this whole last year has been one heck of a ride! First of all, Curtis starting a company, then all the medical stuff that was going on with Leila, then insurance issues, a two inch high stack of medical bills following Leila's birth (I measured it!), and now trying to sell the house in a down economy for our impending move from Curtis’ change in jobs. Selling the house right now I think is the most stressful thing for me by far, mainly because we have done everything we can possibly think of to sell it, and there is nothing else really to do--it is out of our hands at this point. I know I am a really type-A personality, and it is hard for me when I have no control over something. I am trying to have faith that it will all work out for the best, but some days it is harder then others.
I keep quoting to myself the beautiful scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants; "...Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
I Hope They Have Bajio's in Heaven
Every time Curtis and I go to Bajio's (which is never as often as I would like--would that we were born rich instead of beautiful!), he teases me because I always order the same item--their chicken green chili quesadilla. Heaven. One time, I succumbed to his taunts and ordered something different from the menu. It was o.k. (hey, could anything from Bajios not be good?!), but it just was not a chicken green chili quesadilla! My figuring is, if you have found something wonderful that you love, why change it?
Anyway, (oh joy and rapture) the other day I happened across a copycat recipe, which I will submit for your perusal. note: I have not tried it yet, so I can't guarantee any results, but I fully intend to attempt it this week after I go grocery shopping, and I will report on it then!
Bajio's Green Chile Chicken Quesadilla
INGREDIENTS
2 Grilled Chicken Breasts
1 cup Green Chile Chutney (recipe to follow)
1 cup of Caramelized Onions
1 cup Shredded Cheese (a mix of cheddar and jack cheese)
4 large Flour Tortillas
DIRECTIONS
Marinate Chicken Breasts in 1 cup of lime juice and 1 cup oil, let stand for at least two hours in the refrigerator. On a hot grill, grill the chicken until done and set aside to rest. Once the chicken has had time to rest and cool, shred into small pieces.
*
Slice 1 whole white onion into slices. In a medium saute pan, add 2 TBL spoons of oil and saute the onions until they are translucent.
*
Once the onions are done, add the shredded chicken and cup of Green Chile Chutney, and saute all together until well heated.
Warm up each tortilla and add shredded cheese to each tortilla. Spoon in warm chicken mixture and fold the tortilla over. Cut into 4 wedges and serve.
Bajio's Green Chile Chutney
INGREDIENTS
3 large annaheim peppers, halved, seeds removed
1 - 2 jalapeno peppers, halved, seeds removed
4 oz. can diced green chiles
5-7 tomatillos, husks removed
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
dash of chili powder
dash of cumin
dash of salt
1 large sweet onion, halved
Place peppers, tomatillos, and onion on baking sheet/rack. Roast in 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes, or until nicely browned. Place tomatillos and about 1/4 cup onion in blender and process until mostly smooth. Dice peppers. Add all ingredients except the remaining onion into a large pot. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until thickened and reduced. Add more sugar/peppers to adjust the spiciness/sweetness to taste.
For Carmelized Onions:
Slice the remaining onion and saute with a little bit of the green chile sauce over medium-low heat until carmelized.
Anyway, (oh joy and rapture) the other day I happened across a copycat recipe, which I will submit for your perusal. note: I have not tried it yet, so I can't guarantee any results, but I fully intend to attempt it this week after I go grocery shopping, and I will report on it then!
Bajio's Green Chile Chicken Quesadilla
INGREDIENTS
2 Grilled Chicken Breasts
1 cup Green Chile Chutney (recipe to follow)
1 cup of Caramelized Onions
1 cup Shredded Cheese (a mix of cheddar and jack cheese)
4 large Flour Tortillas
DIRECTIONS
Marinate Chicken Breasts in 1 cup of lime juice and 1 cup oil, let stand for at least two hours in the refrigerator. On a hot grill, grill the chicken until done and set aside to rest. Once the chicken has had time to rest and cool, shred into small pieces.
*
Slice 1 whole white onion into slices. In a medium saute pan, add 2 TBL spoons of oil and saute the onions until they are translucent.
*
Once the onions are done, add the shredded chicken and cup of Green Chile Chutney, and saute all together until well heated.
Warm up each tortilla and add shredded cheese to each tortilla. Spoon in warm chicken mixture and fold the tortilla over. Cut into 4 wedges and serve.
Bajio's Green Chile Chutney
INGREDIENTS
3 large annaheim peppers, halved, seeds removed
1 - 2 jalapeno peppers, halved, seeds removed
4 oz. can diced green chiles
5-7 tomatillos, husks removed
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
dash of chili powder
dash of cumin
dash of salt
1 large sweet onion, halved
Place peppers, tomatillos, and onion on baking sheet/rack. Roast in 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes, or until nicely browned. Place tomatillos and about 1/4 cup onion in blender and process until mostly smooth. Dice peppers. Add all ingredients except the remaining onion into a large pot. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until thickened and reduced. Add more sugar/peppers to adjust the spiciness/sweetness to taste.
For Carmelized Onions:
Slice the remaining onion and saute with a little bit of the green chile sauce over medium-low heat until carmelized.
Food For Thought
Food For Thought
“The Department of Homeland Security has recommended every family in America have a backup food reserve in case of natural disaster or terrorism. Think of it as the "insurance policy" that you can eat. In today’s uncertain world, it pays to be prepared one year too early than one day to late. Be safe… Be Prepared!”
“The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat.”
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, p#250.)
“I ask you earnestly, have you provided for your family a year’s supply of food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel? The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Oct. 1973.)
“The principle of self-reliance is spiritual as well as temporal. It is not a doomsday program; it is something to be practiced each and every day of our lives.”
(Elder L. Tom Perry, Conference Report, Oct.1991)
The principle of the fat and lean kine is as applicable today as it was in the days when, on the banks of the Nile, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream. Officials now warn us, and warn again, that scant days are coming. (President Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay (First Presidency), Conference Report 1942 as quoted in We Believe, by Rulon T. Burton)
Maintain a year's supply. The Lord has urged that his people save for the rainy days, prepare for the difficult times, and put away for emergencies, a year's supply or more of bare necessities so that when comes the flood, the earthquake, the famine, the hurricane, the storms of life, our families can be sustained through the dark days. How many of us have complied with this? We strive with the Lord, finding many excuses: We do not have room for storage. The food spoils. We do not have the funds to do it. We do not like these common foods. It is not needed -- there will always be someone to help in trouble. The government will come to the rescue. And some intend to obey but procrastinate.
(The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.375)
You do not need to go into debt to obtain a year's supply. Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each paycheck. Can or bottle fruit and vegetables from your gardens and orchards. Learn how to preserve food through drying and possibly freezing. Make your storage a part of your budget. Store seeds and have sufficient tools on hand to do the job. If you are saving and planning for a second car or a television set or some item which merely adds to your comfort or pleasure, you may need to change your priorities. We urge you to do this prayerfully and do it now. I speak with a feeling of great urgency. (CR October 1980, Ensign 10 [November 1980]
“The Department of Homeland Security has recommended every family in America have a backup food reserve in case of natural disaster or terrorism. Think of it as the "insurance policy" that you can eat. In today’s uncertain world, it pays to be prepared one year too early than one day to late. Be safe… Be Prepared!”
“The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat.”
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, p#250.)
“I ask you earnestly, have you provided for your family a year’s supply of food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel? The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Oct. 1973.)
“The principle of self-reliance is spiritual as well as temporal. It is not a doomsday program; it is something to be practiced each and every day of our lives.”
(Elder L. Tom Perry, Conference Report, Oct.1991)
The principle of the fat and lean kine is as applicable today as it was in the days when, on the banks of the Nile, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream. Officials now warn us, and warn again, that scant days are coming. (President Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay (First Presidency), Conference Report 1942 as quoted in We Believe, by Rulon T. Burton)
Maintain a year's supply. The Lord has urged that his people save for the rainy days, prepare for the difficult times, and put away for emergencies, a year's supply or more of bare necessities so that when comes the flood, the earthquake, the famine, the hurricane, the storms of life, our families can be sustained through the dark days. How many of us have complied with this? We strive with the Lord, finding many excuses: We do not have room for storage. The food spoils. We do not have the funds to do it. We do not like these common foods. It is not needed -- there will always be someone to help in trouble. The government will come to the rescue. And some intend to obey but procrastinate.
(The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.375)
You do not need to go into debt to obtain a year's supply. Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each paycheck. Can or bottle fruit and vegetables from your gardens and orchards. Learn how to preserve food through drying and possibly freezing. Make your storage a part of your budget. Store seeds and have sufficient tools on hand to do the job. If you are saving and planning for a second car or a television set or some item which merely adds to your comfort or pleasure, you may need to change your priorities. We urge you to do this prayerfully and do it now. I speak with a feeling of great urgency. (CR October 1980, Ensign 10 [November 1980]
Of Bleeding Hearts
Yesterday Maile asked for "Tree of LIFE cereal." Ha! Ha! She is so cute.
The other day she went over to our backyard neighbors and announced she needed some hearts. They were a little confused until they realized she meant some of their bleeding heart flowers. She is a little flower girl, for sure!
The other day she went over to our backyard neighbors and announced she needed some hearts. They were a little confused until they realized she meant some of their bleeding heart flowers. She is a little flower girl, for sure!
Of Fire in the Bones
I just finished reading a wonderful book called "Fire in the Bones." It is about William Tyndale, who is often referred to as the 'Father of the English Bible'. He is not very well known nowadays, but he should be, as he was primarily responsible for giving us one of the greatest gifts the world has ever had--the Bible translated into English. One of his better known quotes is (speaking to one of his critics): "If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the scripture than thou dost."
God bless William Tyndale for the great gift he has given us, and for sacrificing his very life so we could have and read the great truths of the scripture today.
God bless William Tyndale for the great gift he has given us, and for sacrificing his very life so we could have and read the great truths of the scripture today.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Mesa Falls
Eeeks! I am falling further and further beind on my blog---must update!
Last month we very much enjoyed a visit from my family (not just because they helped us put in $500 worth of shrubs in the front yard and dig out the old stuff that didn't survive the winter!). After getting the yardwork done, we took a delightful trip to Mesa Falls with them, and Ben and Kayla. In the evening, we enjoyed ice cream sundae's and a rousing round or two of frisbee golf in the back yard.
Last month we very much enjoyed a visit from my family (not just because they helped us put in $500 worth of shrubs in the front yard and dig out the old stuff that didn't survive the winter!). After getting the yardwork done, we took a delightful trip to Mesa Falls with them, and Ben and Kayla. In the evening, we enjoyed ice cream sundae's and a rousing round or two of frisbee golf in the back yard.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Of Wind Memorials
Today we went with Curtis' folks to a windfarm dedication just outside of Idaho Falls. Curtis' dad owns some land that a windfarm company is leasing for the next 20 years to put wind turbines on to produce energy. It was quite a neat shindig! They had a bunch of speakers, including the governor of Idaho (whom I like less and less the more I know about him, but that is a story for a different post). After that, we got to sign one of the windmill propellers, which are enormous! 132 ft. long to be exact. Arden went around to the back side of the propeller and ran his marker nearly all the way from the front to the back. Our whole family on the Nielsen side is now memorialized forever on a wind turbine propeller--how cool is that! After that, we were fed a delicious lunch, and got to take a little van tour. Very neat. And guess what? The energy they produce here will be sold to Southern California, where we will be moving. Thanks Idaho!
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