words to video
I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.
A Blog About Nothing
On my commute home this evening I thought about blog topics. I had a particular one in my mind when I walked through the door of my home but then my mind suddenly cleared. The family was busy doing homework, studying for finals, and news watching. As busy as they were they made it clear they were hungry. My mood changed. I felt calm, some how more relaxed. Almost like I didn't have a care in the world.
I started to prepare dinner and my hubby asked if I wanted a glass of wine. I pondered what I wanted as he called out bottles from the wine fridge and I realized what I wanted. I was in the mood for Prosecco, which is basically Italian champagne. I enjoyed a couple of glasses while I cooked a delicious but rich dinner. I am usually pretty health conscious when it comes to what I feed my family but tonight was a little indulgence. I made gluten free fettuccine with tuscan chicken, and to be honest it was delicious. Not regrets. No big servings.
Still relaxed from my Prosecco and maybe a little sleepy too, it's time for a little reading and a nice bath. I am currently reading Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder. Super excited to start Night Study this weekend.
Okay I guess this blog was about a couple of things. My sudden euphoria, Prosecco, Tuscan Chicken, and what I am currently reading. So my questions to you are what are you drinking, what are you eating, what are you reading???
Side note: A big shout out to Barilla for making really good gluten free pasta. I was so excited to see they finally make fettuccine.
What's Growing In Your Garden?
I love gardening. In fact there is always something growing in my backyard and window sills. I am not a beginner since I have mastered growing lettuce, parsley, basil, and rosemary. I am fortunate enough to always be able to go into my backyard for some fresh herbs.
Unfortunately I still struggle with growing tomatoes, which is a hit or miss process for me. I have grown as many tomatoes as tomatoes plants I have killed. I have had a lot of success growing cilantro in the past until I change the location for the planting, which was a bad idea. Currently I am back to growing cilantro in a well drained pot in full sun and having much success. I also have collards growing well in the garden but from past experience these are a favorite of rabbits. My husband rabbit proofed the yard and so far so good.
In my window sill I am trying a new technique of growing thyme, mint, and chives in mason jars. I lightly water daily and so far the thyme is growing well after three weeks. Nothing so far with the chives but I am not giving up hope yet. The mint is sprouting so maybe by the 4th of July the hubby and I will be sipping mojitos in the backyard from our home grown mint.
What's growing in your garden?
Cajun Paste...A Pantry Must Have!
This past winter, yes technically it's still Winter, but not for those of us living in So Cal, I discovered my new favorite thing...Cajun Paste. I was shopping at William-Sonoma for products to make my Thanksgiving and Christmas a little less labor intensive. I came across a product called Turkey Paste - Cajun Spice. I also purchased a yummy rosemary-garlic brine mix.
I mulled it over decided I wouldn't use the paste for the turkey for two reasons. The first being that I have a kids and worried it might be too spicy. The second was that Thanksgiving is too special of a day for me to risk screwing up the bird. I decided to start small. A nice cajun roasted chicken was the first test. The cajun paste jar is small but packed with flavor.
The direction suggest coating the bird inside and out, making sure to get under that breast skin, and allowing to marinade for about two hours. I roasted the chicken as normal and was rewarded with a delicious, flavorful bird. It was spicy so my youngest had a hotdog and green beans for dinner.
I started imagining all of the other uses for the paste. Next I added a teaspoon to home fried potatoes as they cooked for breakfast. Another hit with family. My best discover yet has been using the paste on seafood. Cajun baked tilapia is my new favorite thing. Spoon a teaspoon of cajun paste over each fillet and bake for about 23-25 minutes depending size of pieces at 400 degrees. So yummy!
Another great recipe is cajun shrimp. Toss about a pound of shelled shrimp with 2 tablespoons of paste and lay out on baking sheet. In a 350 degree oven, bake for about 10 minutes.
I have no affiliation with William-Sonoma, but I just wanted to pass on a great find. And psst, I'll tell you a little secret. I have figured out how to make my own, and it tastes just as good, if not better!