2009 Accomplishments

1. Traveled to Denver twice, Miami twice, Oslo, Las Vegas, Cancun, Dominican Republic, New Orleans and Austin
2. Took a knife skills class - I am not really practicing it in real life though
3. Went white water rafting for the first time
4. Socializing more - Created a monthly happy hour and joined a book club
5. Completed my first Sprint Triathlon
6. Took 2 bootcamp classes
7. Tried Persian, Indian, Cuban and Turkish food for the first time
8. Saved one year of living expenses
9. Trained for my first half marathon
10. Tried new restaurants: Glass Wall, Striphouse, Nelore Steakhouse, Soma, Straits

July 4th

It was nice having a three day weekend. I was able to visit with friends and take as many naps as I wanted. We went to Dave's house on the 4th and he cooked an amazing brisket and I had some of the best boudin I have ever had.

My contribution to the event was Macaroni and Cheese Bites. I was told they were good and that they should indeed be made again so I will add them to my list of approved appetizers. I think the next recipe I try will be hummus but we shall see.

Macaroni and Cheese Bites

3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
3 packed cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for sprinkling on top
2 extra large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 24-count, nonstick mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook, whisking occasionally, for about 2 -3 minutes until thickened. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and stir to melt. Remove from heat and stir in egg yolks, salt and nutmeg. Stir in macaroni.

Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of macaroni and cheese into the prepared mini muffin pan. Each cup should be filled to the top. Pack each one down gently. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 minutes. Using a teaspoon, carefully loosen the mac and cheese bites and transfer to a platter to serve.

To make ahead, bake and cool mac and cheese bites. Package and refrigerate. Place bites on a baking sheet and bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

2009 Travel

I just want to keep track of the places I am visiting this year. It is always difficult to remember after the fact and I try to travel as much as possible so my list is a bit lengthy at times.

1. Miami/South Beach
2. Cancun
3. Denver
4. Oslo
5. Las Vegas
6. Colorado Springs ?? Visiting Andy's parents
7. Boco Raton - birthday
8. Punta Cana - Aimee's wedding

Party Recipes - That Are Always a Crowd Pleaser

These are my winning recipes that are always crowd pleasers. Another important factor is that they are easy to make. The last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen but I always seem to over extend myself trying to find those amazing dishes that people will rave about.

Who does not like a compliment or two or three. he he

Black Bean Avocado Dip

Ingredients:

3 ripe avocados
1/2 red onion, minced
1 can black beans
1 can sweet corn
1 can rotel
1/4 cup shredded cheese - your choice
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste


Directions: Drain and rinse black beans. Peel, pit and slice avocados. Finely chop red onion. Finely mince fresh garlic. Mix all ingredients in medium bowl.

Serve with tortilla chips


Pizza Rolls

1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1/4 pound Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 pound pepperoni sausage, sliced
1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 fresh basil leaves
Italian seasoning

Pizza sauce for dipping

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook salami and pepporoni on stovetop to reduce the amount of grease in rolls. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Roll pizza crust dough into an approximately 10x14 inch rectangle on the baking sheet. Layer with Genoa salami, pepperoni and provolone cheese. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese to within 1/2 inch from edges of the dough. Roll jelly roll style. Seal the edge with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Slice into 1 inch pieces to serve.

Race Schedule

I am only doing a few races this year but my first Sprint Triathlon. I am really trying to improve my time without doing too much. The last thing I want to do is injure myself. My first race was this last weekend so I have decided to keep track of my results for 2009. So here goes.

S.C.O.P.E. 5k 3/28/09 29:24 - First race where I have not needed to walk a portion

SilverLake Sprint Tri 5/17/09

Race for the Cure 10/3/09

Bootcamp Time

I have been going to my womens only bootcamp twice a year since I turned 30. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and kicks my butt back into shape. What is better than waking up at 4:40 in the morning to make a 5am class? Just think once you finish your 8 to 5 you are done for the day. You do not have to worry about how you are going to work in working out and dinner prep time.

Karen always times you the first week and the last week to see what type of improvements you have made. We just had our timed test and I have to say I am pretty proud of myself but just because I was interested I found the email of what my times were from my very first bootcamp. Yes, I keep every email and yes the email is from 3 years ago.

In 2006 at the age of 30 she tested us on planks and 1 mile runs now she test us on situps, pushups and 1 mile runs. The only thing that I can really compare is the run so here goes.

2006 Results: Run - 12:03 the first day and 9:17 the last day of class
2009 Results: Run - 8:10 the first week and 7:55 the last day of class

I just have to share my situp and pushup times though because like I said I am proud of myself.

We had 1 minute to complete and here are my results.

Beginning of Bootcamp
Pushup: 46
Situps: 40

End of Bootcamp
Pushup: 52
Situps: 43

Big Winner!

My husband got me into Texas Hold-em 2 or 3 years ago. I really enjoy the game (as long as I am winning) because I view it as a game of strategy and perception. Both skills must be nurtured and you have to keep a level head throughout the game. Once you give up it is all over; you have to be determined to try your hardest until the end and yes sometimes that means everyone else will have large chip stacks and you are looking at the measly 300 dollars you have left. I guess you could call me the come back kid because people will consider me done and I will double up and am right back in the game.

Last night was no different. I had a small chip stack but was able to come back yet again. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I was head-to-head with my husband no less and the chips went in his favor in the beginning but I was determined to press on even though I had an early work meeting the next day. It paid off in the end and I have to say it is nice when the money stays in the family regardless if it is him winning or me.