On Food: Lorraine's Banana Bread

I haven't posted in way too long and I heartily apologize.

BUT
I'm back today to pass along something wonderful.
Something life changing.
Something you will love me for forever.
and that will definitely make you forget that I abandoned you for about 4 months.

Are you ready for this?

LORRAINE'S (LOWER FAT) BANANA BREAD

Now just as a disclaimer, I'm not always all about low fat.
Fat is good. Your body needs it.
Your cells are coated in it,
which sounds gross but is actually a good thing.
Not to mention that in cooking, fat = flavor.
So it makes sense that a lot of times "low-fat" can mean things like extra sugar, artificial flavors and lord knows what else to make what you're eating taste more like the real thing.

This recipe is awesome because it maintains the taste and awesome-ness of regular banana bread, but has none of that extra stuff.
The secret?
Sour cream, greek yogurt and applesauce.

Lorraine (who is my mom and the source of this recipe) has been using applesauce to substitute for butter in recipes for a long time. It might sound gross but it's actually the perfect substitute in banana bread. My mom's version of this recipe calls for sour cream only, but I like to use half and half  sour cream and greek yogurt. If you don't know about greek yogurt yet, you should try it. It's amazing. It's got way more protein than regular yogurt and can be used in smoothies, as a condiment, and as a substitute for sour cream or oil in a LOT of recipes!

Greek yogurt is kind of a miracle.

Anyway, back to this banana bread.
Here, the yogurt/sour cream adds a richness to the batter with way less fat than butter.
You still get a ton of flavor, plus added protein from the greek yogurt, fiber from the applesauce... it's a no-brainer really.

Try this recipe. You won't regret it.

Lorraine's Banana Bread

1 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Apple Sauce
3-4 Smashed Over-ripe Bananas
1/8 C. Sour Cream
1/8 C. Plain Greek Yogurt
2 Eggs
1 TSP. Vanilla

2 C. Flour
1/2 TSP. Baking Powder
3/4 TSP. Baking Soda
1/2 TSP. Salt
1/2 C. Nuts (optional)

Mix the apple sauce and sugar on low until combined. Add bananas, sour cream, yogurt, eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined.

Combine dry ingredients and add to the wet ingredients little by little while mixer is on low. Once batter is well mixed, add nuts if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees in a greased/floured pan.

20-25 minutes for muffins.
40-45 minutes for a large loaf

Combine dry ingredients

Poems: A good marriage is...

I realize I haven't posted in over a month. I also realize that this probably amounts to about 6.7 lightyears in the blogging world.

I've been wanting to share this poem for a while. Someone slipped it into one of our wedding cards and it now hangs on our fridge, where I often re-read it. I don't know where it came from or who the author is, and a Google search for her name was largely unsuccessful. Apologies to any un-married readers, as it speaks exclusively about marriage- however every time I read it, it strikes me how true it is. Let's see if you other married folks agree:


A Good Marriage is:

A solemn, binding wink.


A hand to hold, on the dark path.


A look that explodes into laughter.


Two heads on one pillow.


Chili without grease floating on the top.


Knowing the lipstick on his shirt is yours.


Knowing the glow she has is from your kiss.


Overlooking apple cores in ashtrays, socks draped on door knobs, doors slamming and words that shouldn't have been said.


Warming sunshine, when the chill winds of misfortune blow across your path


When you stumble, a hand under your elbow.


A fragile thread of discovering love, soon woven 
into a garment of irreplaceable comfort.


The solid bulk of him to lean into.


The shimmering heat of her,


A light in the window.


Going one more mile.


Knowing when you reach- you will touch.


Bed Talk.


A fresh breeze, scattering the storm clouds.


Hearing the pride in his voice when he says,
"I'd like you to meet my wife."


Giving it all you've got, every minute of every day,
to keep that pride in his voice.


Saying "Hello, I'm here, I'm yours," with only a glance.
For always, in all ways.


Remembering a good man any day is hard to find.


Remembering a little tenderness and blarney go a long way.


When she says, "I listen for your whistle coming up the walk, it's the best sound of the day.
Instead of: "What! Are you home already!"


When he says, "You're all woman now, no girl could have your beauty."
Instead of: "Why don't you try dyeing your hair, or something?"


Never saying, "If I had married Harry..."


Never telling her, "I wish you'd married Harry..."
-PADDY NOYES

inMYkitchen: Granola

Yesterday I made something so delicious, easy and amazing that I can't help but share it with you.

It's: GRANOLA!

I had this yesterday on top of yogurt as a snack.

I had it this morning with some milk for breakfast.

How have I never tried this before? IT'S SO EASY TO MAKE! Get ready to have your world rocked.

If you've been reading my blog since the beginning, then you probably remember this post AND this post where I explained how I feel about packaged foods, preservatives and the like. The great thing about making ANYTHING from scratch is that you can control exactly what goes in it. Not to mention, it's usually cheaper than buying it at the store.

To form the base of the granola you will need:

1 C Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

2 TBS Honey (I used local honey)

3TBS Vegetable Oil (not olive oil- it has to be a light oil, otherwise the granola will have a weird taste)

As for other ingredients, granola is totally customizable! It's part of what I love about it. 

Here's what I put in mine:

1/3 C Chopped Dates

1/4 C Chopped Almonds*

3 TBS Flaked Coconut

*Just because I always have them in the house, I used almonds roasted with dark cocoa powder in this. I think that the cocoa powder worked really well with the coconut, but I'm sure any kind of chopped nuts would have worked equally well. Also, none of these measurements in the second half are exactly exact, so feel free to play around with them.

What else could you use?

Chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried apricots, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds... the list is really endless.

In fact, I have a second batch in the oven right now with raisins and a hint of cinnamon.

Let your creativity run wild!

Toss all ingredients together, spread on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 20 minutes (or until mix turns golden brown (stirring occasionally)

If you are using dried fruit of any kind, you can either add it to the mixture before baking or right after the mix comes out of the oven. Cooking the dried fruit will bring out the sugars but will also dry the fruit out more giving it a chewey texture. If you'd rather, you can stir any dried fruit in when the granola comes out of the oven, while it is still warm.

Enjoy!

On Recipes: Pasta Carbonara (with Leeks and Lemon)

Tonight I made this:

Ok, no, I didn't personally take this picture, but really... can you blame me?

I didn't have time. The Lieutenant and I were too busy scarfing down this delicious meal. 

This is Pasta Carbonara with Leek and Lemon from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Magazine (and the photo was borrowed from her website). Now I know that people have rather strong opinions on Martha, but as I explained here, I feel that despite her recent bad press she is still a reliable source when it comes to cooking and home decor.

This recipe supports the above assumption. 

I halved the recipe for The Lieutenant and I and ended up with EXACTLY the right amount, which was somewhat of a triumph for me, as I almost always overestimate the amount of food I need to feed us. This recipe includes bacon which, let's face it, is a general man-pleaser. If you have a man in your life, try this recipe. Even if he isn't a pasta guy, I bet he'll like it. 

Traditionally (and in this case) a carbonara sauce is made with raw eggs that are combined with boiling water and then tossed with pasta. In theory, the eggs are partially cooked by the time they are combined with the pasta and consumed. I know that this recipe has been prepared this way for many years, but also understand that some people may be concerned about eating undercooked eggs. If it's something that bothers you, skip it and try one of the other recipes I've blogged about in the past. If you're looking for pasta, I recommend THIS ONE by The Pioneer Woman. :]

Modifications:

I used medium shells (conchiglie) instead of the orecchitte that the recipe called for, which worked out just fine. I think you could use any short pasta with this recipe and have a good result. Long pasta might not work as well, since it tends to soak up more sauce, and the sauce with this dish is fairly light. 

I put in about half (so 1/4 of what the original recipe called for) of the lemon zest and juice. I am not always crazy about lemon in savory dishes because I think it tends to overpower, but in this recipe I like the addition of the lemon (although it's not traditionally included in a carbonara) because it brightened up the dish and made it feel much more appropriate for a spring/summer day. I think halving the lemon in this recipe provided just the right amount.

And now a word about leeks. Leeks (like shallots) seem to be very trendy lately. Rarely do I see a recipe that calls for onions anymore, it's always leeks and shallots, leeks and shallots. Not that I have anything against these cousins of the onion (in fact I quite like them) but the fact remains that trendy can sometimes = pricey. For instance: I can buy a 3 LB bag of onions for $2.00 OR I can buy 2 leeks for $2.00. My point here is that if you are trying to conserve (as I'm sure most of us are right now) you can usually substitute. No the flavor won't be exactly the same, but if you take the time to caramelize the onions (I would use 1/2-1 whole onion depending on the size) you will still end up with a delicious end-result. Don't think you have to stick to the premium ingredients to end up with a great dish. 

This recipe comes with the recommendation of The Lieutenant, who has added it to his new favorites list

To view the entire recipe, click here

Big sister brag

Oh, hi.

Yes, I know I've been gone for about two weeks. But I promise I have a good excuse.
I've been to Maryland and back!

In other words, I went to visit my family.
In case you haven't read any of my other posts,
here's the only thing you really need to know about them.

THEY'RE AWESOME. 

This trip was the first time I've been back to Maryland since the holidays.
I made the trip solo- The Lieutenant couldn't come with me because he was working, while I am still gainfully UN-employed.
I made the trip because my little sister Audrey was in a play and I wanted to see it. I introduced you to Audrey here but in case you don't remember, here she is

In costume of course!
The play was called "Meet the Creeps" -- kind of a parody of The Adam's Family. Audrey's character was Tarantula Creeps (think a more friendly Morticia Addams).

Allow me to brag a little bit:

While I must laugh and admire the ability of Audrey's school to pick the most ridiculous plays year after year (last spring their production was called Wagon Wheels West), each year Audrey finds a way to shine through whatever ridiculous show they decide on. 

She is clearly talented.

Here's one thing I've learned throughout my time in the theatre:

Acting can't be faked. You can't pretend to be a character, you have to actually BE the character.

The audience can immediately tell the difference. 

While others on stage knew their lines, she knew her character. 

While others recited text, she made the text her own. 

And unlike most of the people on the stage, Audrey became her character.

I'm not saying the play suddenly turned into Shakespeare, but I am saying that Audrey made it great. 

( As a side note, there were others in the show who also showed potential. I'd love to see what these kids could do if they actually got their hands on something worth performing. *crosses fingers* maybe next year?)

When Aud was younger, she was EXTREMELY shy.

As in, she refused to even speak in front of strangers, let alone sing.

Getting up on stage? Forget it. 

She ran away crying when it was her cue in any given Christmas Pageant. 

My mom often said that she thought Audrey somehow missed the performance gene that the rest of us seemed to be born with. I guess in reality, it just took her a little bit longer to come out of her shell.

But now that she has, it's obvious that she's got it.

Curtain call: baby sis, star of the show. 

Yeah, I can brag on that. 

Thanks Be

Things I am thankful for:

Having down-time without a job to experiment with fun recipes and feed my husband well.

Having a family that I am incredibly close to. Knowing that they are there for me no matter what.

My husband, The Lieutenant, who offers to help make dinner even after a long day at work. Who vacuums the living room. Who has a strong sense of honor and desire to serve his country. Who puts our marriage before his own desires. Who takes care of me.

Our apartment. It's adorable and I love the fact that The Lieutenant and I decorated it together.

The fact that God has provided for all of our needs, even when we didn't ask.

The fact that I talked to my sister Kellie for almost 3 hours on the phone yesterday.

That I, my husband and my family are all healthy.

That every day is another adventure.

Meet La Madre

My mom came to visit last week!

In this post I introduced my sisters. Now it's time to meet my mom!
This picture is actually kind of old- taken during my sophomore year of college- but it's one of my favorites.
 This is Lorraine. She's awesome.
People always say we look alike. I'd have to agree.
She actually never wears her hair like this- usually it's super curly but like I said, I just really like this picture. She is a pretty tough cookie. She is also very honest and straightforward and usually has some good advice up her sleeve. I like to think that she did a great job raising her children despite the fact that we always outnumbered her and wrapped my dad around our finger. She has instilled in me so many important values- everything from the disdain of jarred pasta sauce to the love of reading.
I owe Lorraine a lot.

While my mom was visiting last week, we took a road trip.

Here are the highlights:

 we decided to take a road trip - the gps took us on the most back-woods route known to man - we went to visit my cousin melissa, who just happened to be in the area! - did I mention, she's pregnant with her first baby! - then mom and melissa looked pretty - the end

I've decided that having your mother come visit you in your own home for the first time is a little bit weird.

I mean, I had an apartment in college, but it was different back then. My mom would stop by, but she never visited. She never stayed the night. I guess it's just different because even though I was living at college, my real home was still with her and my dad. 

But this is my home now.

So yeah, it was definitely kind of weird. 

But also really fun.

On loss

By now I should be used to the cold...
Mid-February shouldn’t be so scary

It's weird when someone dies.

Things still go on, they change, people around you change, but that person lives on in your mind...

untouched by time, there in your memory.

Your favorite records make me feel better
Cause you sing along with every song
I know you didn’t mean to give them to me

Sometimes it feels like everyone around you has moved on. Sometimes it feels like you've moved right on with them... But then something happens, you hear a certain song, you smell a certain smell, you have a thought... 

In that moment, you feel like nothing has changed. 

You went away
How dare you?
I miss you
 

Grief is strange like that. It can hide under the surface for a long time without you realizing it's still there. But it is. I'm not sure that you ever really move past losing someone you love. You go on, but sadness is still there.

I guess that's OK because looking back with sadness means there is something beautiful there to remember.

They say I'll be ok

But I’m not going to ever get over you

JER. GSP. WDAB. HLS. MJB. MAF. <3

On Recipes: No knead bread.

Let me tell you a secret.

I love bread.

Actually, it's no secret. Anyone who knows me will tell you how much I love bread.
Bread is delicious. I love soft bread, crunchy bread, warm bread, sourdough, wheat, garlic bread...
My love for bread knows no bounds.

Unfortunately despite my avid love, I know nothing about baking bread.

My mom, who is a great cook, grew up in South Philly. With an Italian bakery on every corner, buying was more economical than baking. Hence, the art of bread-making was never passed down to me. That's why this recipe is SO EXCITING! It's SO easy, even a bread-novice (aka me) can make it!

I baked my FIRST LOAF OF BREAD TODAY and it was delicious!
And yes, it came out looking just as rustic and amazing as the above picture. Thanks to Steamy Kitchen for sharing this awesome recipe to begin with!

If you've never baked bread before, don't be scared. All you need is:

3 cups bread flour  
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast 
1 teaspoon fine table salt 
1 1/2 cups warm water

When I made it, I didn't even use bread flour, just unbleached all purpose. The recipe also says you can use whole wheat flour, which I intend to try as soon as I finish eating this entire loaf all by myself

Now, if you'll excuse me...


Photo borrowed from Steamy Kitchen. For the entire recipe click here

On Albums: Switchfoot's The Beautiful Letdown

My generation is a generation of music.

We define our lives through lyrics and songs.

Technology has made music a part of us unlike any generation before.

It goes everywhere with us. It affects our moods. It defines who we are.

Ask a person my age what kind of music they listen to.

Their answer will tell you a lot about who they are as a person.

When Switchfoot recorded "The Beautiful Letdown" they weren't even signed to a record label. Nevertheless, when the album was released in 2003 it reached almost instant widespread popularity and  a lot of the songs were played on major market stations despite the obvious Christian themes. 

In rediscovering this CD, I think it's because the lyrics on this album are so powerful and honest. 

I think my generation is searching for honesty and truth. 

We're a little cynical-- maybe a little jaded.

But we're still searching.

don't close your eyes.

this is your life:
are you who you wanna be?


when everything inside you 
knows there's more than what you've heard

there's so much more than empty conversations 
filled with empty words


there's 24 reasons to admit that I'm wrong

and all my excuses, still 24 strong


I want more than just "OK"


the tension is here,
between who you are are and who you could be
between how it is and how it should be


I wanna see miracles,
to see the world change
I wrestled the angel
for more than a name
for more than a feeling
for more than a cause

maybe redemption is stories to tell

maybe forgiveness is right where you fell

where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where can you gonna go
Salvation is here.

I think the search for truth is ingrained in us.

The fact that there is more.

More than the mundane,

More than the everyday,

More than religion,

More than tradition,

More than what we know,

what we dream,

or can even imagine.

There is just more.

I think that's why the songs on this album speak so strongly to my generation.

They certainly speak to me.

we were meant to live for so much more

I dare you to move. 

My Sister, My Friend

I was thinking just today
About how we used to play
Barbie dolls and make-up,
Tea parties, dress up...

Sisters are the best.
Maybe I'm a little biased because I grew up in a house of all girls and never had a brother.
But there's something special about a bond between girls who have seen each other through life's ups and downs. They're the friends you never out-grow and the enemies you usually make up with five seconds after the fight started.

I have five sisters.
Together we make an inseparable group of six.
Two were born from the same mother and father as I was.
Two joined the family and have been there through thick and thin.
One is part in law and in love.

Meet my sisters:

 Kellie is the oldest.
She's the mama hen-- the voice of wisdom.
She looks out for the rest of us.
She's a great listener
But she has to be
Because she's the big sister.

Bean's given name is actually Brenda

But nobody calls her that. 

To us, she's just Bean.

She's a wild child. 

And a United States Marine.

She's been on a ship in the Mediterranean Sea for the past 11 months.

But she's coming home tomorrow. 

Manda cries if she steps on a bug.

She has a tender heart.
But it's part of what makes her so amazing.
She's always been a loyal friend. 

She was around long before The Lieutenant and I started dating

Now she's my sister 

I know she'll there for me forever.

Amanda marches to her own rhythm.

She's a free spirit.

And she's always been my better half.

We balance each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Even though she's younger than I am, 

In many ways, I look up to her.

Audrey is the baby sister. 

People always ask us if we're twins.

But actually, she's 6 years younger than I am. 

She's kind of an old soul, 

wise for her years.

I guess she's learned from some of our mistakes.

And I'm glad for that. 

It's late and I should go
But I can't hang up the phone

Until I tell you

What I don't tell you enough...

I remember when I was younger my mom used to tell me, "Friends come and go, but sisters are forever."

I guess I never really understood what that meant until I became an adult.
In high school everyone is your best friend.
In college you have a group of best friends.
But when you become an adult, you realize who your best friends really are.

And mine are my sisters.

I love you all.
Wouldn't trade you for anything.

Even though at times it seemed

We were more like enemies

I'd do it all again

My sister, my friend.

Most of the pictures above were taken by Donna Good. Like them? Check out her site, www.alifeinfocusphotography.com

I am in the Army.

The title of my blog has changed.

Did you notice?

During the past year my blog has evolved from a place where I vent about my day, to a place where I share my opinions, to a place where I keep my family updated on happenings in my life from afar... I feel like my blog should reflect me and where I am on my life-journey. The fact is that right now, my life is more about supporting The Lieutenant than it is about being the care-free, shoe-loving, shop-a-lot, 20-something that I may have been in the past. And I'm OK with that.
In fact, I kind of like it.

Hence, the addition to my blog title.

This week I attended an Army Family Team Building Class. Basically it's a class to inform spouses and help them be better prepared to support their service-members. But the Army likes to give things long and complicated names so that they can then turn them into acronyms. Therefore instead of Family Class we get AFTB Class. Isn't that just the government for you...?

But I digress.

During the class I learned at least one revolutionary thing.

I am in the Army.

No, I haven't decided to enlist... but nevertheless I am in. See, the Lieutenant chose the Army. He promised to support and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies. But I chose The Lieutenant.

For all you math students out there, this is the transitive property of equality.

I guess I just never thought of it this way before but when it comes down to it, I chose the Army.
And by marrying The Lieutenant, I am in it.
This realization seems revolutionary to me, because it allows me to truly be a part of things, instead of being on the outside looking in. It's all of the difference between being on a ride of your own accord or being dragged along against your will.

Because if I'm in it with him
then it becomes OUR journey,
instead of a trip I never wanted or planned for.

And only then can I truly become a partner in the ride.

A Hallelujah Post

A lot of times it's hard for me to see the big picture. 
That's really why I wanted to post today to remind future-me that even when things seem difficult or confusing I need to remember that there is always a larger plan that I can't see.

Here's my story about that:

Yesterday I opened my email to find two things in my inbox. Two answers to prayer, to be exact, right there in my gmail. One was a quick note from the on-post marketing director saying that their office will most likely have an position available within the next month. After yesterday's post I think it's pretty clear why this email had me jumping up and down with joy.

The second thing in my inbox was a little more personal.

See, The Lieutenant and I have started attending a church here and decided to try and find a small group there to get plugged in. I'll give you this: the church we've been going to is a pretty big. 
But we had no idea that the "small group connection night" would he HUGE. There was nothing "small" about it. We walked in and were immediately completely overwhelmed. There were at least a hundred booths set up, each representing a different small group. It looked like a college fair. It looked like this:

Actually, it was this. YEEAH. This is an ACTUAL photo of that night. Upon seeing this sight I (being severely overwhelmed as previously stated) wanted to leave but The Lieutenant suggested we walk around.
And that's how I somehow found myself talking with two ladies from a group specifically for spouses of military men.

So the second email in my gmail (I'm such a poet!) was from this group: Wives of Warriors.

Now is it a miracle that such a group exists in this town? No. But it is kind of a miracle that I found them, considering the fact that I almost walked out of the door. 

Let's face it, being a military wife is lonely work sometimes. You're far from your friends and family and even more than that, you have to be strong for your man because he's busy being strong for everyone else. I love The Lieutenant and I'm really proud of him but I have to say, it's not an easy life we have laid out before us.  I think that's why the second email meant so much to me. It's so important to build a network, to have other believers to turn to and a group that you can meet with regularly. I knew I needed to get plugged in but I didn't know how much until I read that email. I think I even cried a little.

I don't know why I worry about what's going to happen in the future when God's clearly got it under control. He's taking care of me.
And that's what this post is really about.

Announcements (and revisiting a past post):

Announcement:
My blog has a new look- it's shabby chic.
and I'm shabby chic.
It's pretty much a match made in heaven.

Another announcement:
The Lieutenant was promoted this month!
His title is still "Lieutenant" but he moved up a rank which was accompanied by a VERY welcome pay raise. The raise came in perfect time, honestly because I am still gainfully UNemployed.

Some of you may remember my previous post in which I explored being a lady of leisure and the reasons that made me an ideal candidate for said lifestyle.

Let me just say that I am re-thinking my position on that topic.

After spending the past three months steadily crafting and redecorating our apartment, writing songs on my guitar and watching endless hours of The Food Network, I've come to the conclusion that being a lady of leisure is actually boring. Let me give a disclaimer by saying that I am fairly sure that this would not be the case if we were living in our hometown surrounded by our family and friends.

BUT as it is, I am living in a new city with exactly ONE friend who has a time-consuming full time teaching job and a husband who works 12 hours a day on the regular.
So being a lady of leisure? Let's just say, it's not 'all that'.

What changed my mind? Maybe it's supply and demand.

Mainly the fact that I'm now demanding a job and nobody seems to be supplying one.

I seem to be playing an unsuccessful game of hide-and-seek.

Yes, indeed,

I have a bachelor's degree in Marketing.

I graduated with a 3.8 GPA.

I have about two years of experience in sales and advertising.

I have volunteer and intern experience in the field.

and I cannot find a job.

Let's just say that it's not the fact that I'm applying for jobs that are above my pay-grade. I've actually applied for jobs that I'm OVER-qualified for, by a lot. A lot a lot.
As in, I've even applied to be a waitress.
A secretary.
Anything that will get me out of the house, really. 

Maybe the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.
All I can say for sure is that this job-search is a serious lesson in patience.
and I guess I'm learning.
SLOWLY. 

On Recipes: Cajun Chicken Pasta

Let me tell you a little story:

Today while at the supermarket The Lieutenant asked if we needed any pasta. When I replied affirmatively he picked up two boxes. Which brought our pantry-pasta store to a grand total of 11 boxes. (Upon returning home and discovering this fact, The Lieutenant promptly restricted me from buying any more pasta until we use what we already have)

The moral of this story is: I love pasta. I love all shapes and sizes. I love Rotini, Linguine, Capellini, Penne Rigate... I even love elbow noodles, in spite of the fact that they don't have a cool Italian name.

Don't judge me.

In honor of my love I want to share this recipe with you. I borrowed it from my friend The Pioneer Woman and let me just say, it's DELISH. It's not really what I would call a traditional pasta recipe- in fact, my Italian mother would probably never prepare this dish in her kitchen- but that doesn't change the fact that it's DELISH (did I mention delish?)

The recipe is Cajun Chicken Pasta: a perfect blend of creole seasoned chicken and vegetables tossed with pasta in a creamy, wine based sauce. Admit it, that description sounded tempting. You can customize the flavor to be as hot or mild as you'd like, depending on how much Creole seasoning you use. The Lieutenant likes anything spicy, so I like to kick up a little bit with this one. The cream does a great job of balancing out the spice and giving the sauce a velvety texture. (ok, now I'M hungry...)

I don't usually deviate from this original recipe too much with this one, which I know may shock you, so I'll just leave you with a few comments.

Firstly, I don't have a cast-iron skillet, so I use my Cuisinart stainless cookware, which works just fine. However, if you're looking for another kitchen piece to invest in, I would suggest purchasing a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet. My mother cooks exclusively with cast iron and I have to say, it is definitely superior to most other cookware. The heat retention is amazing and I find that there is nothing quite like the sear that you can get from cast iron. At the same time, the seasoning on the pan makes the surface non-stick, which means you can also use it for eggs or any other generally sticky foods. Plus they can double as baking dishes. They are kind of magical. But enough about that.

The only other substitution I sometimes make is to use diced canned tomatoes instead of the fresh roma. I find that where I live tomatoes are REALLY difficult to find out of season and quite frankly, I'd rather use canned than fresh if fresh = mealy. I take a 16oz can of diced Hunts, drain the juice (DON'T forget this, or your sauce will be soupy), and add it in place of the tomatoes. Works like a charm.

One more pointer: I'm all for lightening recipes up if possible but PLEASE don't try to substitute for the heavy cream. I often substitute half-and-half for cream in recipes but for this dish that trick will not work. The sauce will be runny, you'll be disappointed, The Pioneer Woman will be angry and I will come hunt you down to say "I TOLD YOU SO".

If you're looking for something to make for dinner tonight, I highly recommend this recipe. It won't disappoint.

Photo borrowed from The Pioneer Woman.com
For the entire recipe go to: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/09/cajun-chicken-pasta/comment-page-4/

Marriage Lessons (A post on newlywed life)

I have returned from what might be considered a leave of absence for personal health. A period of personal adjustment and change. AKA: I got married at the end of October and fell off the face of the earth for quite a few weeks. Let's just say that I needed the time to get adjusted. After our huge, beautiful, ridiculously fun wedding- see collage below- I moved to North Carolina with The Lieutenant and we're now co-existing (mostly peacefully) as newlyweds. There are things that marriage has already taught me. For instance, no matter how well you know a person, you will never be able to predict whether or not they will wipe the dried toothpaste out of the sink until you actually live together. 

I would have to say that one of the biggest personal realizations that I have had since saying the big "I Do" is simply how difficult it is to be wrong 50% of the time. You see, I generally like to be correct, however I have found that in marriage disagreements are rarely solved by pointing out the other person's flaws (believe me, I tried this method). It is important to share the blame. 

I suck at this, but I'm working on it.

I have often thought since our wedding day how much things have changed in our relationship in such a short time. Six months ago I was accustomed to going weeks without seeing The Lieutenant, and now it's strange when we have to spend even one night away from each other. 

Here's another thing I've learned: marriage is by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life

but it's also the best.