Good afternoon all,
Wow, I'm way behind but will catch up quickly. Went to get my stitches out this morning.
Finger looks good and is healing up fine. Will be a bit sore/sensitive for next day or two but providing I don't do anything stupid (operative word) I 'll be good and back to normal.
We got an amazing thunderstorm last night and lots of rain. Started about 10 and didn't knock of until about 8 this morning. It was nice to hear the rain and made for great sleeping weather. Sun came out just in time for us to hit the doctor's office, grab a quick taco for lunch at Filiberto's (yum) and take a drive through the foothill area of where we live. Nice and scenic drive home. Clouds, light and shadows over the mountains were amazing and quite breathtaking. Cold though for us and we're freezing at a damp and soggy 52F.
Rain started up again and has been going off/on all day. Will do so all evening and tomorrow will be about the same.
We made salmon yesterday. Came out good just simply grilled and seasoned with lemon, garlic and butter. Made a black bean, corn and mango salad for the side. Nice, easy and tasty side along with the last of the asparagus which got steamed. All on the plate got a good squeeze of lemon and sprinkling of cilantro.
Today we are having pot roast. I put that on early this a.m. and let it go low and slow in the crock pot. Carrots, onions and baby redskin new potatoes. It should be done in about an hour or two. Will also make a pan gravy with the juices. Think I'll just steam some peas for the side as we'll have salad tomorrow. Looking forward to dinner. Pics to come.
Since today is rainy, gray and cold, Dave wanted to play in the kitchen. He is making pizza dough. I forget who posted a link to crispy cheesy pan pizza (
) but did print out the recipe and that's what we are doing today since we are stuck inside due to the weather. He is making the dough for the crust today and we'll do the rest tomorrow. Hoping it turns out well as it has been forever since I've had really good pizza.
Sally...
Rice would have been preferred with this dish but we wanted to go lighter on the carbs since we had such a heavy pasta, bread and cheese day when company came over for dinner. As for a rice cooker---why? I have never used one and always get perfect rice every time. I just spray a pot/pan lightly with a little non-stick spray (butter/EVOO infused preferably) and follow the standard recipe. That being the 2:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of rice add 2 cups of broth/stock/water. Put rice in pan with liquid; bring to a boil and then the moment it boils let it do so for a minute. At this point you add herbs, seasonings, etc.
After the 1 minute drop to a simmer and slam the lid on it. DO NOT EVER pick up the lid. Can't stress that enough.
I let it simmer 18-22 minutes and then turn off the heat. Still leaving the lid on I move the pot off the heat and let sit 7-10 minutes. At that point I remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Comes out perfect every single time and of course you can adjust. If using 1/2 cup rice use 1 cup liquid; 2 cups rice means 3 cups liquid, etc.
Of course if making Risotto or pilaf you use a different cooking technique. But for any basic rice dish this is a fail proof recipe and I've never used or needed a rice cooker in my life.
Brenda...So glad you are doing better after your surgery. Take care, heal well and let us know how you do.
Amanda and Grill...Hope you two are doing better and will back to feeling well soon.
Sean... T.Y. for sharing meatloaf recipe. Like your recipe, mine is more intuitive and not an exact science. Each and every one is a bit different but comprised of the same ingredients. I agree with you on lining the pan/baking dish with parchment. I have at times put my meatloaf on a rack to keep it raised out of any grease or drippings.
JB...So nice to see your are around. Lamb dinner looked awesome. Very nice of you to help your neighbor out with their garden.
Bob...T.Y. for sharing the sesame noodle recipe. I'll have to give it a go. It makes a nice change of pace from the regular and standard dishes. Looks easy enough and would be plenty tasty.
Dinner will be soon. Pics to come.
Hope all stay well, happy and healthy.
Will catch up tomorrow.
AG
