Blog Dysfunction

I seem to have run in to some issues with the blog.  Mostly having to do with storage, and using all my space already, and something called a GB. 

My live in computer tech is on it, though.  And should have me up and running in no time. 

At least I hope so... because I have pictures of a certain some one dancing in the rain.  And his name starts with a K.

A Weekend Recap

Actually it is more like a second half of the week recap - instead of just the weekend. 

The last couple of days have been packed FULL.  And the last thing that I've gotten to tell you about is Fight Club.

Ah.  Fight Club.  How I miss you.  I've got to make another appointment.  And fast!! ( P.S. Fight Club University posted our pictures on Facebook.  Hilarious and awesome at the same time!)

Anyway, since I last wrote... I finished my cleanse!! It lasted TWO days longer than I had originally thought. 

I was never really that good at counting.

But let me just tell you that it is the best thing that I could have done for myself.  And I'm a little sad that it is over.  Except for the fact that I am now eating cheese again.  In moderation, of course.

I am officially caffeine free!! Which I NEVER thought I would be able to say.  I also feel better, workout better, eat so much better, and my palette has changed for the better.

I'm sure my internal organs are looking pretty fine too.  Except for I would be totally grossed out to look at them.

To celebrate the end of my thirty-something day cleanse, I made buffalo chicken nachos.

 I still made them pretty darn healthy.  But again, I added in (organic) cheese - which was something I hadn't had much of for a while. 

The chips are OUR new found favorite.  I have only  been able to find them at Fresh Market.  They are the ones I rave about being made out of seeds and other amazingly healthy ingredients.  Kev has commented on them so many times that I'm starting to think that they have a secret love affair going on behind my back.

Also, every time he mentions how delicious they are, I double check the ingredient list thinking that I must be mis-reading the contents.  But, it is not a joke, they are healthy.  100%  And I love that.

I used the Ranch flavored ones for the nachos.  And then covered the chips with shredded chicken breast (Rotisserie), chopped red onion, hot wing sauce (Frank's has the healthiest ingredient list), and organic IRISH white cheddar cheese (YUM!).  I baked them for about 15 minutes.  And then sprinkled chopped green onion on the top.

And there may or may not have been a BIG side of guacamole. 

Ok.  There definitely was.  Because I cannot live without it.

 They were scrumptious.  They were even good the next day when the chips had gotten a little soggy.  I ate a bunch of them cold.  And it made me so happy.

As far as workouts go.  I worked out a LOT.  And tried to do some new things.  I'm trying to get to new classes and mix things up a bit.  I've basically decided to stick to lifting heavy weights at home.  I seem to do better with that than going to Body Pump.  And hopefully, Kev will continue to be a demanding trainer  a source of inspiration.

Besides the boxing, BOOMBA was really the only brand new class that I got in to.  ( The gym is just still way too packed!!)  Diane ( Laura's aunt) invited me to join her - and besides the fact that I probably embarrassed Diane more than anything ever had - I really had a good time.

Boomba is the "more mature" person's form of Zumba.  So, it is a lot of dancing... but not quite as much as the real Zumba class. 

I, unfortunately, can't do either class as my hips and legs do not move in any direction other than a marching pattern.  I also tend to want to snap my fingers and clap my hands to the beat I hear in my head ... not the one actually with the music... and that was probably not allowed.  I definitely worked up a sweat though..... flailing around to Lady GaGa is exhausting.

Note to anyone interested in trying it:  The back of the class is not necessarily the safest place to be when you are NO good at dancing.  It seems that the class rotates in almost every single song making the back row suddenly becoming the front row.

I spent those horrified moments wishing I had worn my hat.  Or at least a paper bag over my head.

And then I made these little bits of heaven.

 Kev's favorite cookie of all time.  The wedding "donut".  And I'm seriously not trying to be rude... but bless my heart this ended up being the BEST BATCH EVER!

I try something a little different every time I make them.  Last time I used the fresh vanilla bean paste.  (to.die.for!).  This time I used the imported IRISH butter.

Have mercy on my soul.

My Mom asked me recently if I was just not eating desserts.  I responded that I don't really have a sweet tooth and can really take them or leave them.

Until now.  I want these in my life every single day.

Which is why I can never make them again.  Because one little cookie does NOTHING but push you to eat more.  And the word moderation completely disappears from my vocabulary.

Kev  has been carrying them around in a fanny pack -so he has one available at all times of the day.

I HATE fanny packs.  But admire his ability to throw all fashion sense out the window to enjoy an amazing treat.

We have literally spent the last few days with a constant mustache of powdered sugar around our faces.

I need to do another cleanse!

Last but not least, I FINALLY got to take a photography class.  I got it through Groupon! ( I heart Groupon)  It was very informative and I really learned SO much about my camera.  Stuff that I didn't even have a clue that it did.  I'm still no where near being a pro... but at least have a better understanding about lighting and composition and how to make your hands look skinnier than they are.

My only wish is that there had been a special part about food photography since that is probably what I do the most.  I would LOVE to be able to capture a picture of food that makes you hungry just looking at it.....just like the majority of the publishers in the Food Buzz network.  They are amazing! 

The first thing I did when I got home was to pull out my favorite cookies and take a couple of shots.

I call this "the senior picture of some donuts".  At least that is what it reminds me of.  An all black background.  Serious, stiff pictures.

Am I the only one with a senior picture like that?

Then I ate every one of my subjects. 

That is why I love food photography. 

Easy clean up.

Except for all the sugar that got on the front of my shirt.

Speaking of a dirty shirt.... I'm off to do some laundry and get ready to start a brand new week.  Even if the weather is going to  be nasty.  That's what rain ponchos are for.  :)

Fight Club

The first rule about Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club.

Except for I always seem to do the opposite of what I am told AND have trouble keeping a secret.

At least about things as cool as this.

Fight Club University.

Just to give you a little back story... in case you just started reading.... I have a bizarre obsession with boxing.   It's not that I really watch it on tv or anything ( even though I LOVE a good boxing movie), I have just always wanted to be a boxer when I grew (grow?) up.  In fact, I used to dream that MTV would call me for their show "Made" and would make me in to one.

The only problem.... I can't stand the thought of being hit in the face. 

I could take it any where else... but not in the face.  It just looks way too painful.

Anyway, back in February ( I think), Living Social posted a deal that was for 15 boxing classes for $15. 

It was a deal I couldn't refuse.  $15 to live a dream.  Fantastic.

The only problem.... I was petrified of what I was getting myself in to.  So, I recruited a friend.  Chelsea.

And luckily she said she would do it.

Fast forward to this week....

We finally had the opportunity to schedule a class.  For Monday morning.

And with nervous excitement we arrived at our location.

A warehouse dedicated to boxing.  On the other side of the railroad tracks.  Straight out of a movie.

We had no idea what we were getting ourselves in to.

Kev had us as prepared as he possibly could.  With boxing gloves ( I happen to own two pair due to my obsession) and wrist wraps.

And a text that said "Good Luck!"

We were nervous.  But ready to face our doom.  Until another lady showed up and said to be prepared to "toss our cookies" during the class.  Because that is how she felt when she took it for the first time.

Wonderful.

I immediately started to get nauseous.  Chelsea didn't eat breakfast for that very reason.

And then our trainer arrived.  Cory.

He is an actual boxer that participated in the Olympics.

He takes boxing very seriously.  And has no sympathy for weakness or exhaustion.  Or girls.

Fortunately, there were only five of us in the class.

Unfortunately, there were only five of us in the class. 

That means you pretty much get one-on-one training at all times.  Even when your arms are too tired and your legs are giving out. 

"There is NO rest for a boxer!!"

Do you see those big tires in the background?  We had to jump up and down on top of them while moving our feet back and forth - quickly- without falling in the hole.

Do you see those punching bags?  We had to punch them like it was the only way to survive.  While squatting and ducking oncoming blows.

Do you see the long stretch of green floor?  ( It is twice the size of what is shown in the picture) We had to do walking lunges the entire length of the floor WHILE punching our arms.  And then run backwards to get back to the start.

Have you ever had to run backwards when you are completely exhausted?

It.is.so.hard.

The entire class was intense.  Our faces were red from the minute Cory said go. 

But it was awesome!! And felt amazing!! And was SO.MUCH.FUN!

And what made it even better was to do it with a friend...

I seem to be giving the "I'm in pain but I'm so happy" smile.  And my hair... let's not even mention it. 

I was too exhausted to care.

We have both been sore for days.  Chelsea in her legs... me more in my upper body.  But it is the kind of soreness that I love.

We have decided to go weekly until our pass runs out.  And then I don't know what I'm going to do  because I have a feeling I'm going to get really attached.

Who knows?  Maybe MTV will start a channel for middle aged people.  And we can have fun reality makeover shows too.

And I will get to wear a silky robe with my name on the back.  And will actually be able to compete in the ring.

Until that time comes though.... I hope Cory doesn't mind putting up with us.  Because we sure don't mind putting up with him. 

                                                

Spring Supper

I promised I would tell you all about our "Kickoff to Spring" supper.

So, here it is. 

I got the recipe from Jessica at How Sweet It Is.

I have made SO many of her recipes... and love every single one.  She has a great way of taking something plain - like shrimp or chicken - and making it taste amazing while still being healthy.

She also has some pretty amazing UN-healthy desserts on her site.  Not that I would know anything about that.

The recipe that I used for this meal involved shrimp, tacos, and avocados.

And you all know how I feel about avocados.

The recipe could have been for liver tacos .... and I would have still tried it.

Minus the liver.  Eww!

Anyway, before I get to the food part, I HAVE to share with you this new incredible kitchen tool that Kev surprised me with.

 It is a "breader"!!  As in breading something to fry.

Except for we don't really fry things that often around here. 

But it works perfectly when I need something lightly breaded.  Like the shrimp.

I first saw one of these at Shannon and Randy's fish fry.  ( yum! fish fry!) He was cranking out batches of fried fish like nobody's business.  All because of this useful tool.

Basically, you put the cornmeal or flour or whatever you use to coat your stuff in the bottom...

 In this case, I used whole wheat flour.

Then you put the blue tray in and add your meat.  Or veggies. 

 Cover your meat (or veggies) with all the spices you care to use.  ( Some crushed red pepper always seems to "accidentally" jump in)

And then put on the lid. 

You can then shake it.  Or throw it up in the air.  Or run around the house with it up above your head military style while screaming about how much you love this thing.

Not that I would know anything about that.

And then, within minutes, you get this...

 That is minutes and minutes off of my life that I was able to get  back.  It would have taken me FOREVER to bread each one of those shrimp.

I cooked them 2 minutes per side in olive oil over medium high heat.

 That little bit of whole wheat flour made the shrimp taste amazing.  And different from the same ole same ole.

Meanwhile, I was making a fresh "Spring" salsa.  With tomatoes, mangoes, avocado, and red onion.

 The idea of putting fruit with my veggies used to totally freak me out.  Until I tried it - by force I should add.  And then I completely fell in love.  It is such a delicious combination of flavors.  And the mango perfectly balances out all of the spice that I seem to put in every thing.

The finished product...

My tortillas were pretty big.  So, we each only had one.  And Kev's had cheese on it, of course.

The tortillas are made by La Tortilla Factory.  And have become my new favorite.  They are whole wheat but taste just like fresh regular ones.  Unfortunately, I can only find them at The Fresh Market and Whole Foods. 

Fortunately, I seem to go to those places all the time.  :)

Kev has been eating these tacos for lunch for the past two days.  And I still have enough to make him one more lunch.

I love meals like that.

And I love that because he has been so busy the last two days.. I have been living off of hummus, guacamole, carrots, strawberries, greek yogurt and nut butter filled muffins.

It is so fun to just eat snacks every couple of hours.

Especially when I am still sore from the crazy thing that I did yesterday morning.

I will tell you all about it next.  It deserves it's own post.

Tomato Tea Sandwiches. For A Good Cause!

Y'all know how much I LOVE a tea party! 

Tea parties are my all time favorite way of eating a meal.  The small bite sized portions.  The option to taste many different foods.  The chance to be girly and lady like.  And the tea.  I love the tea - even though I am happy to say that I am only drinking decaf these days.

Well, I am thrilled to announce that I have been given the opportunity to blog for a good cause.  And the theme just happens to be "tea parties".

The good cause is to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Research.

Kelly Ripa, Electrolux, and Foodbuzz are all working together to raise money for the cause. On Kelly Confidential, you can select a perfect tea party outfit for Kelly’s Tea Party for a Cause. When you do, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund!

Foodbuzz and Electrolux are also partnering to host a Top 9 Tea Party Takeover on Friday, March 25th. In a Top 9 Takeover, Foodbuzz asks all Featured Publishers to construct a post around a theme and then, for one day only, all Top 9 posts reflect that theme. For this Electrolux Tea Party Top 9 Takeover, Foodbuzz has asked all Featured Publishers to create the perfect tea party recipe, and Foodbuzz will donate $50 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for every tea party recipe created!

I think that is so amazing!

The minute I received the email - I knew I was in. 

But what in the world was I going to make?

After lots of deliberating.... I went back to one of my favorite tea party recipes of all times.

The Basil Tomato Sandwich.

This recipe is from my Cousin Angela's Aunt Kay. 

And you can find the recipe on Angela's blog... The Gallup Family.

My vision for this particular tea party was Southern.  Red themed.  And more like a outdoor picnic.

 Even though these little delights work just as good at a more upscale event.  Like a bridal shower, baby shower, or as an appetizer at a dinner party.

I followed Aunt Kay's recipe perfectly.  But then decided to make three different versions of the sandwich - just to give some other options to vegans or vegetarians or people that just don't care for bacon. 

Every sandwich received the basil mayonnaise mixture.  Which would also work well with a vegan mayonnaise... such as veganaise.

And they all received the salt and peppered tomato.

But then I changed the toppings up a bit.

The first one (from left to right) has a slice of fresh mozzarella.  You could also drizzle a little balsamic vinaigrette on the cheese.

The second one has chopped red onions and avocado.  If onions are a concern.... the avocado is amazing by itself.

And the last one is per the original recipe.  With crumbled bacon.

 I am in love with all three. 

 They are so light and refreshing and PERFECT for a beautiful day like today!

In planning this "red" tea party... I came up with some other goodies to make the event complete.  Like chocolate covered strawberries, mini red velvet cupcakes, raspberry tarts, roasted red pepper bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, and strawberry tea.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have.  Recipes passed amongst family members always seem to be the best!

And please don't forget to go to Kelly Confidential to join the virtual tea party!  $1 will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Research as soon as you join!

Spring!

I am so happy that Spring is here.  And brought good weather to go along with it.

Our first day of Spring was spent working around the house.  Getting our home in tip top shape for the new season.

First on the agenda was packing up these guys.... (and gal)

It is all about flowers and flip flops now.

I also pulled up a ridiculous amount of weeds.... I really have got to stay on top of that a little better.  It is my ONLY outdoor responsibility after all.

And then I did the best I could to "assist" Kev with a million other chores that our yard required.

Like picking up trash!  I HATE littering!! It just boils my blood.  One day the car in front of me was throwing all kinds of things out their windows.  I kept saying their license plate number over and over in my head so I would remember it.

Until I realized that I had no idea who I was supposed to call.

So, I just gave them the angry stare.  From  behind.  They never even noticed me.

Anyhoo, it seems that people that drive up and down our street enjoy eating at Taco Bell, Church's Chicken, and Hardees.  And then love to wash it all down with a Bud Light or a fifth of Jim Beam.

All of which I stuffed in garbage bags yesterday. 

Anyway... my rant is complete... moving on....

I helped as much as I could before I was told that the best help would be to make lunch.

Perfect!! That I can do!

We had a very productive but relaxing day.

Ending with the perfect Spring kick-off meal.  It involved mangoes.  And shrimp.  And I will tell you all about it tomorrow.

Because tonight I have the house to myself.  At least until around 10pm.  Kev has a business meeting. 

I will be enjoying my control of the remote.  Probably watching important stuff on Bravo and TLC.  While I eat carrots and hummus (yes, that counts as a single girl's dinner!) and flip through a million cookbooks trying to decide what to make next month. 

It sounds like pure bliss!

And I just remembered that I have a lonely avocado..... Which means that I will be switching out guacamole for the hummus...

Celebrating

We were finally able to get together to celebrate two belated birthdays.

One was for this sweet princess.... born on March 6th.

Look at how small her little hand is compared to Randy's thumb.

She is such a tiny little bundle.  Still weighing less than five pounds. 

This was the first time that I had seen her outside of the hospital.  And it was Kev's very first time to meet her.

She is as precious as you can imagine.  Such a little sweetheart.

The other birthday was for my "Pops". 

His actual birthday (March 4th) was spent in Tampa watching the Yankees' spring training. 

Not too shabby if I say so  myself.

He has a obnoxious  normal obsession with all things Yankees.  And University of Kentucky.  And other things that I don't have time to document.

His birthday attire speaks for itself.

"Why am I opening presents?  My birthday was weeks ago."

"So, my birthday celebration technically lasts the entire month?"

"That is freaking hilarious!"

The above picture perfectly captures the expression I have seen on my Dad's face for the majority of my life.  I just wish you could hear the laugh that goes along with it.

More Abigail lovin'....

Mom made Dad his very own sugar free birthday cake.  She told him he could cut it however he wanted....

Never a dull moment in that house.

It was so much fun to see everyone.... and celebrate... and give Abigail some love.

Except for Kev gave her some love from far away.  He claims that he doesn't hold babies until they are fifteen or potty trained.  Which ever comes first.

The Grill

Every thing tastes better hot off the grill. 

At least in my opinion.

I could eat grilled food every single day of the week.

And if it wasn't for the trouble it takes to clean it and the fact that I don't know how to use one (even though Kev gave me lessons last year).... I would pretty much be outside cooking every night.

Instead I will have to settle for Kev grilling one to two nights a week.

I've been counting the days ever since he announced that he was getting the grill out on Sat.

And he even let me choose what I wanted him to make.

Luckily I had the perfect book to choose from...

It is from Williams Sonoma.  And it is titled Grilling.  It basically tells you every thing you have ever wanted to know about grilling.  Not to mention the gazillion recipes.

I love it.  I gave it to him two years ago ( I think) for Father's Day.  ( because he is a "father" of plants)

I decided on the Ginger-Soy Flank Steak with grilled green onions.

Flank steak is definitely one of the healthier cuts of meat.  Not to mention that it can be flavored just about any way you want to and used in a million different ways.

It is definitely our favorite steak... after the million dollar tenderloin that we only purchase for VERY special occasions.

I was responsible for the marinade.  It was a mixture of ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and pepper.

You only have to marinade for 30 minutes.

And then it is grilling time....

I pretty much lounged around for the rest of the grilling process.  Fully enjoying the weather and praying that the thunderstorm would stay away just a little bit longer.

I also enjoyed Kev's entertainment.  He is quite the dancer if you didn't know.

And yes, we are ALWAYS rocking out to eighties tunes when we are outside.  And inside.  And in the car. 

Actually, there is really not a time when we aren't.  Except for maybe sleeping.


The finished product....

And he grilled up some zucchini, squash, and asparagus to go along with it. 

They were tossed lightly in olive oil, pepper, and garlic salt.

And folks.  This is where I need you to know that this was one of the best meals I have had in a very long time. 

It blew my socks off.  And shoes.  And Wonder Woman mask.

The flavors on the steak were amazing!  And the veggies.... well, they were perfectly crispy and perfectly seasoned.  Kev even LOVED the asparagus!! And he is usually not a fan. 

Next time, I will have to throw in some brussels.  :)

I added some organic jasmine rice... and this was our meal...

This meal is the reason that I can never be a vegetarian.  Even though these days I eat vegetarian most of the time.

We ate outside by the light of the kitchen...

And it started to rain the second that Kev sat down.  Perfect timing.  

We spent most of the meal discussing all of the things we want to try on the grill this year.  We received so many fun sauces and utensils and grilling gear items for Christmas.  All I know is that it is going to be a fun food-filled summer!

Which will be no different from any other summer.  :)

The Perfect Day

I'm sitting here in a state of happiness.

With a belly full of the most delicious dinner.

A dinner that I didn't make.

And even though it is raining cats and dogs out there ( it sounds like it literally is!!) and our power is flickering on and off..... I still proclaim this day to be PERFECT.

I had been waiting for it all week.

A day with gorgeous weather.  Not too hot... Not too cold... but just right.

And it did not disappoint.

I chose to celebrate by heading out to my favorite place.

My back yard.

And after I slathered on a gallon and a half of 30SPF sunblock..... I served lunch.

Pool side.

I had a double decker turkey club sandwich waiting for Kev when he got home from work.  Along with some Fritos and BLT dip.  ( I got the dip recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything. )

With the exception that I made WAY too much for just one person with a very tiny mouth to eat, Kev thought it was very good.

We will see if he still thinks that when he is eating it a week from now.

( It would be an awesome dip to make for a party!!)

While Kev started his chores I set up our lounging area.

Complete with our NEW towels.  Given to us as Christmas gifts from my parents.  I've been dying to use them.... not only because they are so cute.  Or because they are new and not full of stains and holes.  But because they have our names embrodiered on them.

It keeps us from fighting.

Kev never got to use his though... because he did chores all the live long day.  I helped for a little bit... but the sun and some good magazines were calling my name.  Not to mention I needed a nap.

I enjoyed as much of the day as I could.  And didn't even work out until about 6:30pm. 

After which I showered and put on my favorite pink seersucker shorts ( which I haven't worn in five years) and a white tank top.

Kev was cooking  grilling our dinner.  And I wanted to look my best while I was sitting back, sipping lemon water, and enjoying the evening.

I am SO happy that Spring is finally here!

And I will tell you all about our meal in my next post.  It was so good that it deserves it's own.

I Prevailed

My day started off pretty good.  I got up.  Got dressed for the gym.  Made a green monster to drink on the way.  Left the house with a smile on my face.

And then total chaos ensued.

I realized about half way there (35 minute drive) that I had forgotten my water.  It is impossible for me to take a spin class without water.

I racked my brain trying to decide what to do.

I even checked under the seats to see if I had an old ( probably hot and gross) water bottle I could use. 

I was desperate.

I was driving behind a large dump truck that was going WAY under the speed limit.

I started getting the shakes.

I finally decided to stop at a gas station. 

I had no cash.

So, I bought three bottles just so I would be putting more that just a dollar on my credit card.

Sometimes I make no sense.

I finally made it to the gym.  To a FULL parking lot. 

It was a Friday morning at 9.  Does any one work anymore?

I grabbed the last spot.  And practically ran to the front door.

And then up the stairs and to the spin class room.

IT.WAS.PACKED!

And there was still 10 minutes to spare.

All the bikes were taken AND there were just people milling about the room hoping that someone would give up their bike.

Total chaos.

And then a fight broke out.  Between two women.  Over some one saved some one a bike and that wasn't fair....

And I ran for my life.

I ran in to my special hiding place.  The theater room.  And decided that I didn't really want to take a spin class anyway.  I needed to run.

Except for as soon as I started running, I realized that I was wearing the same outfit that I did for my last race.

So, my pants started to fall down.

And my sports bra was two sizes too big and had NO support.

I had dressed specifically to sit on a bike and ride.  No bouncing.  Or running.  Or jumping jacks.

At this point, all I wanted to do was quit and go home.  But I didn't.  I just held my pants up.  And had to stop THREE times to re-tie my shoes. 

Good thing it was so dark.

I ran and ellipticalled for an hour.  And then made it in to a Pilates class.  Which put me in to the super sore state that I am in now.

It seems that the gym is not emptying out any time soon.  In fact, it keeps getting busier and busier.  I've decided that it is better to have a Plan B for each class.  That way, I won't be so disappointed after driving all that way and then finding out that there is no room. 

And I need to get some workout clothes that fit.... for goodness sake.  That is my priority of the week!

On a positive note...

I made another batch of my new favorite nut butter/banana muffins.  Because I had to for our survival. 

We have grown quite enamored with these little delights.

And yes, I said "WE".  Kev likes them just as much.

But this time I made them with this nut butter....

Almond butter with roasted flaxseeds.  YUM! 

And I put a LOT more filling in to each muffin.  And made the muffins a little smaller. 

And ran out of batter to top all of the muffins because I was too focused on the filling.  So, some of them ended up "open faced".  Like this...

                                       

No worries, though.  It was still just as good.

And the perfect way to end a hectic morning.

Irish Nachos!

That is what we had for dinner.  To celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

I have been beside myself with excitement to try this recipe ever since I happened to come across it on "What's Gaby Cooking".  Another blogger that I read referred me to her site and her post for that day was all about Irish food and Kerrygold butter. 

What could be better than nachos, guacamole, and potatoes?

Actually, you could put guacamole on ANYTHING and I would love it!  It is only my favorite food ever.

Next to cheese. 

 Never mind, I like it better than cheese. 

My cleanse has changed me, folks.  And there is no going back.

Anyhoo...

The base of the nachos is POTATOES!  So creative!

I sliced the potatoes in my handy dandy food processor.  Because, for me, it is the only way I am sure to keep all my fingers intact.

Plus, it only takes three seconds.

And then I put them in the pan like I was told to.

 And sprinkled them with lots of paprika, pepper, and this delightful garlic salt...

 I got it at World Market.  It has a built in grinder and works really well. 

And just because you should know.... I doubled the recipe.  So, we could each have our own pan.  That way I could control the amounts of toppings going on mine. 

And also so I wouldn't have to share.

The other things I did were to only use green peppers instead of red and yellow.  Because #1 HELLO!  It is St. Patty's Day.  and #2.  Green peppers are cheaper!  ( It helps with my budget)

And I really debated on what meat to use.  Gaby says you can use anything.  So, I was going for chicken but at the last minute I came across some grass fed/farm raised/hormone and chemical free beef.  Not to mention that I get the feeling from all of the recipes that I've looked at for ideas that the Irish love their beef.

It was the right thing to do.

And the first time that I've had red meat in almost 30 days. 

I just put a little bit in my pan and felt that it was just the right amount to make the nachos filling and scrumptious!

While the nachos were baking, I made my one true love.  Guacamole!

 With extra chunky jalapeno.  If you look closely, you can see it in the picture. 

Me and jalapeno are thick as thieves.  We need each other to survive.

(I'm starting to think that in a past life I was a hot pepper on a produce stand in Mexico)

After eating ten gallons of guacamole BEFORE dinner was served (Ooops!), I pulled the nachos out of the oven and started dancing an Irish jig.

It was like having your very own bowl of heaven.

With Kerrygold cheddar cheese on top.  ( I just had a tiny bit)  The cheese was a completely different consistency than the cheddar I am used to buying at Publix.  It was so light and SOFT. 

I need to visit Ireland.  They know how to make good dairy.

The final result...

 I ate mine like a piece of pie.  With a fork.

Kev ate his with blue tortilla chips.

You can even eat it with your fingers.  It doesn't matter to me.

And I could have totally eaten it without the meat and it still would have been amazing.  The potatoes make it hearty. 

It definitely goes a long way.  We have plenty of leftovers.

And three more avocados in the pantry just in case we run out of the guac.

Then came dessert.

Unfortunately, mint is Kev's nemesis.  So, just about every celebratory dessert is green because of the minty flavoring. 

I had to get creative.  So, I decided to make him a milkshake COLORED green.  However, there was no green food coloring to be found.

 So, I went with green sprinkles.

I made the shake with 2 cups vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and a dash of vanilla extract.  There is cool whip on top.  Of course.

He enjoyed it even though the glass may have been a little too full which resulted in some spillage on the jammies.

That just means that tomorrow night I will have to pull out the BIG glass and maybe a bib.

We hope you all had a fun and safe and yummy St. Patrick's Day!!

I'm already planning some different ideas for next year... in addition to having the nachos again!  :)