Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Thanksgiving


Logan, taken before I stuffed 15 additional people into my tiny home for Thanksgiving.  With so many Mexicans in my home, I was tempted to start a landscaping business, maybe roofing.

And it was a grand time.  We managed perfectly, everyone ate, laughter and stories were exchanged, football was watched and hugs and I love you were abundant.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  Something tells me next year I will find myself in the same situation and that makes me happy because that is what Thanksgiving is all about.  I hope yours was a grand one as well. 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Even More Doodle Time

Several weeks ago I ordered some Moleskine books from Amazon and, after almost a month, they finally showed up.  I hooted and hollered and then got Doodler's Block.  What am I supposed to doodle?  What will be the first thing to draw in my mini-sketch book?  Pressure.  I'm sure by the end of the day I would have doodled feverishly but for now, the pages sit blank except for the first page where I  wrote my name, phone number  and a $50 reward in case I lose it. 


Along with the mini-sketch book, that fits comfortably in my satchel, which I get a lot of compliments on, I purchased a regular sized Moleskin featuring Snoopy.  It's to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip and I love it.  Just like the above book, this one sits empty with only my name, phone number and reward items filled out.  Still, I'm happy.


I drew Charlie Brown on a regular piece of paper but perhaps I should re-doodle it into the mini.  Seems right I suppose.



And, speaking of anniversaries, my 6th wedding anniversary is this Saturday.   Already?  It seems so long ago but, at the same time, not really. 



Good times.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Doodle Time


What can I say?  I love me some Harry.

The Other White Meat


I've been experimenting with recipes lately.  I've been making a lot of mashed potatoes, doing some test runs, because originally I was going to have Thanksgiving at  my BFF's house and was put in charge of the potatoes.  Cooking for people other than your family is tricky because they aren't used to your cooking which explains my starch overload recently.  I finally got the recipe down and just like that, I am now cooking Thanksgiving at my house for my family and some friends.  I was trying to avoid it again this year but how I can turn down B?  Developing my own recipe for pork tenderloin was also a lot of testing.  My old recipe involved garlic inside the tenderloin then slathered in olive oil, salt and pepper.  However, my new and much more delicious recipe involves a little olive oil, salt, pepper and soy sauce.  Just cover the pork tenderloin well in those simple ingredients, roast in the oven at 400ยบ for about 20-30 mintues and bam, yummy pork. 

In other Thanksgiving news, it's warm and sticky here in Houston, not a complete shocker, but I was hoping to finally be wearing (sweat)pants to Thanksgiving dinner but, shorts it is...until that evening when a cold front will pass through and drop those temperatures quick.  Stay classy, Houston. 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Hot Chocolate


Abuleita hot chocolate is a staple in any Mexican household.  It's easy to make and incredibly yummy, from what I remember.  I purchased a package for the BNC and made some while the weather was nice and cool on Thursday night.  Coupled with some pan de dulce (sweet bread) and your worries should melt away. 


For every square of the Abuelita (Grandmother) chocolate bar, add a cup of milk.  Warm up your milk, not boiling, and add your squares of chocolate.  Stir and stir until completely dissolved all the while not boiling your milk or developing that nasty skin on top.  It may be a little undersweetened so adding half a spoon of sugar to your serving may bring out the flavor.  I should have tried the Modern Family version, adding some salt, but I decided not to. 

Pour into your favorite mug, which may be an oversized mug you purchased 10+ years ago while visiting the Alamo and eat with a piece of sweet bread (not the animal gland).

 

If you're like me though, you may just salivate as your BNC sips his hot chocolate while you pat yourself on the back for powering through. 

Thursday, November 18, 2010