Ramblings...

Good morning!! I started my Monday off by going to the doctor. FUN TIMES!!! While I didn't get my way, I did get a prescription for hydrocodone. I guess that's an okay trade off. Well, not really... I am not a candidate for surgery because of my lung issues and the best my OB/GYN can offer is pain management for right now. So, I'll try the drugs and hopefully that will make it better. I asked him that if my tubes weren't tied, could I have another baby. He said yes. I then asked if I could have the name of a fertility doctor so that I could have a baby. He told me no. So then I called Gary and asked if I could have a baby. He also told me no and said he'd buy me another dog to take care of the out of control urge that I have to procreate. Tell me how it makes sense that someone who is a good mom (no laughing here) can't have any more kids and crackheads get to have them all the time. That makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER!!! Just PISSES ME OFF!!!!!!


So, Texas Open occurred this weekend. Our reigning TICC Champion, Tom Dozier, won 1st Place! I am so happy for him and I'm glad someone from North Texas made a showing this past weekend. We had such a great time with Mark and Vicki. We went out to eat Saturday night at Pico de Gallo's and the food was great, the margaritas kicked ass and we laughed and had a great time. We got in a little trouble back at the La Quinta, but hey...we were having fun. Just a little on the loud side, I guess :) There were over 200 cooks Saturday and I wish that there had been more public judges to judge the chilis instead of chili cooks judging as high up as the pre-final table. I'm not being critical and I'm not bitching; I'm simply sharing my opinion about what I observed Saturday - and I'm not the only one, either. It's hard to plan for judges - I totally get that. I would just hope that this will be used as a learning experience for next year and for all of the Opens and Championships that we have. Maybe the judges for large cook offs (when you have 140 cooks pre-registered...don't you kind of know??) should be handled similar to how we get judges for TICC - sign them up early. Invite people out. Relying on the public can be iffy. For all of the advertising that you do to draw cooks, I feel that the best way to ensure you have enough judges is to advertise as much, if not more, for judges. There were a lot of people who busted their butts this past weekend for Texas Open and I know that they were all working to make sure that the cook off was successful. Maybe in the future we can all learn from this experience and any of us with larger cook offs coming up can take some of the lessons from this past weekend and put them to good use. 1 pm turn ins for Opens and Championships - absolutely! 2 pm turn ins make for a long day! Signing up judges ahead of time to make sure chili cooks aren't used in the later rounds - why not? There is always going to be unforeseen circumstances that affect even the best laid plans. But, when you plan ahead, you tend to also have alternate options in the event of a hiccup. Hopefully next year Traders Village will have more vendors open and therefore attract more of the public to come out and stay longer as well. I think that a lot of people had left as the judging went into the later rounds. Hey, shit happens and hopefully all of us can take something positive away from this cook off to use at our own.

Paige got her hair cut last week and she looks precious! She decided to cut it short again and it's so cute stacked in the back with a little swing in the front. Love, love, love my little girl! She had a great time at Gammy's this weekend, but Mommy missed her! We had lots of private time last night and she even had her favorite dinner - eggs with cheese, bacon and toast. That child could live on breakfast for dinner! Gary and I were craving Chuys, so I was going to make Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce for dinner last night. We ended up having the BEST Patty Melt ever at Out West Bar and Grill in West and we didn't need to eat dinner. That was seriously the best ever...better than the Hole in the Wall and that's tough to beat. I think I'm going to make enchiladas one night this week and even serve them with a fried egg on top...just like Chuys! The Irving Elks cook off is this Saturday and so is the SOKOL 10k Giveaway Dinner. That makes for a very long day, so I don't know if I'm going to cook chili. I'm going on a SOTF trip in a few weeks and Gary's going to Men's State, so I'm going to take it easy on the chili trail for a while. And not because I don't believe in cooking after I'm qualified. Uumm..okay.

Gary and I have decided what we want to plant in our garden, so I get to start on that soon. I also need to get my herb garden together and a get a fence put up for goats!!! I am so ready for warm weather. Gary dug the holes for our covered area over the middle of the backyard...a Pergola, I guess. We had a concrete pad poured in the backyard when we built our house. Gary has all of the materials for it, so that's what he's going to be working on. I found some awesome patio furniture to put out there, so I'm kind of excited about it. There is a place in Reagor Springs that sells outdoor fireplace kits and I would LOVE to have one out there. Gary, are you reading this?? Hint, hint :)

My computer continues to be infected with viruses, crash, screw up and generally suck ass. I can't get anything done and that sort of affects our year end. I'm putting off the inevitable phone call to the maker of my computer. I have a warranty, so they have to replace it. Still...what a PAIN IN THE ASS.

Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy in all that I do......

The Cadillac Cowgirl

Greetings from San Antonio

WOW - over 200 cooks here at Texas Open! The sun finally came out and the weather is great. We got in last night and turned in early. Tonight we're going to hit downtown SA for some Mexican food and fun! I'll try and post winners after announcements.

Spreading something......

K

Cadillac Cowgirl Pork Chops with Apples and Cabbage

I made this easy dinner tonight and it was scrumptious!!! You could easily substitute chicken as well.....

Enjoy!!

2 Center Cut Pork Chops (Bone in, about an inch thick)
5 Pieces of Bacon, diced
2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and sliced
1 Large Sweet Onion, Sliced
1 Head Cabbage, sliced
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 Cup White Wine (Such as Llano Estacado's Chenin Blanc or Woodbridge Moscato)
Lemon Pepper, Salt and Pepper to taste
Meat Tenderizer

Sprinkle the chops with the meat tenderizer and the lemon pepper; refrigerate overnight if possible (or 30 minutes before you start dinner). In a large dutch oven or nonstick skillet (with a lid), brown the bacon. Once crisp, move it to one side and lay the chops seasoned side down over medium high heat and sear. While that side is searing, sprinkle the side facing up with the lemon pepper and then turn over to sear that side. Add the cider vinegar to deglaze the pan and add the apples, onions and cabbage, turn the heat down to medium. Using tongs, mix everything around so that you get the veggies and apples coated with the cider and bacon grease (of course!!). Pour the white wine in and again stir everything to coat. Cover and cook everything on medium heat until the cabbage begins to wilt and the onions and apples start to become tender. Turn the heat to medium low and cook for another 15-20 minutes or until the chops are cooked through; salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Well, I'm off to mix spices for Texas Open this weekend. We're leaving tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully we won't get stuck in God awful traffic on the way. I'm sure we'll take the toll around or 281 the whole way. Either way, it's better than sitting in Austin on a Friday night. Hell to the No!

Gary had the top of the golf cart lowered. Great for short people like me and Gary. Not so great for tall people like Mark Sanders that ride in said golf cart on a regular basis. Nice!!

Keepin it real in Ellis County.....

K

To Market, To Market.....

After my delicious Tilapia, I've got to come up with something equally yummy for dinner tonight. I'm not sure what I should make...so I need some ideas. Anyone, anyone?

I love going to the grocery store. Walmart doesn't count - that place is a beatdown. What I enjoy is going to Tom Thumb or Central Market and going up and down every aisle just soaking in all of the interesting things you can find at both stores. Central Market is expensive, yes, but they have got so many amazing products; every kind of fish imaginable, a fantastic wine selection, endless produce...it's just such an experience! The only thing better for produce is Farmers Market...which by the way, Ft Worth has a Farmers Market. I had no idea! So yeah, one of my favorite forms of relaxation is wandering aimlessly around the grocery store and buying whatever sounds good. Sometimes it's the ingredients to make a big meal. Other times, it's wine, good cheese and bread for a nice adult evening with the hubby :)

Texas Open is coming up this weekend. Gary, Mark, Vicki and I are driving down Friday afternoon. We are staying at the La Quinta rather than take the toyhauler. It's going to be a loooong drive down there...thank God I don't have to drive!!! We're looking forward to it and I know a good time will be had by all! I'm looking forward to hitting a great Mexican restaurant for breakfast on the way home Sunday.

Have a great afternoon - I'm going to figure out my dinner menu :)

Mmmmm....Tilapia!!

My friend Susan Spencer shared a jar of Penna Olive Tapenade with me a few months ago. It is absolutely fantastic and I've been racking my brain trying to find a way to use it in an actual dish. Sooo...I came up with this Tilapia recipe and made it tonight. It was sooo good and Gary and I both loved it! You can find the Penna Olive Tapenade at www.greatolives.com or visit a Goody Goody Liquor store!

Cadillac Cowgirl Tilapia with Olives and Artichokes

1 1/2 lbs Tilapia Filets
1/4 Cup each Seasoned and Panko Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
5 oz jar Penna (or your preferred brand) Olive Tapenade (you will only use half)
9 oz Artichoke Hearts, drained
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 of a medium size Lemon
12 oz Angel Hair Spaghetti, cooked and drained

Rinse each Tilapia filet, do NOT pat dry. Dredge each filet in shallow dish that you've used to combine the bread crumbs and parmesan. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Once heated through, place the filets in there and allow them to cook for three minutes on each side; set aside when done and keep warm. In the same skillet, add half of the Olive Tapenade mixture from the jar, the drained artichoke hearts and more olive oil if needed. Turn the heat to low and warm up the olive and artichoke mixture for five minutes. Add the Tilapia filets back to the skillet, spoon the olive mixture over the fish, cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish and serve over the Angel Hair Spaghetti. Enjoy!!

For a Carb friendly version, omit the bread crumbs and serve it with a salad or roasted asparagus. You can also bake the fish instead of cooking it in the skillet and just add it to the warm olive/artichoke mixture and allow it to warm together for a few minutes so that flavors combine :)

Well, I'm off to watch the Bachelor and then Castle. Oh, and drink my wine. I ALWAYS make time for wine (and whine). I blog for God's sake...it's just a polite way to hide my whining. Or not so polite, depending on what I'm talking about. But, I digress. I'm outta here!!

Kelly

Oh No....It's Monday Again!!

Good morning! How was everyone's weekend? Gary and I stayed home and did yardwork and housework Saturday and Sunday. I love productive weekends like that! I spent Thursday night and Friday at Mild Bills making Jalapeno Jelly and Prickly Pear Syrup for the very first time! I had so much fun and couldn't believe how easy it is. Time consuming, but easy! The drive home was neverending...I took the loop around Austin and it is a VERY BORING DRIVE!!!! At least I didn't have to sit in Austin traffic, so I really can't bitch, can I???

I have a few recipes to share. I'm once again looking forward to the warm weather because I cook so much more during the summer. Lots of fish and chicken and veggies in my Dutch Oven. I'm debating planting a good size garden this year. I really do enjoy having my own veggies, but I'm not a good weed puller :). I guess we could lay screen down and cut holes to plant the veggies...hhhmm....I'll have to ask Lord Brignon about that!

Cadillac Cowgirl Shrimp Pasta Salad

2 Boxes Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
1 Cup Mayonnaise
4 oz Can Sliced Black Olives
2 Green Onions, chopped
1 Roma Tomato, chopped
6-8 oz Peeled, Deveined Shrimp, tails off (I use the salad size)
1 tsp Mild Bill's Jalapeno Ranch Dip Seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook the Pasta Salad according to package directions, drain. Empty both packets of Bacon Ranch seasoning in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, including the drained pasta, and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or chilled.

Cadillac Cowgirl Stuffed Burgers

2 lbs Ground Chuck
1 lb Ground Beef
3 Tbsp Fiesta Hamburger Deluxe Seasoning
2 Jalapeno Peppers, seeded and chopped
4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, diced

Combine the above ingredients in a large bowl and shape into approximately nine patties. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Remove and grill or you can cook them in a 400 degree oven until well done....or to your preference!

I also sauteed mushrooms and red onions together to put on the burgers. It was delicious!!! I used ground turkey for mine and added jalapeno and cheese to them and they turned out great, too. I don't get along very well with ground beef, or any red meat for that matter, these days. Friggin pancreas....why does it have to be so stubborn???

Have a good day, everyone!

K

Monday, Monday, Monday!!!!!!

What an awesome weekend!!! Gary won 1st in Terlingua and I won 1st at McHog In Saturday. We had such a great time and it was fun just to let loose with friends. I even judged (for the first time) Cheeseburgers in Paradise, Omelets and Bloody Mary's and I'll tell you what, chili cooks can cook so much more than a pot of chili! The weather was absolutely gorgeous both days, too. Below are the winners from Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday McHog In
23 Chilis

1. Kelly Brignon
2. Beth Moon - Q'd
3. Dru Stewart - Q'd
4. Bruce Stewart
5. Tom Dozier
6. Ron Barnes - Q'd
7. Bob Coats
8. Doris Coats
9. Mack Walker
10. Stephanie Brockman

Sunday Another Day in Paradise
15 Chilis

1. Bob Coats
2. Beth Moon
3. Doris Coats - Q'd
4. Tina Barnes
5. Stephanie Brockman
6. David Sexton
7. TJ Friedel
8. Kelly Brignon
9. Dee Palmer
10. Dru Stewart

Congrats again to everyone who placed! It was so cool to hear that Gary had won Terlingua and then to have my number called for 1st Place. Needless to say, I celebrated for both of us :)

Last night, Paige requested "baby steak and baked potato" for our MommyBaby Valentines dinner. In addition to the baby steak and potato, I made asparagus with mushrooms and bacon, because bacon makes everything better. It's one of those easy, throw together recipes. Here it is:

1 Bunch Asparagus, stalks trimmed about 1/2 inch
1 Cup sliced Baby Bella or White Mushrooms
4 Slices Bacon, diced
Butter
Salt and Pepper to Taste

In a large skillet, brown the bacon until the fat is rendered and you have grease left in the skillet, set the bacon aside. Add the asparagus and about 1 teaspoon of butter, make sure to coat the asparagus with the butter and bacon grease. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, salt and pepper and recover, allowing the mushrooms and asparagus to cook together for about 5-8 minutes longer over medium low heat, or until the asparagus is crisp tender and the mushrooms are tender. Add the bacon back in, combine and serve.

You can really use any green vegetable for this dish; green beans, broccoli rabe or peas. It's versatile and is a perfect side dish for steak, fish, chicken or pork.

Gary is taking me to dinner tonight for Valentines Day. Other than that, I asked him to have wood flooring installed in our bedroom so that I can be rid of carpet once and for all. The boys are at the Kennel and we are picking them up on the way home. I've missed them and will be very excited to see them!

After talking to different chili cooks and hearing so many viable opinions from people, it's hard to believe that the CASI Board really and truly thinks that they are openly and honestly working with the membership to listen, communicate and improve. Out of the people I visited with the past week, so few actually feel that CASI is headed in the right direction. I get the feeling that while many people acknowledge that the BOD is a difficult position and it does requires countless volunteer hours, how many of CASI's problems are created by it's leadership - in a nutshell, the BOD makes running CASI difficult for itself. Rather than worry about what Tolbert and/or ICS are doing and using that to influence some of the decisions CASI makes, why not focus on itself and what CASI can do to make CASI better, in spite of what others are or are not doing. The whole, "stepping on ants while elephants are running wild" philosophy. I still do not understand the purpose of committees. While they may have been formed with the intention of improving communication between the membership and the Board, I feel that all it does is add to the problems between the two. Depending on the Board member leading the committee, the committees recommendations may or may not be effectively communicated back to the BOD. Additionally, why are committees making decisions and helping to audit the Boards procedures when we have Great Peppers who meet once a year? Why aren't the GP's given more of a role in how TICC expenses are reimbursed, or whether or not a rule was broken and if so, to what degree and exactly what is going on with the financial state of CASI? Yes, I know the GP's vote at the GPM each year, but why aren't GP's consulted more throughout the year about the items being brought forth to committees? It's like these committees are formed hoping to have people of like minds...and if you are like me and read between the lines, like minds mean "like the BOD." Am I totally off the rails for suggesting that? I don't think so - I hear that more often than I hear that the Board is really trying to mend fences, make changes and improve how CASI functions.

I guess that's my CASI beef for the week. And, you can rest assured, any of you who get after me about what I write on my blog will not be shunned or unfriended on FB, unlike a certain someone who boycotts TICC and unfriends people when he doesn't get his way. Like I said countless times this weekend...I have no filter.

Here's to spreading your own special brand of joy and kindness!

K