I'M A DESIGNER!

Dear Diary-
I must say i am pretty impressed with my sketching skills! Dad is coming over next weekend to build our banquettes in our sunroom. Now this could be quite an adventure-let's see how many arguments occur over this. Anyway here are my master plans...i think it looks pretty stellar. Let's see how it looks come next weekend...i need to learn to sew cushions....

Learning Southern Roots

Dear Dairy-
My dear dear dear sweet southern, dip spitting, NASCAR watching husband Gabe has given me his wish list. At least once a week I have been asked to incorporate a southern meal. So he sent me over a list...now it's my turn to get all Southern... maybe I can ask Paula Dean to be my friend on Facebook and ask her for some help. Then she could invite me on her show.... yes this might work out just perfect




These are Gabe’s Southern Sides- Jen can pick the meat any way she chooses :)

Brown and Serve
Fried Okra
Fried Squash
Beans of some sort (pinto, kidney..ect)
Cornbread
Mashed potatoes ( with brown gravy )
Sweet potato’s
Steamed cabbage
Dumplings
Green beans
Corn off the cob
Macaroni and cheese
Baked apples

Cabbage and Pinto Beans

Diary-
I am so so confused. How did I manage to marry someone with such an awful culinary taste?! I mean Gabe is open to trying new things and we do enjoy some of the same things but then out of nowhere something like this happens. Keep in mind I was talking about making meatloaf sandwiches tonight....then we got into the sides.....

GABE: you gonna get some nice bread to put the meatloaf on tonight?
GABE: some nice toasted french
GABE: maybe some steamed cabbage on the side
GABE: with some pinto beans?
JEN: what?! ewwwww
JEN: cabbage and pinto beans?!
GABE: mmm
GABE: i love that combo
GABE: i never get anything i like
JEN: gabe that is a DISGUSTING combo!
JEN: where did you ever eat that?!
GABE: if you tell my dad that he will shoot you-
JEN: I have spaghetti squash as a side tonight
GABE: that is a staple of southern cuisine
GABE: NO
JEN: OKRA is a staple cabbage and pinto beans is not
GABE: i hate that\
JEN: you have never had it
GABE: there are some black eyed peas in the cabin
JEN: it's good at Bone Fish
GABE: cabinate
GABE: just heat those up for me
JEN: is that how you spell cabinet?
GABE: yes
JEN: we need to work on your palate

My culinary school friend Jerkie agreed with me saying that the cabbage and pinto beans combo
"sounds like an air lingus flight crashed off somewhere in mexico and the survivors intermarried with the natives and had to eat what they had to survive"

A+ for the Veggie Tart!

Dear Diary-
Oh Diary I told you that veggie tart was tasty! Miss Beth tried it out and just look at her comments below!

I just wanted to tell you I made your roasted veggie pie last week and it was fabulous! Craig could not stop eating until after his third helping! He even called his sister (who's husband is a chef) to come by and try it out. I think we found a new family favorite. I think we will try the fig tart this week. I have another crust left over. :)


Thanks,
Beth Miller

No Soup For You- NO MONEY FOR YOU!

Dear Diary-
Dude what the hell- I'm sick and just wanted some good Tom Yum soup from the Thai House. Well now I'm pissed... who doesn't let you pay over the phone?! Help a sick sister out. I was going to have my nice coworker pick me up some tasty Tom Yum soup but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO they can't take the payment over the phone. So I got mad and hung up.
Curious as to what Tom Yum is? It's this amazing Thai Soup... it's tangy, spicy and filling. Look how good it looks!! Damn it Bobby....
The below recipe is from www.recipezaar.com
Ingredients
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 green onions, sliced (optional)
2 small tomatoes, cut into eighths
1/2 lb skinless chicken breast, diced (*) or 8 ounces extra firm tofu, pressed and drained, cubed (*)
10 canned straw mushrooms
5 button mushrooms, quartered
4 cups chicken stock or mushroom stock (*)
2 stalks lemongrass, cut the stalks diagonally 2-inch long, scored lightly
6 kaffir lime leaves, fresh, scored lightly
6 slices fresh ginger (approximately 1-inch in diameter, 1/8-inch thick)
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 1/4 teaspoons chili paste (Nam Prik Pao, Thai chili paste with soya oil)
2 serrano chilies, thickly sliced (optional)
1 cup fresh cilantro, washed and roughly diced
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup lime juice (to taste)
2 tablespoons peanut oil
Directions
In a medium-sized soup pot, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Saute the chicken and/or tofu, onion (not the green onions), half each of the ginger and lemongrass until the chicken is only a little bit pink and the onion translucent.

Add the stock, fish sauce, remaining ginger and lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and (optional) serrano chilies. Simmer 10 - 15 minute covered on medium-low heat.

Add the sugar, Nam Prik Pao, and sliced tomatoes. Simmer an additional 2 minute.

Turn heat fully to low and add the lime juice to taste. Add half of the diced cilantro and the green onions, then let simmer on low for another few minutes.

Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro and serve with additional lime juice.

May I See Your ID?

Dear Diary-
Gabe was so kind as to give me his cold. So I went to the store today to pick up some Nyquil to kick my cold. I was IDed when I tried to check out. Confused because I was not buying any alcohol I asked what for and the check out girl said she needed to make sure I was of age to buy the Nyquil. OK then... well I guess it makes me feel good that being nearly 31 that I was IDed to make sure I was 18. Not too bad :)

Short Lived

Dear Diary-
Well damn it- the turtles were not a success :( The sneaky little things freaking ran away last night! Not sure how far they got- they are little turtles but still- we no longer have turtle pets. Maybe they didn't like their names. Anyway I feel like Jessica Simpson- maybe I should put out an alert.... I'm pretty sure that they weren't taken by coyotes though... bet they are still alive.

Our New Babies

Dear Diary-
Oh Gabe brought home our new babies today. Our new additions to the Isham Family- which so far includes
Kiwi- the chihuahua
Caleb- the boxer
Cesar- the rottweiler

Fish- we have a ton of fish in Gabe's "showpiece" of a giant 100 gallon fish tank

Well now we have two new babies. Our new turtles for our new pond...
This is Tahini and Gabe named his Stinky...my name is much much better

Dear Diary-
Housewife 2.0 to the rescue... maybe i need a cape. My friend Tricia has her hands full with a busy family and kids. Her oldest has decided that she is now a vegetarian and Tricia is in need of some help...

okay miss house wife 2.0...:o) My 8 year old animal lover Alexa, just decided that she is now a vegetarian! Will not eat meat and barely ever touches her veggies... got any creative recipe's for kid friendly veg. meals??? or perhaps good website to check out some recipes? and don't forget this has to feed Jeff, myself and 3 little boys! :P... up to a challenge? :o)

Tricia- I'm on the case! Anyone else have this problem? It's so important for growing kids to get a balanced diet so for their growing bodies- we don't want any malnourished kidos on our hands! The important thing is to provide a balanced meal that will please the new vegetarian and keep the rest of the family happy too!
Here some tips...

1. Interactive Cooking Family Style- get the kids in the kitchen- Tricia...hubby Jeff can help too! :) How bout have a kabob night? The whole family came make their own kabobs- have plenty of fresh hearty veggies for Alexa ( take her shopping to pick out new and cool veggies at the store, ibet she would love a mom and Alexa day to a local Farmer's Market...kids love to be involved ) and some added cubed chicken, steak or shrimp for the rest to add to their skewers. Same can go for build your own pizzas or loaded baked potato bar.

2. Sneak in the protein! Casseroles or stuffed shells are a great way to sneak in some meat here and there...

3. Beans and Eggs are great sources of protien and needed nutients. It's ok to have breakfast for dinner too! Pancakes and eggs can make for a fun and unexpected dinner for the kids. Egg salad sandwiches make for an easy school lunch and Cheese and Bean Burritos or Quesadillas are always a hit too!

Important thing again is to make sure your animal loving miss Alexa gets what she needs. A daily vitamin is essential if she is wanting to take a stand against eating meats. Here is a nice article on kids and vegetarianism.... good luck mom! :)
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/nutrition/vegetarian_diets.html

Running the Stairs VS Cheesecake and Curry

Dear Dairy-
ughhhhhhhhhhhhh I felt so good today after I drug my co worker Treena with me and we ran up and down all the stairs in our building after the day ended. We huffed and puffed our way up and felt the burn. Then when I got home as I made some Vegetable Green Curry- I found myself sampling some left over chocolate mousse cheesecake. Ahh dang it- going with that negated my fitness...anyway it felt good running the stairs, felt good nibbling on cheesecake and really good eating the curry. The only thing that feels good right now is the wine I'm sipping as I sit on the cough feeling WAY to full! My friend Katie would be disappointed because I obviously went way beyond feeling satiated and ate too much! More stairs tomorrow....

Vegetable Green Curry
1 red bell pepper sliced
1/2 red onion sliced
1 can of drained water chestnuts
2 cloves of garlic chopped
hand full of cilantro leaves
1 13.5oz can of coconut milk
2 tbs Green Curry Paste
2 tsp of Fish Sauce
2 tbs of brown sugar
1 tsp lime juice

Saute the vegetables and garlic until cooked thru
Combine remaining ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes
Serve over rice and top with cilantro leaves

This makes for a good vegetarian dish or you can add chicken or shrimp for some added protein

Hair Night, Accessories and Eggrolls OH MY!

Dear Dairy-
I tell you what- hair night is BY FAR my most favorite thing to look forward to every 6 weeks. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my fierce hairdresser miss Bre- I've known her since the 5th grade and think she is a genius with hair. She actually made a call back for the Sheer Genius show- but we think the show may have gone off the air- we can't find info on it anymore.. interesting. Anyway you should check out her blog- it's hilarious! http://hairdrama101.blogspot.com/
Well after I had my nice new hair did I went on over to the mall for a cheap accessory shopping spree then met up with Bre for dinner. We realized that we both have a mutual love for the Avocado Eggrolls at the Cheesecake Factory. These things are so so so good- I'm sure they are bad bad bad for you but who cares if you split them right?! Anyway here is a copy cat recipe for all those out there who love them too!


dipping sauce
3-4 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon tamarind pulp**
1/2 cup honey
1 pinch powdered saffron, opt.
1/2 cup cashews or peanuts
2/3 cup fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves
2 green onions
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup olive oil


egg rolls
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, & diced
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped***
1 tablespoon minced red onion or shallot
1/2 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 pinch salt
3 egg roll wraps
1 egg, beaten (I use warm water. Works great. Not worth wasting and egg.)


Stir together vinegars, tamarind, honey, and saffron in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave for 1 minute.
Stir until tamarind is dissolved.
In a blender, Puree tamarind mixture, cashews, 2/3 cup cilantro, garlic, onions, sugar, pepper, and cumin.
Pour mixture into a bowl and stir in oil.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Gently stir together avocado, tomatoes, onion, 1/2 teaspoon cilantro, and salt.
Distribute filling evenly onto center of each egg roll wrapper.
Position a wrapper so that a corner is pointing toward you; fold the bottom corner up, 1/4 of the way over the filling.
Brush remaining corners and edges of the wrapper with egg, roll up from side to side, fold top corner over all and press to seal.
Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Continue by deep-frying the egg rolls in 375 degree oil for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
Drain on brown paper bags.
Slice egg rolls diagonally across middle and serve with prepared dipping sauce!
ENJOY!

More Veggies Please!

Dearest Diary-
I got a message from a friend that is need of some culinary intervention! Miss Helen is the super talented and lovely wife of my college roommate John. Oh yeah and she is also one heck of a Mary Kay rep- she has her very own Pink Cadillac! It's very pretty- just like her. Anyway she is in need of some veggies in her menu planning-

Subject: Hey Sweetums--need 'cooking' advice

Hey Sweetuns!

I am really needing some yummy 'non-boring' healthy recipes to increase the
amount of veggies we are getting each day. Do you know of any great cookbooks I
could buy that would help me in this? (We are also trying to eat more
organically) You're my diva when it comes to cooking so I thought I'd ask:-)
Miss you! xoxo

Miss Helen- instead of going out and buying a cookbook- there are a ton of online resources that I adore. That way you are saving a tree or two in your quest for more veggies and organic living! For all you Diary fans out there here are a few of my favorite recipe go to sites. My fav is recipezaar- great tools for menu planning and even your grocery list! Tons of pictures and comments. Have fun cooking for John and Gracyn- miss you too dear!

www.recipezaar.com
www.chef2chef.com
http://www.edenfoods.com/recipes this is a good organic site
www.foodnetwork.com had to put that on in! :)

Subs to Puff Pastry Hearts

Dear Diary-
Ugh I am one tired human. I have been walking around today wondering why my lower back was killing me- I've finally realized it was from listing 3,100 pounds of Tennessee river rock. Granted it was not all at once... but still i picked up each mini boulder and passed them to Gabe so he could construct his pond. He is very proud of his pond and it's nearly done. Maybe then he can go back to putting the last coat of red paint on the front door that is still sporting blue painters tape.
Seeing that I'm exhausted I figured I'd show you some pics of some of last week's and this weekend's tasty plates... recipes to come later- maybe. Realistically they aren't coming but maybe I'll get this overwhelming urge to follow up before I forget...I need to go take some IB Profin and maybe a hot bubble bath in my nice big jet tub...
 

 

 

 

Opportunities

Dear Diary-
I must say I am pretty pumped about the latest and greatest potential things on the horizon. I have a couple big meetings next week. I'm thinking that the future is looking so bright i gotta wear shades........

Prelude to the Dream

Diary-
Ugh I am tired! The last hour of work was just a ridiculous chaos of 60 minutes. I thought my head was going to explode from my blood pressure sky rocketing out of control- good thing I went to visit my friend after work who graciously offered me a glass of wine. Then I scared the hell out of her 4 months old twins because they had no clue who I was- note to self need to visit them more! :(
Anyway cooked meatball sandwiches and a great pasta salad for the boys tonight. They rented the Prelude to the Dream race on pay per view and I did the cooking. I hung around long enough to watch my NASCAR love Kasey Kahne win his first race- but was too tired to stay and watch him perhaps take it all again- twice in a week that would be nice- GO KASEY!
Anyway I left my camera over at the race house and Gabe can't find it... i know it's sitting on the counter. So the recipe for the meatball sandwich and the pasta salad with pictures will come tomorrow. Off to bed for me- night night termite Diary!

Little Chefs

Dear Dairy-
Ok so I have talented friends and the cutest "nieces and nephews"!This is miss Charlotte, my friend Kelly's cutie pie. This is her first time helping Mommy bake. Charlotte is making some cupcakes- Kelly said that she cried when the cupcakes went into the oven... bet she will like decorating them with the icing and sprinkles.. if only they had Elmo sprinkles- Charlotte LOVES Elmo. Aunt Jen loves it that Charlotte is getting into the kitchen- way to go Mommy Kelly!

Vegetarian Delight

Dear Diary-
This one is for Erika- and I bet her hubby wouldn't mind it either. I had my slice nice and cold out of the fridge- Gabe said he would prefer his to have been served hot. Seeing that our hood and microwave has yet to be installed in the house and Gabe has no patience..he ate his cold as well- and because I cooked- he just eats. So Erika and all you other non meat eaters out there here you go...
Roasted Vegetable and Swiss Cheese Tart

1 9inch store bought pie crust
3/4 cup of heavy cream
1 egg
1 cup of grated swiss cheese
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 red bell peppers
1/2 large red onion
1/2 pint of sliced baby bella mushrooms
1/2 small eggplant
1 yellow squash
5-6 garlic cloves

Preheat Oven to 425
Bake pie crust in oven for 6 minutes then set aside to cool
Combine all veggies except mushrooms and roast after tossing with olive oil, salt and pepper and fresh thyme springs for 15 minutes- stir occasionally. After done baking set aside to cool
Saute up the mushrooms in butter and a little oil to create a nice caramelized outer crust
At the same time bring the heavy cream to a boil along with 2 crushed garlic cloves and a spring of thyme. After cream comes to a boil turn down to simmer for 5 minutes (keep an eye on it so it doesn't overflow the pot- BIG MESS!)
After the pie crust and veggies are cool layer the veggies into the pie crust- either all mixed up or in nice layers.
Combine the heavy cream ( once cooled ), egg and cheese then pour over the veggies inside the tart.
Bake at 425 for another 15 minutes- keep a eye on the crust to make sure it doesn't burn.

Refrigerate or serve hot... YUMMY VEGETARIAN DINNER! Makes for a good lunch the day after too! 

League Love

Dear Dairy-
I am telling you what Diary- I have some pretty snazzy friends. Ok so Keri from Mimi & Dolores http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mimi-and-Dolores-by-keri-visconti/111868675950 has teamed up with her fantastic dress designing friend Gloria to make the hottest game day wear. I want everyone to check out League Love! Look for League Love on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/League-Love/159082318274?ref=ts - below is what they are all about. Or contact Keri and Gloria at LeagueLove@gmail.com



Introducing League Love, a dashing, chic way to wear your teams colors and wear them comfortably!

We are two New York City gals with a passion for chic comfortable looks. After searching unsuccessfully for years for the perfect game day gear, we took matters into our own hands and voila! League Love was created. For sure check them out!
We want to outfit every sassy, chic fan who wants to get rowdy for her team, and look dashing while doing it.

This fun design can be worn in so many different ways. The style and fit of these dresses make them ideal for all body types. Check out our photos for some unique ways to wear your League Love dress, but keep in mind, there are many other options for you to discover.
We have both long and short silhouettes in either orange or blue, customizable colors upon request. These dresses are made with a super soft Bamboo Stretch Cotton Fabric which is moisture wicking and antimicrobial for those long game days outside!

One size fits all, special sizing upon request. If you order by Monday, you will have your dress in time for that weeks game! Major credit cards accepted. Email us at leaguelove@gmail.com with questions and to place your order

CONGRATS KERI AND GLORIA! Wow my talented friends amaze me! :)

What's For Dinner

Dear Diary-
Just laid out my recipes for this week's menu. What a great way to spend Labor Day- enjoying being off work, planned ou my menu and might lay by the pool to even out only getting sun on half of my body yesterday. They distinct line down my legs is not that hot. This week's menu has some tasty dinners that don't include meat- this for my friend Erika who can't handle eating animals anymore. Check back for the recipes and pics each day this week...
Monday
Baked Stuffed Clams with Grilled Artichokes
Tuesday
Roasted Vegetables and Cheese Tart
Wednesday
Meatball Sandwiches with roasted corn & tri colored pasta salad
Thursday
Broiled tilapia with butternut squash puree and crispy new potatoes
Friday
Date Night- Jen is now cooking :)
Gabe is eating well this week

The Ultimate Harvest Cookbook

Dear Diary-
OH Diary- as I was checking out of the grocery store line the other day at the neighborhood Publix- which I still have not mastered. You know how I like to know my aisles and have my game plan all mapped out before I enter the store- this new Publix I now shop at is all set up different. I can't find a lot of things and get all flustered- my once a week trips have turned into like 3 trips a week. Anyway when I was checking out with almost all of my list I picked up the new Ultimate Harvest Cookbook by Gourmet magazine. OH WOW there are so many DELICIOUS looking treats in there! I so so so recommend everyone go get this now! The recipes inside are not overly complicated yet will for sure make you step outside of the normal dinner dishes that grace the tables in so many homes. I'm gonna be on the hunt for squash blossoms this weekend at the local Farmer's markets to see if I can whip up the Squash Blossoms stuffed with Ricotta Cheese that is on page 93- I've been craving them since I was in Maine and saw a few in Mom's garden. Ugh Diary- why can't I just get paid to get overly excited about food? ONE DAY... ONE DAY