Grillapalooza

I just finished off a bowl of nonsense.

A slice of my new favorite chocolate chip bundt cake topped with walnuts, chocolate syrup, and homemade vanilla flavored whipped cream.

What has happened to me?

Summer is supposed to be full of healthy, light meals.

Thank goodness summer is just beginning.  I still have plenty of time to rectify my weekend of eating.

Or at least spread the nonsense out over the next couple of months.

It all started a couple of days ago.  When I was luckily given the entire weekend off.

Starting a new job and being at the mercy of the trainers will do that to a person.

And I am not complaining.

It gave us PLENTY of time to get things ready for the wedding. 

Even though we some how still have SO much to do.

It is amazing how much time every thing takes.

Regardless, "Grill Master K" planned some pretty involved meals.

Starting off with smoking these baby back ribs...

I decided to go with a sweet and spicy recipe from Steamy Kitchen.

And let me just tell you that the mixture of cayenne, brown sugar, maple syrup, and chili powder was AH-MAZING.

Not to mention that it was super easy. 

The only thing that Kev did differently was to put the ribs in the smoker... instead of the oven.

Because that is what Grill Masters do.

The ribs smoked for four hours. 

Which gave Kev the opportunity to perform.

And to chillax after a long, hard day of yard work.

Yes, I just said chillax.  It makes me feel 20 years younger.  And about to go vote for the first time.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch....  I made corn.

Skillet corn to be exact.  From Kevin and Amanda. 

It started with six ears of fresh-from-the-market corn. 

Cut off the cob

And then cooked in a skillet for 45 minutes.

It had the taste of creamed corn with a crunch.  And it would have been the perfect summer side dish if I hadn't poured an ocean worth of salt in to the dish.

My heavy handed salt shaking finally caught up with me.

But nothing that a glass or five of water couldn't fix.

As far as the ribs went.... they were perfection.  Absolute perfection.

                                          

We ended up eating just about every single rib. 

In fact, we have already discussed that we are going to have to make more next time.

Because we are now officially rib hoarders.

Especially if they are sweet and spicy.

And because it was a looonnngg weekend.... Kev opted to grill out again the next day.

Which was Memorial Day.

We had my parents out for Mexican food.

Steak and chicken fajitas.  Complete with all the fixins.

Pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa, and refried beans.... all homemade.

It has quickly become my favorite meal.

At least for this month.  My favorite meal changes pretty often.  But I'm sure you have realized that by now.

Unfortunately, my camera battery was dead.  And I did not get ANY pictures at all.

But it was a great day to spend with family.  And we ate and swam and ate some more.

Because there was a chocolate bundt cake to be devoured.

And I couldn't eat the whole thing by myself.

Well, I could.  But I shouldn't.

But if I had a nickel for every time I did something that I "shouldn't"......

I would have a lot of ingredients for cake.

Memorial Day

Today was spent remembering. 

And being thankful.

So incredibly thankful.

For all the men and women who have sacrificed ... and will sacrifice... themselves for our freedom.

You all amaze me!

Thank you SO much to our troops for all that you do EVERY DAY!

Pioneer Woman has posted a collection of photos that capture some very important and emotional moments.  I encourage you to check them out here.

Never take your freedom for granted.

Cheese and Chores

The worst combination EVER.

But some times you need cheese to help you get through the chores.

In fact, I think it should be a requirement.

Even though I hardly ever eat cheese these days.   Unless you are counting the last seven days.

And then I'm still just as cheese addicted as I've always been.

I needed the cheese to help me get through "the change".

And I'm talking about my change in jobs!!  Geez.  I'm not that old.... yet. 

Even though my gray hairs tell a different story.

Anyway.... moving on....

Today was yard work day.  And it required getting up VERY early. 

Like at 9am.

We needed to beat the heat.  Except for in SC that is impossible this time of year.  The "heat" was awake by 10 and had a ton of fun beating down on us and making us sweat.

And doing THIS to my hair....

My hair was perfectly pulled back when I first went outside.

Well, perfectly pulled back as a rat's nest can be.

I also chose to wear my swimsuit.  (Don't worry... I had on a cover-up)  Just in case that "someone" would want to throw me in the pool.

But it turns out that that "someone" was too busy taking his chores seriously and didn't have time for such tom foolery.

I guess it is a good thing that one of us stays focused.

It means the job always gets completed.

We picked up tree limbs.  Pine cones.  Shrubbery.  Trimmed hedges.  Raked stuff.  Hid behind bushes and jumped out at each other.  Swept sidewalks.  Swatted gnats out of our faces.  Sweated a lot.  Picked up trash ( luckily I only found a non-winning lotto ticket and a brown paper bag- our litter bug problem is getting better... I hope)

And pulled weeds.  My all time favorite.

I would call this morning a success. 

Kev would probably call this morning frustrating.

But at least we got it all done.

Not only was it necessary... but we are preparing for guests.  My sister's wedding is in TWO WEEKS.

And now for the cheese part.....

Our lunch was a double doozie.

Starting with this soup...

My sis, Holly, gave this soup mix to us for Christmas.  It is a great thing because #1 we love soup!  and #2 we love cheese  and #3 we love things that are easy to throw together on days that we have chores.

You basically just throw everything in to the pot and wait. 

And to go along with it, I pulled out my LAST loaf of Great Harvest Cheddar Garlic bread.  Sob!!!!

If I don't get back to Greenville soon... I'm afraid our world is going to come to an end.  I'm on my last Trader Joe's nut butter and OUT OF BREAD!!

I decided to make grilled cheese paninis to go along with the Broccoli Cheddar soup.

If you think that is too much cheese in one setting then I am sad for you. 

Because it was pretty much awesome.

I was going to buy some fresh cheddar cheese from the Fresh Market.... but remembered that I still had a package of Gruyere cheese from Kev's birthday dinner last December.

It was just about the best decision that I made all week.

I sliced the cheese.  Stuck it in between to slices of the cheddar garlic bread.  And then shut the lid on the panini maker.

Then I passed out and dreamed of hot gooey cheese.

Except for it wasn't a dream.  I was actually eating it. 

AND.IT.WAS.INCREDIBLE!

If Gruyere cheese wasn't so expensive, I would buy it every day and carpool with it to work.

We would be best friends forever.

But, then again, I'm sure it would make quite the mess on my newly cleaned car seat.

Did I mention that I cleaned the inside of my car today?

I love it when I'm productive.

Because it doesn't happen often. :)

Sweet Potato Frittata

You probably think it is a little strange that this was my first frittata.  Seeing as how I am TOTALLY obsessed with eggs and can't seem to get enough of them.

Speaking of eggs.... I have not had ANY since last Saturday.

That is the down fall of traveling.

They are too unstable to travel with... and I don't trust most restaurant's eggs.

It is not normal to eat an egg that is in a circular shape.  And it is not healthy to eat an egg that has been cooked in cow grease.

Ewww.  I just made myself gag.

Anyway, I felt it was only fitting to send myself off on my new adventure with a belly full of egg.

Not to mention that I had been dying to try this recipe.  And my sweet potatoes were practically begging for attention. 

I got the recipe from here. 

(There are multiple recipes that give the option of bacon.  I went with the "meatless" one because I wanted to make it vegetarian.... but I did have bacon bits - the more real ones NOT bacos- for Kev to sprinkle on top of his.)

The recipe was super easy.  Especially with the help of my handy dandy food processor. 

I didn't have to slice a single potato.  I just peeled them and dropped them in.  The blade took care of the rest.

I also DOUBLED the recipe to make sure that we had leftovers.

Oh.  And I used almond milk instead of regular milk.

The frittata cooked perfectly! 

And was easy to remove from the pan.  Just like a pie.

We didn't even miss the crust.

Two slices were perfect... with a side of fruit.

And it made enough for us to both have two slices for lunch the next day.

The sweet potatoes give it a yummy sweet taste without it being overly sweet.

We found it to be de-light-ful.

And speaking of delightful.... my new job has been wonderful so far.  Even though it is hard to teach an "old" dog new tricks. 

Luckily, my tricks can pretty much stay the same.  That is what got me here in the first place.  :)

On another note... I had all intentions of blogging like a crazy person over the last couple of days.  Until I started having issues (AGAIN) with blogger.  It finally came back up for me today.  I'm not sure what keeps happening.. but I am determined to stay on top of it.  The next couple of weeks are going to be insanely busy and I don't want to get behind!!

Speaking of "behind".... I'm off to do some squats....

I have to do something to counteract all of the wedding donuts that I'm about to consume!



Macon

1.  It is an interesting city.

2.  It rhymes with bacon.

3.  Getting there was a little "Deliverance".  ( If you don't know what that means then you are TOO YOUNG.  Go away!)

4.  I did, however, pass The Whistle Stop Cafe!  From the movie Fried Green Tomatoes.  ( If you haven't seen that movie then I'm afraid you are going to have get lost!)

5.  I got lost in Trisha Yearwood's home town.  A nice gentleman let me follow him back to the main road.  ( That really had nothing to do with Macon and everything to do with nice Southern gentlemen)

6.  It is my home for the next four days.

I'm sitting in a hotel.  At 7pm on a Monday night.  With nothing to do but blog and look at cookbooks and sleep.

I'm so exhausted.

Sitting still in a room for hours and hours today just about did me in.

Especially when I had lots to read.  As it turns out, I only like to read about wizards and food.  And some times vampires. 

But it will be worth it in the long run.  And it doesn't hurt that I'm getting paid to do it.  :)

This is all of the stuff I brought with me...

 I desperately need an assistant that can teach me to pack.

And one that would also be willing to read lots of information for me.

I brought so much stuff.  I even have one bag that ONLY has workout clothes in it.... including an "outfit" for each day.  Two pairs of workout shoes... one for running, one for the elliptical and weightlifting.  And a swimsuit and goggles in case I want to swim laps.  ( I just rolled my eyes when I typed that)

It is a bit ridiculous.  Especially since I am too tired to even ride up four floors on an elevator.

And then there is the food situation.  I decided NOT to pack food this time.  But I did go to Publix on my first night and purchased the following:  a veggie sub, bananas, watermelon, greek yogurt, and water.

I get $55.00 A DAY to spend on food.  And that is what I purchased.  I didn't even come close to my daily budget. Not to mention that I got a salad today for my lunch for $4.34.  And then ate the rest of my sub and some watermelon for dinner.

If I got any rowdier when I was traveling... I might need to be locked up.

The old me would have purchased exactly $55.00 worth of food and then once I was full I would have driven around town and thrown the leftovers  out of the car window. 

Just because it was "free".

Ok.  So, maybe I wouldn't have ever thrown it out the window.  But only because I would have eaten every single bite.

Totally not necessary.....  To overeat because it is free.

Oh well, you never know.... I may splurge on some guacamole tomorrow.

On another note.... Our pool is opened for summer!!!!!!!!

Greatest words I ever heard.

Kev "opened" it on Saturday. 

And he opened it by pulling out my lounge chair, some pool toys, my raft, and making me these...

Aren't they beautiful!!??

He has become quite the barkeep.  Especially because he never needs to be tipped.

His plan pretty much worked because I stayed occupied and out of his hair for at least a couple of hours.

Or until I needed a refill.

I just love hot pool days.  They make all of our hard work worthwhile.  :)

Vegan Enchiladas and Yoga

My new job has me working on a different side of town.

A side that I used to only visit to go to The Fresh Market.

A bit of my decision to change jobs was based on what that side of town had to offer me.  Seeing as how I have a slight infatuation with the gym.

(Luckily, my gym membership is good for ALL gyms in the Columbia area.)

So when Kev discovered that a BRAND NEW Gold's had opened just seconds away from my new location....it made me fall in love with the new location a little bit  lot more.

And this NEW gym does not disappoint.  It is Beverly Hills fancy.  Which means it is out of this world. 

It also means that I can NEVER reveal the town I call home.

I would be kicked out for sure.

In fact, I'm surprised I haven't been kicked out already.  Because I spent thirty minutes walking around with my yoga mat... mouth wide open.... gasping for air..... giggling with delight.... fist pumping... and kicking my legs up in the air.

It was just that awesome. 

I think I'm in love.

I was able to participate in a power yoga class.  More yoga than I have ever done before.  My  body didn't have a clue as to what was going on.

My teacher didn't have a clue as to what I was doing in there.

I think she was worried about me.

But she was supportive.  She even walked around the class and corrected positions and gave suggestions.  She probably could have corrected me all day... but I haven't had a pedicure since 1992 and I think she might have gagged a little bit when she touched my feet.

I blame the fact that shoes aren't required at the Walmart that I shop at.

Long story short... or longer... I think this new gym and me are going to be fast friends.  And I think I have found my new home away from home. 

And I realize that I need a pedicure a.s.a.p. 

I'm holding out to get it done for my sister's wedding.  I'm thrifty like that.

On another note.... I made THE BEST enchiladas this side of the Mississippi.  Or in the whole world for that matter.

Enchiladas are my FAVORITE Mexican food... so, I should know.

They are vegan.  And are from Angela at Oh She Glows.

And they are smothered in Avocado cream sauce.

Need I say more.

They gave me the opportunity to FINALLY use this stuff...

Nutritional Yeast.

Or fish food.  As I like to call it. 

I read about it a year ago.  I purchased it a couple of months ago. 

I've stared at it ever since.

It is basically a cheese substitute.  A super healthy version. And worthy of mixing in to recipes.

It kinda gives me the creeps.

And to be honest, we couldn't even taste a cheese flavor in the enchiladas.... but didn't miss the cheese at all.

I'm just as shocked as you are.

The enchiladas were full of this...

And this....

And this...

Black beans, sweet potatoes, spinach.

All cooked to perfection.  And rolled up in these babies...

They were actually pretty darn good.  The tortillas that is.  Some times healthy tortillas taste like cardboard.... but these were soft and flavorful and perfect.

I rolled each enchilada up and placed it in the dish.  Then poured some of the mixture over the top.

While they were baking... I made the avocado sauce. 

My avocados weren't as soft as I would like them to be... so, it was a little more like a chunky salsa than a cream sauce.

But it was still delightful.  And delicious.  And de-lovely.

The finished product was something out of a dream.  A Mexican dream full of enchiladas.

A dream that I have just about every night that I sleep.

Which is not many.  :)

Kev even loved them.  Vegan and all.  And I have to say that these were the highlight of my month.

I will definitely be making these again.  And again.  And again.

They have officially become a part of our family.

I just hope they don't require a lot of attention.  Or need to be let outside to go to the bathroom.

That would be a deal breaker.



A Change Of Scenery

This is what I see outside my new place of business....

 My new place of business that I start working at next week.

I realize that this may come as a shock to most of you..... (sorry Courtney... I couldn't bring myself to tell you when I saw you this week.)  But it has been in the works for the past couple of weeks.

I was given an opportunity that I felt I should take.  A fresh start.  A chance for career growth. 

A new adventure.

Making the decision to leave my beloved second family was the hardest choice I have ever had to make.

And I know that statement is probably the most dramatic thing you will hear all year... but it is true. 

Eight plus years in one place will do that to you.

Now you know the reason why my posts have been so erratic.  And the reason that Kev is two seconds away from having me permanently committed.

Did I mention that this was the hardest decision I have ever had to make?

Even though this will be one of my new neighbors...

 Yesterday was my last day working at the mall.  My very last day after working eleventy billion years there.

My car won't know what is going on when I start driving in the opposite direction.

My heart won't know what to do when it is not surrounded by the amazing people that I am used to working with.

But that is what makes them SO amazing.  That is what makes them my second family.  That is why I call them my friends.

We will be friends forever.  Even if we don't see each other every day.

That is just how life works.

Change is good.

New adventures are GREAT.

A farewell cookie cake is OUT OF THIS WORLD.

Believe me.  I ate about half of it.

Sugar mends a broken heart.

At least that is what I hope.

My friends gave me the best farewell known to man.  So thoughtful.  So detailed.  So much love and care went in to every single bit of it.

I love them so much!

And am thankful for their support.

And to quote the great Michael Scott ( from The Office... who just happened to leave his job about the same time... coincidence??)... "The people that you work with are, when you get down to it, your very best friends".

And hopefully always will be.

And now I need to go finish off my cookie cake.  For health reasons.

FIsh Tacos

 

I realize that I said I would "tell you all about my meal" after I was finished eating.  And I realize that I said that a couple of days ago.  I feel the need to reassure you that I have NOT been eating all of this time.... even though I HAVE been eating for most of it.

And enjoying a mai tai or three.

Great, new recipes were tried and tested this weekend.  And besides making all of them and working and attempting to sleep.... I haven't had much time.

But that's all about to change... because I'm going to get caught up this week.

I hope you like reading about a lot of food. 

 More than usual.  :)

So, I'm officially in love.

And I never would have thought it in a million years.

I mean, in the past if I wanted a taco, I wanted a full-on ground beef, cheese, sour cream, lettuce and tomato taco.

I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Except for maybe with chicken.

But fish? Who cares.

Until I read recipe upon recipe for fish tacos around Cinco de Mayo.  It seems they have become just as popular ( if not more) than the crunchy taco supreme of my dreams.

So, we decided to give them ANOTHER shot.  ( The batch I tried before didn't turn out quite right)

But this time... it was all about the grill.

It was grill night after all.

So, it worked out perfectly.

Especially since I decided to season it with this....

 I mixed some  a lot of the spice with some olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, and cilantro.

It sat at room temp for 30 minutes... and then headed to the grill.

We were so excited to finally use the fish grilling basket that I gave Kev for Christmas.

 The lid makes it so easy to flip...

 Where's Kev?

 There he is!

 The final product was INCREDIBLE!!! So flavorful! 

We started eating it right out of the basket.

And probably didn't even wash our hands.

We are dirty like that.

 I decided to put the fish inside a crunchy taco shell.  We had  a package from Trader Joe's that had been sitting in the pantry for a couple of months. 

And  because crunchy taco shells knock my socks off.

I added shredded and salted cabbage and sliced avocado.

 And then decided to add some hot sauce... because my taste buds forced me to.

 The final product...

I had to blow my nose half way through the meal.

I may have over done it with the hot sauce.

And maybe next time I will use mango salsa.

But it was still yum-tastic.  And good to the last bite.  And caused songs of happiness to ensue.

All of which ensure that the tacos will be making a regular appearance on our summer menu.

Taste Buds

They are on fire.

They are happy as clams.

They just had the time of their lives.

Because of this....

 And this.....

 A perfect night.

A reason to sing at the top of our lungs....

I will post about it soon. 

Sorry I've been away all week. 

There is good reason.

And I will catch you up.

As soon as I finish eating.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day turned out pretty similar to Easter. 

Church.  And then every one meeting in Chapin at the Bundrick "ranch". 

We have SO much to celebrate this year!   I have two new momma's in my family.  And I couldn't be happier.

The Mother's Day celebration included Randy's family, our family, and Kev's family.

And once again, I failed to get pictures of every one.  Even though I was WEARING  the camera around my neck. 

 I start off good.  And then get mesmerized by food.

Darn that food!

But, for goodness sake, it was good.

Anyhoo.......

Here is my Mom, Shannon and her five children, and me.

Look at this sweet pumpkin.  She is up to 9lbs 5oz!!  At two months old she weighs the exact same that my brother did when he was born.  WOW!

The spread of food was insane. 

Randy grilled some chicken in a delicious mustard sauce.  And every one else supplied the sides.

We brought grilled veggies, Polynesian potatoes, and THE CAKE OF GLORY!

The Polynesian potatoes are actually from the Disney's Polynesian Hotel.  We loved them so much when we tried them that it was imperative that I got the recipe. 

They taste just as good in Chapin as they did in Orlando.  Cheesy, buttery, creamy goodness.  Perfection!

The guys after lunch......  I love to capture pictures of them "hanging out".  What in tarnation do guys talk about for so long?

I'm sure it was epic.

And now for the cake.  The chocolate chip pound cake.  The cake that has rocked my world 24/7.  The cake that I CAN'T.STOP.EATING!

It reminds me of a glorious cake that my Cousin Carrie makes.  With Hershey's syrup and cool whip. 

I dream of that cake often. 

And I think that I have just fulfilled my dreams.

I got the recipe from a friend of a friend.  I honestly do not know who to credit.  But just know that I did NOT create this recipe.

But if I did I would probably be famous.  I'm just sayin'.

After the "cake fail'.... I decided to make another one. 

Even though I am not a good baker, I was determined to master it. 

And I did.

The key is patience.

And the recipe is:

1  box yellow cake mix
3.9 oz. instant chocolate pudding mix
1/4 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips ( or more if your hand slips)

Mix every thing together - except chocolate chips- in a mixer until smooth.

Then stir in chocolate chips.

Spray a bundt pan with cooking spray.  Pour the mixture inside.  Bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Cake is ready when toothpick comes out clean.

But that doesn't mean that it is safe to get the cake out of the pan.  PLEASE LET IT COOL.  Or you will end up with a mess.  Even though it is a pretty good mess.  :)

It is so easy.  And worth your time.  Coming from a non chocolate lover that can give or take a piece of cake... I cannot stay away!

And next time I make it, I plan to serve some Hershey's syrup/cool whip mixture on the side.  Or coffee ice cream.  Or just a glass of milk.

                                               

It was such a fun day!!  Shannon and Randy were excellent hosts as usual.  And we spent the majority of the day hanging out with them.

We hope that all you Mothers had a wonderful day!!! You definitely deserve it!!