Easy, affordable, gourmet entertaining

As I informed my partner-in-crime, as I attempt to write my thoughts, I am having trouble finishing them. Perhaps this issue is related to the difficulty I have finishing books? There’s something about unanswered questions that appeals to me. This tendency doesn’t work for the purpose of our blog though. With that said, in an attempt to keep the posts flowing, I’ll finish out this month with an entry sure to assist you in an entertaining bind… I’ll disclose my most current favorite recipe.

As an understatement, I’m not much of a carnivore. However, if I include meat in my menu it’s generally chicken. My new refrigerator staple (or freezer if it’s going to be awhile) is ground chicken. Ground turkey has been the popular trend for years, but I’m wondering why ground chicken didn’t catch on as well and why it’s only sold at Stater Brothers. With ground chicken, I believe one can create amazing things and here’s the first thing you should try. I originally got the idea from good ol’ Rachel Ray, but altered it as I saw fit.

Chicken Meatballs

1 lb. ground chicken

¾ cup fresh Parmesan cheese

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 Tbsp tomato paste (ketchup works fine)

3 cloves garlic

Generous amounts of chopped basil, cilantro and/or parsley

Salt & Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix together well. Shape into any sized meatball you desire. Lightly cover meatballs in olive oil (or lightly cover the bottom of the pan). Heat on the stovetop until the meat is cooked, rotating throughout the process so the outside browns evenly (this is the only tricky step).

I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure this recipe would also work well to make an incredible meatloaf! I generally make the meatballs and place them on top of angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil, sun dried tomatoes and an abundance of veggies I’m craving that evening (generally spinach, yellow squash, corn etc.). The possibilities are endless! I’ve entertained with this dish for kids and adults alike and it’s always been a hit. Bon appétit!

Entertaining Angels

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I'd rather go out to breakfast than dinner any time. This statement really has nothing to do with my following story but I'm sharing my opinion just so you understand my passion for this particular chow-time. There is something about the options of breakfast foods and the time of day that is comforting to me.

This last Wednesday Brad and I decided to go out to breakfast in Tacoma. We have our usual places we love to dine at but this particular morning Brad found a new restaurant to explore. It was a small homey place called The Old Milwaukee Cafe and Dessert Company. This place was small enough that we weren't sure if we would be able to use credit card, so Brad stopped at the bank to pick up some cash.

The place was quaint and probably consisted of about eight tables. The food was full of flavor and portion and tasted like someone's grandma was in the back whipping up generation-handed down recipes. It seemed that most of their visitors were Tacoma locals.

After finishing our meal the server walked up to our table and told us that someone had taken care of our meal and there would be no bill. I was dumbfounded and looked around thinking what stranger would be so kind. The server wouldn't tell us who paid so we sat there in awe of such a generous act.

The only clue we had was a man that was sitting across from our table when we first arrived eating by himself. He had paid and left by the time we ordered. When he went to leave he looked at me and said the words "God bless you" and smiled kindly. I reiterated the words with a smile back and then he continued by announcing "God bless you all!" to the entire restaurant. He then went on his way and I watched as he walked to his car. Brad was in the middle of a conversation with me and asked what the man had said and I repeated to him what just happened. We both smiled and thought it was a heart-warming gesture.

We still don't know for sure who took care of our check but like to think that it was the joyful individual sitting across from us. I felt very undeserving. Luckily Brad stopped at the bank for cash earlier, so conveniently he could leave our server a kind tip. It's amazing the domino effect an act of generosity can create. It warms my heart and influences me to make someone else's day.

The whole experience that morning stirred up this verse in me:

"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." -Hebrews 13:1-2

Knobs

Budget and style are two concepts that don’t unite on a regular basis. It’s easy to open a catalog, magazine or brochure and fall in love with a particular look, piece or design style. When furnishing an apartment you need to be creative in order to stay within your allotted budget. Granted, I was pretty spoiled to inherit an abundance of fabulous furniture, but nonetheless there were still things to do to make my place my own.

In particular, I’ll focus on a couple key pieces within my 650 square feet. Last year I bought a desk from a consignment store. It’s a perfect size, with enough newness and “used character” for my liking. The top is made of gorgeous pine and the base is painted wood with an antique texturing. The only part I didn’t marvel at was the knobs. They were made of a boring brown colored plastic. To solve the issue of having a close-to-perfect desk, I decided to modify what I had purchased. I ran over to one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie (who doesn’t love it?) and bought a collection one of their best-kept secrets… knobs. They have the most incredible selection of unique knobs for drawers or doors. I chose those that caught my eye because I knew I wouldn’t be able to decide on just five right then and there (they encourage experimentation and make returns a breeze). Afterward, I brought them home and played around with them to decide which worked best with my décor. It changed the entire look of the desk! I later inherited a pine dresser and Anthropologie once more assisted me in changing the look of that piece to somewhat match my distinctive desk. What else can I attach these amazing knobs to?

Frugal Feasting

Living on a strict budget you have to be creative about eating cheap and healthy. Let's be honest too...it's not that fun to eat healthy sometimes so it needs to be delicious as well! Leaving the restaurant biz...and starting a lowly paying job with very undesirable hours was a price to pay for the take-off to my dream job. Not living on tips day to day and now knowing my exact income every month has been quite scary. So I try to plan out meals and think about how I can gain all my nutrition and stay within my budget. One thing I've learned is it isn't cheap to eat healthy! Seems strange that it would have to be that way.You really have to put in the extra dollar amount to buy from the organic section of the grocery store. How easy and cheap is it to pick up a big mac or eat something quick off the dollar menu at your favorite fast-food restaurant when you are starving? You wonder why many people living in lower-class America have a hard time eating healthy. It's expensive! Stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's can be quite pricey but I have found some hidden gems, which will start out the first of my two favorite weekly meals I will mention. These favorite, frugal feasts that I eat during my work break are cheap, nutritious, and yummy! One meal is for quick eating out and the other is for planning ahead!


#1 Wrap/Sandwich and soup COMBO!

I discovered this treasure while aimlessly walking through Whole Foods wondering what I could possibly eat that wouldn't cost me a fortune. Whole Foods is very close to my work and when I don't have/make time to whip up a packed lunch I go here. In the deli section, they have a create-your-own sandwich or wrap option. You can get a whole or a half sandwich/wrap and for $1 extra add a soup or salad. Depending on the type of meat used, the prices vary. I like to choose the wrap option because it's less carbs and $1 cheaper. The half wrap is VERY filling. They always make the half wraps very packed and when I add the soup I am more than full. I suggest buying the whole wrap if you want to save some for later! There are about 8 soups to choose from and they are all healthy and delicious.

My recommendations:

Half spinach wrap, TOASTED with cranberry tuna fish salad and provolone cheese (comparable to a tuna melt). I have them add mixed greens to it after it has been toasted and that's all you need! Absolutely delicious. $2.99 before the soup! $3.99 with soup! WHAT A DEAL!

OR:
Half multigrain wrap with grilled chicken breast. You can choose from many spreads (avocado spread, sun-dried tomato spread, pesto, chipotle pesto, etc.) but I like balsamic vinegar and sometimes I add a little hummus! They have all the cheeses and veggies to choose from. I like a little pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, onions (if you can handle the breath), cucumbers, and mixed greens. $3.99 and $4.99 with soup!

One more note about sandwich options --any chicken/tuna salad you see in the window, you can put in a wrap! They have some amazing ones. Just ask for a sample if you're unsure!!

They have different soups every day. My favorites so far have been the mushroom barley, Lebanese vegetable, chicken tortilla and pumpkin! All very hearty and nutritious! Pumpkin is definitely an acquired taste for a soup. My Australian roommate introduced it to me and while hesitant at first, it's actually really tasty! So $4-$5 for a filling meal at Whole Foods, that's what I call a steal-- almost plain wrong! Cheaper than making a lunch!

#2 Mom's Even Better the Next Day Pasta Salad!

This has always been a favorite in my family. This homemade goodness is just like it's described-- even better the next day. That's why I started making a big batch at the beginning of the week and it lasts me for the next 5-6 days during my dinner break at work!

It's as simple as 1-2-3

1. At the grocery store buy corkscrew(rotini) pasta (whole wheat if you want to go really healthy), chicken, your favorite veggies (I like red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, green onions, peas, red onions--pick your favorites), cottage cheese or feta cheese, balsamic vinegar and another dressing that sounds good. I use an Italian dressing and also add a little bit of Annie's Goddess dressing (expensive but you can catch it on sale!)

2. Chop up all your veggies and boil the noodles at the same time, while baking chicken for about 20-25 minutes.

3. Combine and toss all ingredients including the veggies, cheese, dressings, pasta and shredded chicken! No exact measurements...just add what you like! It's so tasty and the balsamic vinegar really adds great flavor! Add a little pepper and Italian seasoning if you'd like. Not cooking the veggies help keep their nutrition. So, nutritious, cheap and can be a packed lunch for almost the whole week! No microwave needed!

Painting My Canvas

As mentioned, I have a big appetite. Someone once told me I watch the Food Network as though I’m a 400-pound woman waiting for her next meal. Guilty as charged. I’ve had to learn how to not overindulge, which eventually brought me to the conclusion that there’s more enjoyment in eating if you feel good before, during and after your scrumptious meals.

You may think I am some gourmet chef the way I’m going on and on, but in reality I’m just learning the way around the kitchen and the basics to a healthy, balanced, flavorful plate. I don’t always know what sides go with entrees or what spices compliment sauces, but I’m having fun as I learn the do’s and don’t of the culinary world.

Before I begin to share my mistakes, discoveries and accomplishments of cooking, let me tell you exactly why I am on a journey to become a decent, well-rounded cook. For me, there is just nothing quite like cooking a delicious, enjoyable meal for other people. Sure, I enjoy the flavors myself, but until I get the facial expressions and input of guests, I’m not fully satisfied. If I make a dish or meal someone enjoys and requests a second time or asks for the recipe, I am elated and have once more gotten the fulfillment of pleasing someone else’s palette. There’s the true secret as to why I research, experiment and dance around my little kitchen. One day I hope to have a decent collection of accomplishments to call my own and share with those who cross my path through life.

Tweeting, Facebook, Crackberry? Are you addicted?

In Fall City, WA lies a countryside retreat where individuals from all over the world come to be “unaddicted” to the Internet for the small price of $14,000. It’s 45 days and the company only treats up to 5 people at a time. Preparing to report on this story today I kept thinking, “this must be serious business.” While driving there I really didn’t know what to expect. The crew and I couldn't help but crack Internet jokes on the way to our destination. When we arrived at a rural house in the middle of the forest I was definitely intrigued. One of the co-executives of the business and owner of the facility gave us a tour of the grounds (called Heavensville). We went through trails that led to a meditation Gazebo, a tree house, and a rock climbing gym. There were animals from chickens, deer, goats, and a border collie that wanted to be everyone’s best friend.


The meat of this story really surfaced from conversing with the owner and psychologist, which influenced me to write about the topic. We talked about the effects from an excess amount of Internet usage or gaming has on an individual. It's a concept our technologically savvy society can all relate to. Many people today text, twitter, or chat online constantly and they miss out on a lot of social interaction because they are sitting on their laptops. Individuals start to lack in social skills. We forget we are social beings with a natural longing for physical interaction since birth. There is something missing when you take out touch, tone of voice and facial expressions from social interaction. Creating a home at the retreat helped those addicted interact with people and stay clear of isolation. They are encouraged to be outside, engage in recreational activities and meditate. This helped the individuals remember what it's like to participate in activities and be active. Responsibilities were given to them as well to take the focus off themselves. One of the many effects on an excessive Internet user is the negative alteration of priorities and becoming self-centered.


Now, most of these people at the facility were in extreme circumstances and suffering from extreme consequences. This included not studying or doing homework which resulted in failing out of college for one young man we talked to. Some were so invested in spending hours on the Internet they were losing sleep, forgetting to feed their pet, or being late to work. All of these different behaviors were causing strains in relationships, his or her health and at the workplace. It was also causing them to feel anxious or irritable if they weren't able to use the Internet.



So, how do you know if you addicted? How much is too much? Take the survey:

http://www.netaddictionrecovery.com/the-problem/are-you-addicted.html



In conclusion, technology doesn't have to be a bad thing, in fact, there are many positives about having technology around us. You really can't survive nowadays without it (ironically I’m talking about this in a blog). I learned today that you just need to know how to manage your usage properly and keep your priorities in line. Use it to benefit your life not halter it or corrupt it.

Something to think about: Do you usually respond to someone through text or do you pick up the phone to call that person? Do you put the phone away when you are in a social situation and give someone your undivided attention? Let's not forget we our social beings that need social interaction to survive!

One more introduction

I've always thought there was something powerful about the written word. I've always been a firm believer of writing notes between friends, or emails between boyfriends and girlfriends. Not only is it documentation of a relationship but there is something special about putting thoughts on paper. The process creates a completely different way to express yourself through the organization and structure of thoughts and feelings. It makes you think about the uniqueness of how guys courted girls through letters back in the day. That channel of displaying emotion is priceless. I truly believe something novel will come out of this blog and if anything, it will help my co-author and I grow in our writing and strengthen our creativity. If you know me at all, you know that I like to make my stories long. I have this issue of always needing to add every detail in order to allow my listener to feel the full effect. So one of my goals in this blog is to become a concise writer while still informing and inspiring!

Our intentions and desires for our audience in this blog, if anyone so kindly reads it as Amy put it, is to inspire, educate and inform. With my contributions I will bring anything from interesting news stories and encouraging anecdotes-- to fashion forward information and the most recent recipe that unfolded in my kitchen. I'll also talk about the many "how-tos" I have learned through my continuous adventures as a young post graduate. I believe my co-author and I, though in a parallel state in our independent life with many common interests, will add our own experiences and angles to this blog as we go through many incidents of trial and error. This blog is the beginning of a new journey with my best friend. I'm very excited to see where these writings, expressions and exploring of thoughts and ideas take us. I hope you enjoy!

We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.
--Ray Bradbury

If I don't post my first now...

We’re starting this journey to get our words flowing. Although apprehensive, I’m thrilled to have a goal with no specific objective. Who better to collaborate with than my indescribable friend? It seems we always have a final destination, a cookie-cutter answer… I’m ready for a change. We’ll probably write about the change that brought us to our current state, but there’s no telling what will surface while simultaneously creating this account. I promise sincerity while she’ll demonstrate humor and journalism experience.

I’ve always loved getting my thoughts on paper through poems, letters, college prompts and even grocery and to-do lists. However, those thoughts were usually kept to myself. If anything, this will be a journey of self-exploration by documenting life’s little, well… little encounters. Perhaps it will be just one more way I can blend my discoveries and joys with my dearest friend. No matter what these entries end up being or representing, the bottom line is this: we really have nothing to lose. Who knows if any or many will even visit or “follow” our blog?

Most of my entries will allude to living on a budget, quirky indulgences, satisfying my big appetite, travel, educating our future, building community and relationships. I imagine I’ll share crafty projects, recipes, media critiques and some dog discussions. I hope it’ll interest someone… at least I can always count on my co-author to listen (or read).

Northbound (Amy)