The Big Yellow Slide.

I grew up going to the Minnesota State Fair.  Every year we would plot and plan how we'd eat our way around the fair.  And as a kid I looked forward to my yearly trip down the big yellow slide.  Now that Penelope is almost two I decided to revisit the tradition take her down with me.  I don't remember it being that fast.

And in the end there were tears...

...because she wanted to go down the slide again!  She's fearless.



Besides the going down the slide she enjoyed many cheese curds, visiting the animals, and missing her nap!

And now when you ask her to smile she makes a very silly face...

Can't wait for next year!!!

Grilled Chicken and Avocado Sandwiches.

Trying to savor every last moment of grilling season.  This gem is from Simply Recipes and it turned out delicious!  Here's what I learned...

1. 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder = very mild in spice.  I would at least double that if you want any sort of heat.
2. Topped our sandwiches with Monterey jack cheese, avocado slices, crispy bacon, and a little bit of mayo.  YUM!

Recipe can be found here:  Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

The Dora Effect.

My Top Three.

I love to cook but going out to eat is a very close second!  Here are my top three out to eat meals:

(All of these stock photos are killing me.  In person all of these dishes are much better, promise.)



Number three:  Chicken Pad Thai from Tum Rup Thai in Minneapolis.  I get it minus the sprouts because I don't care for the texture of them.  This picture does not do it justice!

Number Two:  Turkey O'Toole from Bennigans. I love this sandwich so much!  It has a soft pretzel bun, warm turkey with gooey cheese, and a smoky honey Dijon dressing.  The Bennigans near our house closed a few years ago.  I found out Trader Joes has pretzel bread on Saturday and picked some up on Sunday!  Way too excited to attempt a Turkey O'Tootle copy.  Stay tuned!

Number One:  This is something I don't usually order while at a restaurant.  Tried it on a whim and almost passed out from deliciousness overload.  It is the Fettucine Alfredo from Paesano of Mulberry Street in NYC.  It's like nothing you have ever tasted before in your life.  Simply amazing.  You are probably thinking what a boring number one!  But don't judge.  By a plane ticket to NYC and go.  Right now.  And bring me a to go bag.

I would love to hear some of your favorite meals in the comments!!!  Talking about food is almost as good as eating it!  Almost.

Nacho Beef Bake.

This is something my husband would never eat.  It's been in the "make when Alan is out of town pile" for a while now.  I invited my guinea pigs over for dinner and here's what I learned:

1. I used Rotel instead of plain diced tomatoes.  Original Rotel is spicy!  Next time I think I will go with mild.
2. I love olives.  Love.  This recipe calls for an entire jar.  I can't believe I am saying this but I think it was too much!  Maybe 1/2 - 3/4 jar next time?
3. Velveeta makes everything better.  Maybe add a few cubes for extra creaminess.
4. The sour cream and tortillas chips on top are a must.

Recipe can be found here:  Nacho Beef Bake

I Like Her.

I often think about how quickly time is passing with her. I tell myself our relationship will grow other branches made possible by her getting older and maturing. I hope they are as amazing and fulfilling as everything she is now and little and mine.

Chipotle Cream Chicken.

This recipes packs a punch!  Heat level can definitely be customized.  Here's what I learned:

1. I debated dicing or not dicing the chipotle peppers.  I went with the recipe and put them in whole.  Much easier and still tasted great!
2. If you don't like spicy try using one pepper instead of two.
3. I added a few spoonfuls of adobo sauce.
4. Served it in tortillas with cheddar cheese, guacamole, and a side of yellow rice and black beans.

Recipe can be found here:  Chipotle Cream Chicken

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies.

The title says it all.  I found this recipe many years ago and it changed my cookie making world!  Here's what I learned:

1. If you use a 1/4 cup measuring cup you will have beautiful bakery sized cookies.  Pretty enough to wrap and give as gifts.  One cookie is like a meal.  These suckers will take approximately 13-17 minutes to bake (depending on your oven of course).
2. If you prefer an average sized cookie use a cookie scoop like this:  OXO Good Grips Cookie Scoop.  Works great and they bake in approximately 10 minutes.
3. Use unsalted butter and make sure to melt it.
4. When the edges just start to brown and the middle looks lighter and almost undercooked they are done!

Recipe can be found here:  The Best Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

MN Zoo.

We took a quick trip to the zoo this afternoon with Grandpa.  Penelope made sure to properly introduce herself to the fish..."hi fishy, I'm Penny!"

Grandpa and Penelope love to make funny faces at each other...

Champagne Cocktails.

I tried this recipe over the weekend and made exactly as written it's only okay.  But with a few easy changes it's great!  Here's what I learned...

1. Trader Joe's $5 champagne worked well.
2. Skip the lemon juice.
3. Add one extra cube of sugar.
4. Eyeball the cherry juice to fit your tastes.
5. Give it a little stir.  Not too much or it will fizz over the top.
6. Drink and be merry.

Recipe can be found here:  Champagne Cocktail

A Day at the Beach.

We went to the beach today and Penelope had such a fun time!  Her BFF "Ree Rex" the T-Rex joined us (of course).

 

Everything Bread.

This bread is delicious!!!  I used leftovers for sandwiches.  Here's what I learned:

1. I skipped the caraway seeds because I don't like them.
2. Nothing else to say!

Recipe can be found here:  Everything Bread