Mr. Prof designer home

The instructions with this are to bold the ones you've done, leave the others in normal type. So here goes. I'm in a meme mood tonight, I guess.

image here

It’s not just a hop, skip, and a jump away to the nearest neighbor out here in the country.  That’s why we never expected to get to know anybody… not in a real personal way.  So imagine our surprise when in the first week of moving in, we got not one, but TWO full-out dinner invitations (which we accepted).  For our family of eight, it’s no small feat having us over. 

When a neighbor saw our moving truck hurtling down the road, he and his son sped over on their bikes to help us unload. Another neighbor brought us a plate of home baked cookies, and another brought us a box of chocolates.  That sweet couple even brought a pen and paper to write down all the children’s names and ages so they wouldn’t forget.  

As someone who likes everything just so before inviting people in, it’s been a humbling experience for me.  Everyone wants to see the fixer upper in its “before” state.  Oh my!

I never expected how much this house would stretch me… physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.  I also never expected the blessings we would receive through the kindness of strangers we now call friends. 

The theme for this week's recipe swap was Main Course Salads. With the heat of summer in full force, as well as an abundance of gorgeous fresh produce in supermarkets and farmers markets, we can all use some lighter, healthier recipes.

I always hope whoever gets my recipe likes it, so I was thrilled to see that Katie's whole family liked the BBQ Chicken Salad:


Moviegirl03 loved her recipe for Southwestern Chicken Salad:


Jaida's recipe for Quinoa and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad introduced her to not one but two new ingredients:


There was supposed to be steak in the Cookaholic Wife's recipe for Steak and Artichoke Salad, but unfortunately her fridge didn't cooperate and she had to leave it out:


Heather really enjoyed her recipe for Chicken Salad with Strawberries & Dried Cranberries:


Jey's recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad didn't disappoint:


Even though my husband wouldn't touch my recipe for Strawberry, Orange and Grilled Chicken Salad, I loved it:

Want to see what other Main Course Salad recipes were made during the swap? Here is the link to the Main Course Salad Recipe Swap Roundup

This week's recipe swap theme was Main Course Salads. I know a lot of people like to eat lighter, healthier meals in the summer but still want a meal that's substantial enough to last until morning. My recipe was Strawberry, Orange and Grilled Chicken Salad:


In the interest of full disclosure, SP didn't even attempt to eat this one. As soon as I told him what I'd made for dinner he said he "didn't do fruit in salads unless it was a fruit salad" and promptly heated up some leftovers. Oh well, more for me. I really enjoyed this salad. I happen to love fruit in salads and the combination of the strawberries and mandarin oranges was perfect. I added some blue cheese and sliced almonds and I think they were great additions that helped cut some of the sweetness from the other ingredients.

Strawberry, Orange and Grilled Chicken Salad
Adapted from The Cookaholic Wife

6 cups baby spinach leaves
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups strawberries, diced
1 cup mandarin oranges, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
Raspberry vinaigrette (recipe below)
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Add desired amount of dressing, toss well to coat. Season with pepper, to taste. Serve cold.

Raspberry Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
1/8 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon raspberry preserves
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Fresh tarragon, minced
Black pepper
1 shallot, minced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Honey, to taste

Blend all the ingredients, except the sugar or honey, in a food processor, adding water as necessary to adjust the consistency. Add honey to taste at the very end.

Actually they're hazel...

But that doesn't rhyme does it?

Yesterday was my birthday...

I turned 52...

52...

Don't get me wrong, it really is just a number to me. I'm not bummed out, freaked out or burned out.

Really I am mostly amazed. How did I get to be 52?

My daughter~in~law asked me how it felt to be 52...

Well, pretty much like it felt to be 51 the day before...

I'm not getting older...

I'M GETTING BETTER.

<center><a href="http://athomewithk.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/MommasPrimitives/linkypartybutton-1-1.jpg"/></a></center>

Here are the rules:

1. Your project must be made or bought for $10 or less. Crafts, Makeovers, Thrift Finds, Recipes, Kids Projects...
2. Please do not link up Online Shops or Giveaways.
3. You can link up multiple projects.
4. Link to the specific post and not to the main page of your blog.
5. Add the Terrific Under Ten Tuesdays button to your post, side bar, or linky party list.
6. Visit at least one other project and leave a comment. We all love comments!

Then I'll feature some favorites on the next Terrific Under Ten Tuesday.

*By linking up, you give me the permission to use your photo(s) from your post.

So this afternoon I’m doing my Summer Newsletter for my website and I sent out e-mails to all of my contacts. I had done up the Newsletter and turned it into a PDF file for an attachment…yep, you guessed it. I forgot to attach it and everyone got a blank e-mail.
So I repeated! See what I mean by needing to slow down. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Anyway on with the busy…between Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthday’s, 2 Graduation’s and 2 Graduation Parties, 2 funerals and then the procedure which has kept me rather quiet…all of this was in a bit over a months time!

I’m ready for a break…we’re going to Arkansas the middle of July for a Cousin’s Reunion so that’s going to be my first break…not sure that Arkansas would be my first choice for a getaway but I’ll take what I can get at this point.

I think I’m trying to do too much at once…maybe it’s because I’m feeling better – not good, but much better since the procedure last week and that gives me some ‘faux energy’…I think I can do more than I can!
Not sure when the full effect will kick in all the way but the Dr. said 4-8 weeks…well, I don’t have that kind of time to sit still. Anyone who knows me knows this is killing me.
My backside looks like a pincushion – and very black and blue. I was really under the anesthesia because I don’t remember a thing except asking them to give it to me nice and strong and the next thing I was back in my room and then I slept the rest of the day. I was numb from that point on down to my toes for two days. This weekend I finally started getting the full feeling back in those areas. Please let’s hope this thing works!

Our Granddaughter’s Graduation party was Saturday – had a good time and there were lots of family and friends on all sides.
I took lots of pictures but to you they would just be ‘people milling around’ so I won’t bore you with them.

Alexandra by her cake and photo table

Alex’s Stepmother Jamie made her cake – she wanted a Marble cake with Strawberry filling and so Jamie being the ‘best Stepmother in the world’ made her very first one! She did a wonderful job didn’t she?

I’m not for Tattoo’s but Alex decided she was going to get a hip Tattoo with her 18th birthday money in honor of her baby sister who was a still birth late in the pregnancy – I think it turned out quite nice.

Naturally we don’t have a family gathering that I don’t get a photo of Aidan.
One of the guests brought her 4 week old puppies to show everyone.

 

And as Angie his cousin was leaving he got a ride with her.
Alex’s dad Dan and Alex in back

DON’T FORGET TO LOOK ON THE LEFT
SIDEBAR FOR SOME ITEMS I HAVE ON SALE ON MY SITE.

I have also added some new size
President Canvas Prints to the Primitives category
I had many requests for smaller sizes to tuck back in a shelf
I’m also offering them in a Sepia tone as well
5x5 Stretched Canvas and 5x7 Stretched Canvas

If you want to be on my Newsletter list just e-mail me

I think I’m getting crazy the longer I’m in this business - I’m considering signing up for a very large Craft Show in Lititz, PA for next August. It’s a bit late for this year to make new designs and different products but if I’m accepted I’ll have the better part of a year to prepare.  So I had better get my creative ideas flowing.

I’m getting my ‘lost blog list’ back on my sidebar. I forgot how to do it the easy way so it has been a one by one process…again, I need to slow down and these things won’t happen!
Thanks to everyone who contacted me and if you aren’t on and want to be…please e-mail me.

Oh and I forgot…at the top of my blog where the tabs are…I put my Amish Fiction book list – I’ve already had people e-mail me asking about information on some of the books. So if you like to read Amish Fiction go check it out.

We’ve eaten so much ‘party food’ the past month I’m ready for a steak so that’s what is on the menu for this evening…time to go get it ready.

Karen

My friend Jaida recently posted this recipe for Crispy Margarita Chicken Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa, which she saw on How Sweet It Is. I'm always on the lookout for new Mexican recipes and this sounded delicious.


Unfortunately, while I thought they were delicious (especially the salsa) SP wasn't a fan. I didn't even notice this when I was making the recipe, but there's no sauce except for the juices from the salsa. The chicken, while moist and crispy in and of itself, was a little dry when mixed with all the other ingredients. I'm not sure what kind of sauce would go well, maybe sour cream mixed with lime and coriander? If you have any suggestions please leave a comment.


Crispy Margarita Chicken Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa
How Sweet It Is

4 chicken breasts
8 4-inch tortillas (corn, whole wheat, flour)
3 cups panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
Zest of 3 limes
1 teaspoon ground coriander

Marinade:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup tequila
1/4 cup lime juice
Zest of 2 limes
1 teaspoon ground coriander

Salsa:
1 avocado, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped
4 large strawberries, chopped
Juice of half a lime
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Toppings: shredded lettuce, freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, lime wedges

At least 2 hours, but no more than 24 hours before making the tacos, combine the marinade ingredients in a plastic food storage bag. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then slice it into strips lengthwise. Put the chicken in the bag, seal and let marinate in the fridge until ready to cook.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Combine panko, flour, lime zest and coriander in a bowl. Lay a wire rack on a baking sheet covered with tinfoil and spray with non-stick spray. Remove chicken from marinade and coat strips in panko mixture, pressing so crumbs adhere. Let them on the baking sheet then give them a quick spray of non-stick spray or olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake 10 more.

While chicken is cooking, combine avocado, tomato, strawberries and onion. Mix with salt, pepper and lime juice.

Heat tortillas if desired, then serve with crisp chicken, salsa, and toppings. Spritz with lime wedges.

I just realized the theme for this week's menu is chicken. I try to make sure we have some variety in terms of protein but alas.

Sunday - Strawberry, Orange and Grilled Chicken Salad

Monday - Date Night

Tuesday - Chicken Tikka Masala, basmati rice, naan and raita

Wednesday - Pulled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, caprese pasta salad

Thursday - Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Friday - Burgers on the grill, quick potato salad

That's what I get for fooling around and trying to 'clean up' - didn't work did it? Arghhhh!!!!!

I promise I will get you back on my sidebar as soon as I can...I did this once before and forgot who was on there and how to do it...need to get help with that.

In the meantime...I will have to go on my list on my dashboard to visit you.

Karen

I've had this recipe for Eggplant Panini printed out and ready to make since Lishie submitted it for a recipe swap on my life board, but I didn't want to make it until I could pick fresh basil from my backyard. I finally got my herb garden going a few weeks ago and immediately put this on the menu for the first week after my big work conference.


I made a few modifications, replacing the roasted red peppers with tomato sauce, ditching the balsamic simply because I forgot to include it, and using flour and egg to coat the eggplant instead of breadcrumbs (which is how we make our eggplant rollatini). I'd really like to try it with the roasted red pepper and balsamic next time. SP gave this sandwich his highest honor - he said it tasted like something he'd get at a restaurant. High praise indeed!

Eggplant Panini
Modified from DeLish!

1 eggplant
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
6-8 leaves fresh basil, thinly sliced
1 cup marinara sauce
4 Italian sub rolls

Trim the stems and ends from the eggplants. Remove strips of peel about 1" wide from the eggplants, leaving about 1/2 the peel intact. Cut the eggplant lengthwise into 1/4" slices and place them in a colander. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt, tossing to expose all slices, and let drain 1 hour. Rinse eggplant under cool running water, drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.

Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl and put the flour in another bowl. Heat the oil in a saute pan on medium-high heat. Dip the eggplant slice first in the egg then coat the slices with flour. Add to the oil, making sure not to crowd the pan, and cook until they are golden, about 2-3 minutes each side. Allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate.

To assemble the sandwiches - cut each roll in half. Spread marinara sauce on each slice of bread. Layer the eggplant, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves. Close the assembled sandwiches and cook either on a panini press or on a grill pan with a weight on the sandwich (another pan or heavy plate) until the mozzarella is melted. Serve hot.

If you've read this blog for any length of time you know how much I love carbonara. I discovered it with a good friend when we were studying abroad and have been in love with it ever since. When I saw Kicked-Up Carbonara on Cassie's blog I knew it would be a winner in my book.


I made a few changes in order to incorporate some of the flavors I love from my traditional carbonara recipe (sliced onion and vermouth) and swapped fresh tomato for the red pepper since neither of us are big pepper fans. The result was utterly delicious - rich and creamy, with a bright burst from the tomatoes. I also loved the addition of the spinach. Carbonara is my guilty pleasure, so if I can add some veggies in it makes me feel better about eating it. Thanks again, Cassie!


Kicked-Up Carbonara
Adapted from Cassie Craves

1 pound linguine or spaghetti
8 pieces thick-sliced bacon, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
1/4 cup vermouth
2 cups fresh baby spinach
4 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup half-and-half
Dash of nutmeg
1/2 cup shredded Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return pasta to pan.

Meanwhile, in large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Add garlic and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Add vermouth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; boil gently, uncovered, 3 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add spinach and cook 1 minute, or until wilted. Add pasta to skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the syrupy liquid.

In medium bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, nutmeg and Pecorino cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Off heat (this is very important or the eggs will scramble) add egg mixture to skillet and toss to coat. Add the tomatoes. Taste and season with more salt, pepper or cheese, if necessary and serve immediately.

So happy to announce that my GARDEN COTTAGE has been featured in STORAGE SOLUTIONS magazine!

Page 141, upper right corner. There it is, my little cottage! It even got a "best case" tag! I picked my copy up at Home Depot and was surprised that it has alot of good articles and suggestions in it.


Who would think all those years ago when it was built that magazines would find it worthy?

Pinchin' myself again.

Maybe not in that order -
On Saturday night our oldest Darren and his family took us out to dinner for Father’s Day – isn’t it nice when the spouse gets to enjoy the benefits of the occasion?
Took a couple photos before we left
 

Darren and Aidan batted a few wiffel balls around first…and got a tad silly.

Sunday morning on Father’s Day Doug and I went to a flea market south of us and I found another piece of Pewter – it’s a beat up ole Tankard but I love the wear on these old pieces. For what ever reason the dents got in it I’m not sure – but it shows someone used it and well. And it only cost me $2.00 so the dents really didn’t matter at that point.

Monday late afternoon we went back over to Darren’s place for Aidan’s 3rd Birthday – I can’t believe how old that little guy is getting and I’m thinking he may be good at Golf

3 Generations

They served us a delicious dinner of Ham, Scalloped Potatoes and fresh Green Beans.

Time for Cake!

 

Now some gifts!
There were many, many relatives there so he received lots of gifts – I’ll spare you the pictures and show a couple.
 

 

Mommy and Daddy bought him a picnic table

 

 

 

Also…I want to mention that I have started selling KITS on my website. I have 6 designs available at the moment. You can find them here:
http://www.kmprimitives.com/catalog.php?category=48

Thanks for sticking with me through this picture intense post.

Karen