Back In the Saddle

I thought I'd stick with the music theme since that's what my last two posts have been about. We're finally getting back into the swing of things. It's been a whirlwind since Robert arrived home. I've started teaching for UMUC (University of Maryland University College...if I could use one word to describe this name it would have to be redundant :D) on Kadena Air Station here in Okinawa. I absolutely love it but I designed the entire class from scratch so it's been quite a bit of work. Enough about all that...one of the first things we did when Robert got home was through a big ol party.

This was our appetizer...Marinated Cheese! Sounds kind of crazy, but it tastes delicious..it was a big hit. Here's the recipe. I'll be honest and admit that when I'm running a little behind I marinate it in Italian dressing marinade and add pimientos on top. I served it with sliced and toasted french baguettes, lightly seasoned with balsamic vinegar, garlic, and rosemary.

We also had shrimp etouffee and gumbo, two of Robert's favorites...can you tell he was born in Louisiana? As you can see, Tony Chachere's is a staple in our house and I can honestly say that everything I've put it on has been great: chicken, eggs, fish, beef, bratwurst, mac & cheese, fries, crackers...you get the general idea. 

Above is the shrimp etouffee which I cooked the night before in our giant cast iron dutch oven (pictured below). Our cast iron pot was a present from Robert's parents. As each one of our friends came in for dinner that night almost everyone of the said...wow, that is one huge pot! Huge thanks to in-laws for such impressive cookware. :D

We had about 15 people over for dinner which was a fabulous way to break in our brand....new.....TABLE!!! (as I was typing I definitely said that last line like I was Bob Barker). 

We got it at a store out in town that was going out of business. It was marked down by 50% and we LOVED it!

It's from Thailand and it makes are apartment feel so homey. What better way to break in our new table than gumbo and shrimp etouffee with good friends?!

The detail of the chairs are my favorite part. Plus the fact that we can have more than two people over at a time to eat dinner...haha! Enjoy!

Just Peachy!

This peach smoothie is one of those perfect Spring/Summer afternoon treats! I was first introduced to them by my friend Tavia. This was one of her pregnancy cravings and I soon learned why...it was amazing! The original is from a local coffee shop in Beaufort (Common Ground), but Robert being the dear that he is helped me figure out the recipe!

Side note: I always tease him that I married him for his beverage making expertise. He worked at Smoothie Factory and Starbucks...I know, I'm spoiled! I tell him that him working at Starbucks is one of the many reasons I married and the ONLY reason my dad let me marry him...haha! (if you know my dad you totally understand).

Back to the recipe! You'll need the following:

1 can peaches (8.25 oz)

1/2 cup yogurt

1/4 cup Half & Half

1.5 tablespoons honey

3 cups ice

Blender

This should make two medium or one giant sized portion(s). I noticed in the above picture that I have fat free yogurt and half and half, I guess in mind that made it a wash as far as calories go!

Add all ingredients to your blender. I find the best success when the ice is on top. And then blend away!

Check your consistency...you may want a tad more ice or yogurt, it's a personal choice.

Then pour yourself a heaping cupful (as I did) or share with a friend and ENJOY!

Special thanks to Robert for helping figure out the recipe and being a good teacher :D

White Birthday and Valentine's Day!

We were blessed with about a foot of snow the day before my 25th birthday and it stayed with us through Valentine's Day! I was thrilled since I'm heading out to a tropical climate soon, to be able to experience this record making snow fall before I depart! Here's a few pictures...enjoy!

Experienced a little bit of damage, but nothing too serious...it was oh so beautiful!

Props to my bro for making snow ice cream....YUMMM!

We also got into the Valentine's spirit by making these fabulous treats! The recipe is simple: Chocolate candy hearts on top of mini pretzels. Heat your oven to 350 and pop them in for just a bit. Mine only took 2 minutes. You don't want them to melt too much...just enough to stick to the pretzel. Add sprinkles or whatever you wish...Enjoy!

The largest snow flakes I've EVER seen!