Will this year EVER go away? Sometimes I wonder. I was just thinking that it's been almost two years since I started this blog. Wow....I've pissed off a lot of people in two years....LOL!! Hahaha...no, that wasn't my reason for pointing that out. I was just thinking how much has happened in two years. On one hand, time and life both seem to drag by. Then, you look at your child or your spouse or your life situation and think, "where the hell did time go?" Or, if you are like me sometimes you think, "why does this shit keep dragging on?"
I'm a confusing animal, I know that. I'm equal parts confrontation/duke it out/move on and let me keep beating the dead horse just in case it's not dead. However, (and you know there's always a caveat with me), when I say drop it and move on, I mean, drop it and move on. I can't stand people who say they've moved on from something or their over a disagreement and you think everything has settled and then the next thing you know, it's a big deal again. Why do people do that? Is it because they're cajone-less and can't say what they need to say when the opportunity presents itself? Or are they incapable of standing firm on a decision and truly moving on? I have a third option, but I'm going to not mention it for fear of being accused of blogging about T&B Demolition...which I sort of am, but not as much as one might think.
So, in the spirit of the coming new year, my resolution is to let go. Breathe. Give shit a rest when it's time to give it a rest. What's done is done. It is what it is. There's no need to second guess ourselves in life. Where does that ever really lead us to? Regret? The inability to make a decision? You know what I'm talking about - you decide to do something and then you regret your decision - even though going with your first reaction is usually the right one. Or, you can't make up your mind and you go back and forth and back and forth. Or worse - you bounce your issues off of everyone else looking for clues to the right answer instead of listening to your head/heart/gut or whatever it is in you that guides you. And when we say we're done...then BE DONE WITH IT! Let it go! What's re-hashing a problem or issue nine thousand times really going to do for any of us besides make us doubt ourselves. I say live and die by what you decide to do. Have courage to make a decision, move on and give problems a rest. And if it turns out it wasn't the best move? Then change how you look at mistakes. They're lessons...and without life lessons, we never grow and become better, stronger people.
Which leads me to resolution numero dos.
Convenient Morality
Yep, that's been a big topic in my life this past year. Depending on your place on the food chain, what's good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. And one person's wrong is another person's "that doesn't really apply to me and whatever I was doing wasn't really wrong because I've applied the convenient morality principal #11125885.1 to my actions. Yeah...right....
We're all guilty of it in some lesser/greater form or fashion. We all bargain our behavior...we all justify our actions and usually to the degree of whether or not what was being done to us was a greater foul on our moral agenda than what we might have been doing. That's taking it to extremes, but you know what I mean. And before ANYONE freaks out, I got Paige a phone for Christmas. Yes, she is young, probably too young for a phone, but I got it so that she can talk to Gammy as much as she wants. It's like a Batphone for Gammy. She has restricted access, low minutes, it's a Go Phone for God's Sake...see....I'm justifying...but that's not why I just let everyone know my 8 year old now has a phone. I wanted to tell you that I got on to her yesterday for not putting her phone down to pick up her stuff so we could leave the house. And what does my super smart Juicy of Love and Deliciousness say to me?
"You drop stuff all the time because you won't set your phone down."
And what did I say?
"I'm the mommy. I don't have to."
See, we're aaaaallllll guilty of it. She defended her actions by telling me I do the same thing so it can't be that bad and I turned it around on her and played the "Mommy Card". It's a web we all weave, like it or not. My goal this year is to not be that person...or get sucked in by people who do operate that way. I've dealt with that bullshit a lot this year (not from my kid, but from adults that you'd think would know better) and I'm over it. In fact, I'm tired of seething about it over hydrocodone and wine. I'm not going to do it anymore. I don't think any of us should have to. If there is one thing that I cannot stand, it's someone who thinks they have the moral high ground, when in fact, they crawled out of a hole like the snake that they are. That just does it for me.
Letting go of negative thoughts and energy as I type....really....typing harder and harder, but I'm letting those negative thoughts evaporate from my brain :) I think my keyboard is ready for me to take a break!
Numero Tres
Get on an airplane.
Yep, this is the year that I think I will actually step foot onto an airplane, buckle myself in and fly to my destination. I don't know when or where - and it's not going to be a long flight over any body of water - but I'm going to do it.
With the help of Xanax, of course.
And my last one....
Oh God, this is so hard....
Stop being late everywhere I go.
There, I said it. It really has become a pandemic in my life. I am constantly rushing and running late and forgetting shit and it's just got to stop. It's killing me and driving me crazy. I need a schedule. Shit, I need a handler. I can't manage myself anymore. I don't know whether I'm coming or going sometimes. I'm just all over the place and it has finally worn me the F**k out. Seriously.
So there, those are my goals for the coming year. Let's recap:
Let go of conflict and stop second guessing decisions. Move on when it's time to move on.
Stay away from douchebags and douchebaggery behavior (Also known as Convenient Morality and why it drives me batshit crazy).
Make an effort (Oh my God...already crawfishing) to no longer be late to appointments, school, the store, dinner reservations, lunch with my sister, to pick up my child, to the post office, and so on.
Those sound like challenging, yet attainable goals for the new year. I want to be a better person. I want to set a better example for Paige. I have goals for her, but I don't think it's fair to lay those on her. That would probably fall under the behavior in resolution #2 and I NEVER want to impart that type of example on Paige. EVER!
Well, that's my soapbox blog for the evening. Maybe for the rest of the year. Or two years. Who the hell knows. I kind of want to gripe about the city of Ennis City Manager and how he runs off all the good restaurants that come into town but then I'm afraid someone from Ennis will read my blog and blackball Mild Bills!!! I never know who's going to read my blog from their cozy seat in a restaurant up in Lewisville...drinking and driving in a company vehicle.
Did I just say that?
You're damn right I did....and it felt GOOOOOOOD!!!!!
Spread it around like you own it :)
K
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
OMG!!!! She's Back!!!
Well hello there....I've returned to the blogosphere. Did you miss me? Have you missed my passive aggressive musings thinly disguised as digs against former coworkers? Have you missed my biting wit and inappropriate conversations with my daughter? Well, guess what?
SO HAVE I GOSH DAMNIT!!!!!
So, does this mean my smart ass fingers are back to blogging? YES!!!
Does this mean I can go back to making digs at people I'd like to beat the hell out of???
NO!!!!!!!
Well, not really...unless I can do a better job at disguising my disgust for certain people. And since we ALL know that ain't going to happen, I guess I'm still on lockdown for a little while longer......
A moment of silence for my former self, please.....
Okay, enough of that. How was everyone's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc? Or, as my sister would say, Winter Solstice? Mine was busy. The weeks leading up to what was supposed to be a relaxing Christmas Eve and Day were CRAZY! I was so busy at the store!! It was SO AMAZING!!! Thank you to everyone who ordered gift baskets, gift boxes and chili spices non stop! I had a blast putting baskets together and taking care of all the wonderful Mild Bill's customers. I hope all of you had a fantabulous Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones. My mom and I cooked all day Christmas Day....I wasn't digging it. I'm thinking that won't be happening next year. Christmas Eve was good - we went to early Mass and came home for deli sandwiches, chips and Jalapeno Ranch Dip mix as well as chips and Mild Bill's Salsa. I stayed up late wrapping presents & The Juicy deigned to let us sleep in until 8:30 am. But once I was up, I was cooking. Breakfast, lunch....the whole shabang. My mom and I were worn the hell out by the end of the day. We made some delicious food though.....seared pork loin, roasted prime rib, dressed up mac and cheese, CC potatoes au gratin, sauteed spinach, French peas, the most amazing salad from my mother in law and my mom made dessert. Gary and I had a bottle of Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel, and a Grenache by Orin Swift, maker of Absract and Prisoner. We never suffer for good wine :)
I think the kiddos had a good Christmas. They all got lots of clothes and Paige got a new bike, a pogo stick and a set of Legos that have led to several meltdowns among not only the eight year old, but the adults in the family as well. Those pieces are soooo small....and there are SO MANY of them! This morning my mom wigged out about the windmill and then Paige, in fine dramatic flair, put her hands on her head and cried:
"I just want this to be over with!!"
Over Legos? Seriously? WTF??? No one is allowed to be pissed at me about this. I was told by my mother and husband that Paige had that on her list and it was important that she receive it since she also asked Santa Claus to bring it to her. So I simply did what I was told.....
Do not shoot the messenger!!!
Oh!! Oh!!! My Expedition is back home! It's home, it's home!!! Thank you Baby Jesus in your ghost manger!! My vehicle has returned to me! It looks so pretty and there is no sign of deer hair in the grill at all. (That sounds soooo redneck and I totally meant for it to!!) I'm so happy! It was my Christmas present!!!!
My mom bought me the two Ina Garten cookbooks that I was missing from my serial killer collection (kidding) and there are sooo many fantastic recipes in both of them. I can't wait to get back to cooking again. Gary and the kids bought me a Le Crueset dutch oven, utensils and holder (all in turquoise!!!) and I was so surprised! I'm a big Le Crueset homer and I buy it a piece at a time when it's on sale. I have a 6 quart dutch oven in yellow, a 3 quart in red and now a 2 quart dutch oven in turquoise. I also have a gratin dish and small stockpot. I don't give a shit that all of my pieces are different colors. This is how the rednecks do it. The Johnny Cash song "One Piece at a Time" comes to mind :)
Something scary happened a few hours ago.
I made dumplings that floated. That were light and fluffy. That didn't sink to the bottom of the pot.
Someone alert the friggin media! For once, my incompetent, inept and ignorant dumpling making self did not screw up the dumplings!!! I made them with Pioneer baking mix and what started out as a dumpling disaster turned into only the 2nd time in my life I've made decent dumplings without cutting up biscuit dough. Well, maybe the 3rd time and I am not exaggerating. I think my dumpling struggles have been well documented on this blog. They were delicious and Juicy and I will have them for lunch tomorrow, too.
Something I don't screw up - MEAT! I rocked my rib roast Christmas Day. Below is the recipe that I have varied every time I've used it. You can use different herbs - even add horseradish to the mix - and it's always going to come out delicious. Every. Time.
Cadillac Cowgirl Prime Rib Roast
5-6 lb boneless rib roast, brought to room temperature
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (or bacon grease...left over from the 10 pounds of bacon you spent all morning frying for your family!!)
1 Can Beef Broth
4 Tablespoons each chopped fresh Thyme, Rosemary, and Parsley
3 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
3 Tablespoons Telicherry Pepper (available from Mild Bills)
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
6 Garlic Cloves, peeled and left whole
Whole sprigs of rosemary and thyme, as well as additional garlic cloves (unpeeled)
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. While oven is preheating, mix the chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and minced garlic cloves in a small bowl. Make six 2 inch slices throughout the fat cap of the rib roast; place a garlic clove in each cut and then rub all of the herb mixture over the top of the rib roast and let sit. In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) heat the oil or bacon grease. I used bacon grease because I had so much of it. Once it is almost smoking, add the rib roast. Brown on all sides. You may need help doing this, or at least a large set of tongs and a spatula to get it turned. Or...skip this step altogether - it's not imperative - just something I wanted to try and it definitely didn't hurt the flavor at all...it came out perfect. Once browned on all sides, place the roast in a roasting pan with a rack, herb coated side facing up. Using the beef broth, deglaze the skillet and scrape up any of the herbs and browned bits of meat; once deglazed, pour this mixture over the rib roast. Add the rest of the beef broth to the bottom of the roasting rack along with the additional garlic cloves and whole sprigs of herbs. Place the roast in the oven and allow it to cook on 425 for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, cover the roast with foil and reduce the heat to 350 degrees. Continue roasting for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer reads 135 degrees for medium rare and up to 150 degrees for medium. Remember - the roast will continue to cook even after you remove it from the oven...so keep that in mind when you decide to leave it in there "just a little bit longer". You could end up with a very overcooked rib roast! Once desired doneness is achieved, remove roast, allow it to sit still covered in foil for 15 minutes and slice as ribeyes or thinly sliced prime rib and serve. I paired mine with a really delicious horseradish sauce that I would love to share. However....I was drinking (a little) and didn't write down what I did....so I probably shouldn't try and post a wine-terrific recipe!! At any rate, I used horseradish, dijon mustard, sour cream, mayo, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary and made a sauce. I guess you could do that as well....we all like more of a horseradish flavor, so it had a little more zip than anything. You could always use different quantities to get the flavor you prefer.
It's time for mommybaby private time. I think the boys and Paige are worn out. They've been playing since we finished dinner. We are all going to get in bed and read. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening!!
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness....
Kelly
SO HAVE I GOSH DAMNIT!!!!!
So, does this mean my smart ass fingers are back to blogging? YES!!!
Does this mean I can go back to making digs at people I'd like to beat the hell out of???
NO!!!!!!!
Well, not really...unless I can do a better job at disguising my disgust for certain people. And since we ALL know that ain't going to happen, I guess I'm still on lockdown for a little while longer......
A moment of silence for my former self, please.....
Okay, enough of that. How was everyone's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc? Or, as my sister would say, Winter Solstice? Mine was busy. The weeks leading up to what was supposed to be a relaxing Christmas Eve and Day were CRAZY! I was so busy at the store!! It was SO AMAZING!!! Thank you to everyone who ordered gift baskets, gift boxes and chili spices non stop! I had a blast putting baskets together and taking care of all the wonderful Mild Bill's customers. I hope all of you had a fantabulous Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones. My mom and I cooked all day Christmas Day....I wasn't digging it. I'm thinking that won't be happening next year. Christmas Eve was good - we went to early Mass and came home for deli sandwiches, chips and Jalapeno Ranch Dip mix as well as chips and Mild Bill's Salsa. I stayed up late wrapping presents & The Juicy deigned to let us sleep in until 8:30 am. But once I was up, I was cooking. Breakfast, lunch....the whole shabang. My mom and I were worn the hell out by the end of the day. We made some delicious food though.....seared pork loin, roasted prime rib, dressed up mac and cheese, CC potatoes au gratin, sauteed spinach, French peas, the most amazing salad from my mother in law and my mom made dessert. Gary and I had a bottle of Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel, and a Grenache by Orin Swift, maker of Absract and Prisoner. We never suffer for good wine :)
I think the kiddos had a good Christmas. They all got lots of clothes and Paige got a new bike, a pogo stick and a set of Legos that have led to several meltdowns among not only the eight year old, but the adults in the family as well. Those pieces are soooo small....and there are SO MANY of them! This morning my mom wigged out about the windmill and then Paige, in fine dramatic flair, put her hands on her head and cried:
"I just want this to be over with!!"
Over Legos? Seriously? WTF??? No one is allowed to be pissed at me about this. I was told by my mother and husband that Paige had that on her list and it was important that she receive it since she also asked Santa Claus to bring it to her. So I simply did what I was told.....
Do not shoot the messenger!!!
Oh!! Oh!!! My Expedition is back home! It's home, it's home!!! Thank you Baby Jesus in your ghost manger!! My vehicle has returned to me! It looks so pretty and there is no sign of deer hair in the grill at all. (That sounds soooo redneck and I totally meant for it to!!) I'm so happy! It was my Christmas present!!!!
My mom bought me the two Ina Garten cookbooks that I was missing from my serial killer collection (kidding) and there are sooo many fantastic recipes in both of them. I can't wait to get back to cooking again. Gary and the kids bought me a Le Crueset dutch oven, utensils and holder (all in turquoise!!!) and I was so surprised! I'm a big Le Crueset homer and I buy it a piece at a time when it's on sale. I have a 6 quart dutch oven in yellow, a 3 quart in red and now a 2 quart dutch oven in turquoise. I also have a gratin dish and small stockpot. I don't give a shit that all of my pieces are different colors. This is how the rednecks do it. The Johnny Cash song "One Piece at a Time" comes to mind :)
Something scary happened a few hours ago.
I made dumplings that floated. That were light and fluffy. That didn't sink to the bottom of the pot.
Someone alert the friggin media! For once, my incompetent, inept and ignorant dumpling making self did not screw up the dumplings!!! I made them with Pioneer baking mix and what started out as a dumpling disaster turned into only the 2nd time in my life I've made decent dumplings without cutting up biscuit dough. Well, maybe the 3rd time and I am not exaggerating. I think my dumpling struggles have been well documented on this blog. They were delicious and Juicy and I will have them for lunch tomorrow, too.
Something I don't screw up - MEAT! I rocked my rib roast Christmas Day. Below is the recipe that I have varied every time I've used it. You can use different herbs - even add horseradish to the mix - and it's always going to come out delicious. Every. Time.
Cadillac Cowgirl Prime Rib Roast
5-6 lb boneless rib roast, brought to room temperature
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (or bacon grease...left over from the 10 pounds of bacon you spent all morning frying for your family!!)
1 Can Beef Broth
4 Tablespoons each chopped fresh Thyme, Rosemary, and Parsley
3 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
3 Tablespoons Telicherry Pepper (available from Mild Bills)
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
6 Garlic Cloves, peeled and left whole
Whole sprigs of rosemary and thyme, as well as additional garlic cloves (unpeeled)
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. While oven is preheating, mix the chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and minced garlic cloves in a small bowl. Make six 2 inch slices throughout the fat cap of the rib roast; place a garlic clove in each cut and then rub all of the herb mixture over the top of the rib roast and let sit. In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) heat the oil or bacon grease. I used bacon grease because I had so much of it. Once it is almost smoking, add the rib roast. Brown on all sides. You may need help doing this, or at least a large set of tongs and a spatula to get it turned. Or...skip this step altogether - it's not imperative - just something I wanted to try and it definitely didn't hurt the flavor at all...it came out perfect. Once browned on all sides, place the roast in a roasting pan with a rack, herb coated side facing up. Using the beef broth, deglaze the skillet and scrape up any of the herbs and browned bits of meat; once deglazed, pour this mixture over the rib roast. Add the rest of the beef broth to the bottom of the roasting rack along with the additional garlic cloves and whole sprigs of herbs. Place the roast in the oven and allow it to cook on 425 for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, cover the roast with foil and reduce the heat to 350 degrees. Continue roasting for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer reads 135 degrees for medium rare and up to 150 degrees for medium. Remember - the roast will continue to cook even after you remove it from the oven...so keep that in mind when you decide to leave it in there "just a little bit longer". You could end up with a very overcooked rib roast! Once desired doneness is achieved, remove roast, allow it to sit still covered in foil for 15 minutes and slice as ribeyes or thinly sliced prime rib and serve. I paired mine with a really delicious horseradish sauce that I would love to share. However....I was drinking (a little) and didn't write down what I did....so I probably shouldn't try and post a wine-terrific recipe!! At any rate, I used horseradish, dijon mustard, sour cream, mayo, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary and made a sauce. I guess you could do that as well....we all like more of a horseradish flavor, so it had a little more zip than anything. You could always use different quantities to get the flavor you prefer.
It's time for mommybaby private time. I think the boys and Paige are worn out. They've been playing since we finished dinner. We are all going to get in bed and read. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening!!
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness....
Kelly
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Conversations With Paige.....
Paige: Gammy, did you know that I once took 5 testes in one day?"
Let me know when it hits you...after you've said it to yourself a few times....
Yep.....she said "test-ees".
She was trying to explain to my mom that during test week, they take 5 tests a day. She likes to add the long e to the end. I don't think she realizes how much that slight difference in pronunciation changes the context of her statement.
Have a fabulous evening. I'm making chili for P's school tomorrow. Good luck if you are cooking chili this weekend!
Kelly
Let me know when it hits you...after you've said it to yourself a few times....
Yep.....she said "test-ees".
She was trying to explain to my mom that during test week, they take 5 tests a day. She likes to add the long e to the end. I don't think she realizes how much that slight difference in pronunciation changes the context of her statement.
Have a fabulous evening. I'm making chili for P's school tomorrow. Good luck if you are cooking chili this weekend!
Kelly
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Cadillac Cowgirl Chicken and Dumplings
I grew up on Chicken and Dumplings. Like me, you probably make them the way your mom did. My mom made hers with Bisquick and they were to die for. In my adult like, I have strived to make dumplings like her. I've never quite succeeded. There were a few times that my dumplings were light and fluffy, but those were few and far between.
Then, I had Drucilla Stewart's chicken and dumplings and my life sort of changed. Then I had Kary Fieseler's and I became obsessed with making the soft, doughy strips of dumplings in a creamy broth. Again, I sucked. Repeatedly. I gave up and just resigned myself to being the taste tester and professional eater of my mom's, Dru's and Kary's dumplings.
But, I like a challenge. And, I refuse to believe a dumpling could outfox me. So, last night, I attempted to make dumplings that would be tender, cooked through and not sink to the bottom of the pot like a dead weight. I did what anyone in my shoes would do.
I bought a can of biscuits and cut those suckers into strips and made some effin chicken and dumplings last night!!!
Yeah, yeah...I know...not homemade dumplings. BUT! BUT!!! It worked! They were delicious! They weren't these horrid little hockey pucks stuck to the bottom of my pot. I made a condensed, weeknight version of chicken and dumplings. It still took a bit, but it didn't require cooking the chicken for a few hours and there was no labor intensive dough making...something I CLEARLY suck at. Below is the recipe for a working girl, I won't be beat by dumplings, chicken and dumpling recipe. With a little spice thrown in for good measure :)
Cadillac Cowgirl Chicken and Dumplings
1 lb chicken tenders, sliced, diced or chopped into bite size pieces
4 Tbsp Butter
4 carrots, diced
4 celery ribs, diced
1 onion, sliced
4 Cups Chicken Stock
4 Cups Water
1 tsp each Salt and Pepper
1 can of Buttermilk Biscuits (I bought the 8 count)
Poultry Seasoning, Parsley, Celery Salt, etc to season the dumplings
In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt the butter. Add the veggies and saute on medium heat until the onion starts to become translucent. Add the chicken and continue to cook it until it's done on the outside. If you're like me and become physically ill at the sight of poached chicken, keep the temperature up and brown it a little and give it some color. Once the chicken is done on the outside, add the stock, water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on a medium boil for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, open your can of easy dumplings (read: biscuits), and roll each one out so that it's about an 1/8 of an inch thick. Then, cut the flattened biscuits into 1 inch strips. Using your seasoning of choice - I used Tony Chachere's, Parsley and a little Celery Salt, season those bad boys. I like my dough to not taste like, well, dough. Don't go overboard because this will also season your broth. Add the dumplings to the pot and cook them on a medium simmer until they are tender. If you like a creamier chicken and dumplings, add about 1/4 cup of milk, heat through and taste for seasonings; adjust as needed. Viola! You have just conquered Chicken and Dumplings!!!
My child even ate these. Yes, the pickiest eater in the world ate an entire bowl. I told you they were good! And, you don't even have to tell people you used biscuits. Let them think you rolled your own dough; cooked a chicken all day; pulled the veggies from your garden. Your secret is safe with me :)
Speaking of my child.....8 years ago I was in the hospital, stroking out and trying to keep that Juicy of Love and Deliciousness from coming out! She didn't want out, but my body couldn't take much more of her awesomeness!! Yes, she was 2 1/2 months early, but look at her now - perfect!!! She was and still is our little miracle and every day I thank God for my Peapod. She's such a sweet, wonderful and unique little person and I love her so much. We are so lucky to have her! We'll be at the Dallas Planetarium Saturday celebrating her birthday. She's so excited!!!
I better go...I've got spices to blend and orders to ship. I also have a lot of passive aggressive smart ass remarks I'd like to make, but Sheriff Gary's gag order is still in place, so I better keep my mouf shut. People still amaze me....there really is no limit to some people's d-baggery behavior. Thank God for Mild Bill's Spices and our wonderful customers!!!! I'm having a blast!
We've got the 2 for 1 Stocking Stuffer sale going right now and a very cool Brown Bag Special. You get three stocking stuffers for the price of two, a brown gift bag with tissue paper and all for $8.00! How can you beat that for a gift for a co-worker, someone you don't like, but need to get them something, in-laws, teachers, hairdresser - you name it! Gift baskets or gift bags - we got 'em!!!
Have a fabulous day everyone. Spread some of your own joy and kindness while you're at it. I know I will....along with the unmistakable aroma of cumin :)
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Then, I had Drucilla Stewart's chicken and dumplings and my life sort of changed. Then I had Kary Fieseler's and I became obsessed with making the soft, doughy strips of dumplings in a creamy broth. Again, I sucked. Repeatedly. I gave up and just resigned myself to being the taste tester and professional eater of my mom's, Dru's and Kary's dumplings.
But, I like a challenge. And, I refuse to believe a dumpling could outfox me. So, last night, I attempted to make dumplings that would be tender, cooked through and not sink to the bottom of the pot like a dead weight. I did what anyone in my shoes would do.
I bought a can of biscuits and cut those suckers into strips and made some effin chicken and dumplings last night!!!
Yeah, yeah...I know...not homemade dumplings. BUT! BUT!!! It worked! They were delicious! They weren't these horrid little hockey pucks stuck to the bottom of my pot. I made a condensed, weeknight version of chicken and dumplings. It still took a bit, but it didn't require cooking the chicken for a few hours and there was no labor intensive dough making...something I CLEARLY suck at. Below is the recipe for a working girl, I won't be beat by dumplings, chicken and dumpling recipe. With a little spice thrown in for good measure :)
Cadillac Cowgirl Chicken and Dumplings
1 lb chicken tenders, sliced, diced or chopped into bite size pieces
4 Tbsp Butter
4 carrots, diced
4 celery ribs, diced
1 onion, sliced
4 Cups Chicken Stock
4 Cups Water
1 tsp each Salt and Pepper
1 can of Buttermilk Biscuits (I bought the 8 count)
Poultry Seasoning, Parsley, Celery Salt, etc to season the dumplings
In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt the butter. Add the veggies and saute on medium heat until the onion starts to become translucent. Add the chicken and continue to cook it until it's done on the outside. If you're like me and become physically ill at the sight of poached chicken, keep the temperature up and brown it a little and give it some color. Once the chicken is done on the outside, add the stock, water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on a medium boil for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, open your can of easy dumplings (read: biscuits), and roll each one out so that it's about an 1/8 of an inch thick. Then, cut the flattened biscuits into 1 inch strips. Using your seasoning of choice - I used Tony Chachere's, Parsley and a little Celery Salt, season those bad boys. I like my dough to not taste like, well, dough. Don't go overboard because this will also season your broth. Add the dumplings to the pot and cook them on a medium simmer until they are tender. If you like a creamier chicken and dumplings, add about 1/4 cup of milk, heat through and taste for seasonings; adjust as needed. Viola! You have just conquered Chicken and Dumplings!!!
My child even ate these. Yes, the pickiest eater in the world ate an entire bowl. I told you they were good! And, you don't even have to tell people you used biscuits. Let them think you rolled your own dough; cooked a chicken all day; pulled the veggies from your garden. Your secret is safe with me :)
Speaking of my child.....8 years ago I was in the hospital, stroking out and trying to keep that Juicy of Love and Deliciousness from coming out! She didn't want out, but my body couldn't take much more of her awesomeness!! Yes, she was 2 1/2 months early, but look at her now - perfect!!! She was and still is our little miracle and every day I thank God for my Peapod. She's such a sweet, wonderful and unique little person and I love her so much. We are so lucky to have her! We'll be at the Dallas Planetarium Saturday celebrating her birthday. She's so excited!!!
I better go...I've got spices to blend and orders to ship. I also have a lot of passive aggressive smart ass remarks I'd like to make, but Sheriff Gary's gag order is still in place, so I better keep my mouf shut. People still amaze me....there really is no limit to some people's d-baggery behavior. Thank God for Mild Bill's Spices and our wonderful customers!!!! I'm having a blast!
We've got the 2 for 1 Stocking Stuffer sale going right now and a very cool Brown Bag Special. You get three stocking stuffers for the price of two, a brown gift bag with tissue paper and all for $8.00! How can you beat that for a gift for a co-worker, someone you don't like, but need to get them something, in-laws, teachers, hairdresser - you name it! Gift baskets or gift bags - we got 'em!!!
Have a fabulous day everyone. Spread some of your own joy and kindness while you're at it. I know I will....along with the unmistakable aroma of cumin :)
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Two Weeks In A Row....
The Giants SUCK!!! Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!!
Go Packers!!!!
How was everyone's weekend? Hell - how was everyone's week??? I cannot believe how busy I've been. I didn't realize my last post had been last Monday. I guess I need to start dedicating 30 minutes every morning to the poor neglected Cadillac Cowgirl :)
I had crazy walk in business this week - especially Friday. I joined the Chamber of Commerce and they are hosting a Business After Hours Party and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the store on January 12th. I'm very excited! I also have a new ad in the Ennis Daily News that has attracted more customers. My website gurus are working on a coupon/email blast that will go out this week as well. I'll be running a buy 2 get 1 free on my stocking stuffers - Gunpowder Chili Mix, Mild Bill's Jalapeno Ranch Dip Mix and Mild Bill's Taco Seasoning. I also already have a bunch of gift basket orders. I had my first Klobase and Hot Link Seasoning sales on Friday. I'm so glad that I'm carrying sausage seasoning now. I'm still trying to find the pink curing salt. Suggestions anyone?
Thank you Duke and Vicki for helping me make Jalapeno Jelly and Relish today! This was my first time to make both "Tamara-free" and I was a little nerbous as Paige would say. I told both of them that if they ever wanted to find out if something "foolproof" could be effed up, let me have a stab at it! Thankfully, the jelly set up just like it was supposed to and the relish was a piece of cake. It went beautifully and I'll be making more this week.
It is cold and rainy here - perfect Taco Soup weather! I think I'm going to make a Mexican style stew this week with the Mild Bill's Taco Seasoning. It sounded good to me and I think it would work well with stewed tomatoes and onions. I'm still on the fence about putting potatoes in it. I'm also craving Sea Bass and Chicken Pot Pie. How about that for two totally different types of meals? I'm not sure if I want to do a crust or biscuits on top of the chicken pot pie. The only problem with using biscuits is that they get kind of doughy and gooey underneath.
I gotta go. Fred has done something to his paw and we've got to tend to it. I'll be back tomorrow.
Keep it real :)
K
Go Packers!!!!
How was everyone's weekend? Hell - how was everyone's week??? I cannot believe how busy I've been. I didn't realize my last post had been last Monday. I guess I need to start dedicating 30 minutes every morning to the poor neglected Cadillac Cowgirl :)
I had crazy walk in business this week - especially Friday. I joined the Chamber of Commerce and they are hosting a Business After Hours Party and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the store on January 12th. I'm very excited! I also have a new ad in the Ennis Daily News that has attracted more customers. My website gurus are working on a coupon/email blast that will go out this week as well. I'll be running a buy 2 get 1 free on my stocking stuffers - Gunpowder Chili Mix, Mild Bill's Jalapeno Ranch Dip Mix and Mild Bill's Taco Seasoning. I also already have a bunch of gift basket orders. I had my first Klobase and Hot Link Seasoning sales on Friday. I'm so glad that I'm carrying sausage seasoning now. I'm still trying to find the pink curing salt. Suggestions anyone?
Thank you Duke and Vicki for helping me make Jalapeno Jelly and Relish today! This was my first time to make both "Tamara-free" and I was a little nerbous as Paige would say. I told both of them that if they ever wanted to find out if something "foolproof" could be effed up, let me have a stab at it! Thankfully, the jelly set up just like it was supposed to and the relish was a piece of cake. It went beautifully and I'll be making more this week.
It is cold and rainy here - perfect Taco Soup weather! I think I'm going to make a Mexican style stew this week with the Mild Bill's Taco Seasoning. It sounded good to me and I think it would work well with stewed tomatoes and onions. I'm still on the fence about putting potatoes in it. I'm also craving Sea Bass and Chicken Pot Pie. How about that for two totally different types of meals? I'm not sure if I want to do a crust or biscuits on top of the chicken pot pie. The only problem with using biscuits is that they get kind of doughy and gooey underneath.
I gotta go. Fred has done something to his paw and we've got to tend to it. I'll be back tomorrow.
Keep it real :)
K
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