Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Late Blooming Dogwood
This lovely tree was a real surprise. I knew it looked like a Dogwood and I kept waiting and waiting for it to blossom. I finally concluded that something was wrong with the tree once all of the other dogwoods in the neighborhood started losing their blossoms. Then, surprise... This tree popped out the most show-stopping blossoms on top of the leaves. I absolutely love the way that this tree is just laden with white blossoms on top of every green branch! The last tribute to spring!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala
1 cup yogurt
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 long skewers
1 Tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tsp cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, pepper, ginger, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate 1 hour.
2. Preheat grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Grill 5 minutes on each side.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 tsp cumin, paprika, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Friday, May 16, 2008
My New Red Shoes
Monday, May 12, 2008
Tutti Frutti Quilt
My sewing machine has sat quietly in its case for far too long, and I have really been wanting to sew something for a special little person in my life. I found this striped and polka dotted fabric called "tutti frutti" and thought it would make the perfect happy blanket. I used several sizes of ric rac to stitch in the ditch, which made "quilting" it so easy and fun. J wants me to make him one with blue fabric and metallic gold ric rac. I'll let you know how that one turns out... :). I've sure loved your recent posts.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tulip Poplar
This is a truely 'Dr. Suessical' tree. The tulip poplar grows full size tulips all over. This is the beautiful old tree that we swing on in our backyard. It is enormous. I can't even see the top of it. The flowers have blown out of the tree all over our backyard. The boys have been collecting them and getting their hands all gooey with nectar. I love each and every tulip that I am presented though!
Book Club Food
1 (12 oz.) cans frozen orange juice
5 c. water
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
1 liter 7-Up
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Azaleas
Latest Reads
This book explains that boys are treated as kings from the day they are born and follow the example of their abusive fathers, and that daughters are unimportant. The relationships of brothers and sisters were strained because of this tension. Boys don't have girls for friends and vice versa. Girls are be married off as young as thirteen. They then often endure in bad marriages and the cycle starts over again.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
twin tunes
The more I listen to your CD, Aud, the more songs I really really like. I think I am a new fan of Vampire Weekend. La Caution's "The A la Menthe" is awesome. I don't know why, but it reminds me of some music I danced to with the folk dancers. (I busted out a couple of my moves for the four kids I was watching on Tuesday - I couldn't help myself! They were amused.).
E's favorite is "Opposite Day" by Steve Songs. We all like the line about the pancakes eating him for breakfast. "Yikes! Pancakes! One of 'em's got a fork!" (Argh! My video is always sideways! Help! Oh well, she was too cute and I had to share! No guitar this time, though).
I, of course, love "Island in the Sun" by Weezer. It is now officially on my happy song list. This was lots of fun! I think we should do another kind of swap sometime soon - it is great to have a piece of you here with me.