November Wrap Up!

Rudolph’s Second Job

For those who don’t know, my 6-year-old Emma’s favorite Rock Band song is “Roxanne” by the Police.  I didn’t discourage this because I didn’t know what the words to it were.  When I saw the words, it was too late.  She could read them and she loved the song.  It would be more damaging to have to explain to her what the “Red Light” is, so I didn’t.  I saw the below video on another blog today and was in love!  It’s too funny!  Rudolph, you really don’t have to put on the red light.  Santa should be keeping you busier than that! 

 

53 Mondays–more recipes

This recipe is borrowed from my neighbor, who is about as Mexican as I am.  Thank goodness for her daughter, Paige’s birthmom. 

Paigey’s Birthmom’s Mexican Rice

3 cups white rice

6 cups water

4 Tbsp olive oil

8 ounce can tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

2-4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 white onion, chopped finely

2 chicken bullion cubes

salt and pepper to taste

cilantro, chopped (as garnish)

 

-Put olive oil in pot/pan and heat.

-When oil is hot, add rice and begin to brown. 

-As rice is browning (a few minutes in) add garlic and onion and brown (toasty- off-white).

-When rice is brown, add tomato sauce, water, and bullion cubes.  Bring to a simmer.

-Reduce heat.  Let rice simmer until tender—apx 15-20 minus).

-Fluff with a fork. 

-Add salt and pepper to taste. 

I let my rice simmer a bit too long and it was less al dente than I like, but the flavor was so good and so comforting.  I also did not add the onion and garlic because I wanted to stay married!

53 Mondays–Tomato Soup

I did cook this weekend, but the recipes are upstairs, so I’ll add those later.  I made a super easy and really warming tomato soup today. 

TOMATO SOUP

2) 15 ounce cans of chicken/vegetable broth (I used a 32 ounce box)

1) 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream (I used half-and-half, because that’s what I had on hand)

salt and pepper to taste

apx 1 teaspoon dried basil  (or more fresh if you have it). 

 

Combine broth and tomatoes in stock pot and heat.  While simmering, add cream and seasonings.  Heat through. 

 

So easy.  So warming for winter!  Yum!  I made some Spanish rice this weekend and had some leftovers and added a few scoops to see how that would turn out and was really happy with the result.  It made for a warm, filling lunch! 

Decorating The Christmas Tree

 

Thanksgiving 2010

Pumpkin Patch

 

This is way late, but I had posted it to my design blog, Little Penguins, instead of my home blog.  Oops!  The pictures are so cute I needed it here too!