Earlier this week I returned from Atlanta, and am now back with my family here in Canada. Last night I decided to cook dinner, both because I enjoy it and also as a distraction from the adjustment from being away from Blake. I cooked for him every night and I'd like to continue cooking often while I'm here (especially since I have the opportunity to try recipes he won't yet try!)
I chose a recipe from Crepes Of Wrath, "Chicken with Caramelized Onions in Butter, Lemon, and White Wine", since I love anything with caramelized onions. As per usual, I forgot to take a picture. I promise I will try and get better at this!
I used stir fry chicken, just because it was cheaper this week. Otherwise, I followed the recipe as written.
I really really liked this dish! The smell of onions cooking in butter is heaven, and our family is big on garlic so that was great too. I've almost never cooked anything with lemon like that before, and I have to say it went quite well with everything else. The way everything combined, it made a whole new flavour rather than all the individual flavours - you could always taste everything.
It was quick, it was easy, it combined some of my favourite ingredients - all in all, I really recommend this!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
We found a venue!
Finally!!
Yesterday Blake and I went to The Wimbish House in midtown, and it went so well. Its a large, three story house with a great staircase, sparkly chandeliers, and a big ballroom with a tall ceiling. Originally we had really wanted to have our ceremony outdoors, but this place is so nice we can both really see it indoors. Its more than I wanted to spend on our venue, but we'll save money in a few other ways with it - we'll need almost no decorations at all, and we can use any caterer and bring our own alcohol. Plus its near a ton of hotels and its right in town, which is convenient for everyone.
I'm really excited now that we have that big aspect out of the way (well, we will once we go in and get our contract/put down a deposit) and I can focus on the smaller, more fun things. :)
Yesterday Blake and I went to The Wimbish House in midtown, and it went so well. Its a large, three story house with a great staircase, sparkly chandeliers, and a big ballroom with a tall ceiling. Originally we had really wanted to have our ceremony outdoors, but this place is so nice we can both really see it indoors. Its more than I wanted to spend on our venue, but we'll save money in a few other ways with it - we'll need almost no decorations at all, and we can use any caterer and bring our own alcohol. Plus its near a ton of hotels and its right in town, which is convenient for everyone.
I'm really excited now that we have that big aspect out of the way (well, we will once we go in and get our contract/put down a deposit) and I can focus on the smaller, more fun things. :)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Choosing A Venue
I think that choosing a venue is the hardest, most stressful part of wedding planning - this could be because its the only thing I've really done so far, but either way I stand by my statement.
I've done hours upon hours of research, searched every wedding website, message board, and blog I could find, and finally came up with a short list of venues that meet the criteria we want:
- outdoor area, preferably one where we can have the ceremony
- not too 'hotel-y'. No offense to hotel weddings, thats just not want I want. I want a space as minimal as possible, really.
- not too far out of town
- fits our budget
The first, which we've now gone and visited, is The Georgian Club. The outdoor area is gorgeous. There's this staircase fountain that you can get married in front of, trees, flowers, tons of great picture spots.. I really couldn't ask for more. They also include a lot in your package that comes with the site fee - day of coordinator, cake cutting, bartenders, bridal suite with some food, all sorts of stuff. The site fee itself is excellent, really affordable. Unfortunately, its kind of an office building and the indoor area where we'd have the reception feels very hotel-y.
The second, which we saw today, is Hollycrest Hall. Their outdoor area is very different from The Georgian Club, its more of a deck, but its also very pretty. I love it, its just the kind of thing I wanted. The inside is really nice as well - its a wedding venue and looks like it, but they have lovely chandeliers and big windows and a dance floor with four big pillars. The site fee is double that of The Georgian Club, but I think its worth it for the area we get and how it looks.
Tomorrow we're going to see the William Payne House of heritage Sandy Springs. I'm in love with their outdoor area, but can't get a feel of their indoor space from the few pictures on the website.
Finally, at the end of the week we're going to check out the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. I love the look of their space, the outdoor area is unique and an art gallery would be the blank canvas I'd love for decorating. I'm really excited to see this place, once we can find the time.
We may also look at Park Tavern, since I love both their indoor and outdoor areas. I had originally ruled it out for budget reasons because of their food and drink minimum, but I think right now its back on the table and we need to make an appointment to check it out.
Truth be told, I'm feeling a bit stressed about all this venue stuff. Its a big decision, and it takes up a big chunk of our money because of the catering. With only 3 weeks left here in Atlanta, we need to get a good look at all the places we're considering and really think things through. I'll be glad once we have it booked, and all the more fun stuff can start.
I've done hours upon hours of research, searched every wedding website, message board, and blog I could find, and finally came up with a short list of venues that meet the criteria we want:
- outdoor area, preferably one where we can have the ceremony
- not too 'hotel-y'. No offense to hotel weddings, thats just not want I want. I want a space as minimal as possible, really.
- not too far out of town
- fits our budget
The first, which we've now gone and visited, is The Georgian Club. The outdoor area is gorgeous. There's this staircase fountain that you can get married in front of, trees, flowers, tons of great picture spots.. I really couldn't ask for more. They also include a lot in your package that comes with the site fee - day of coordinator, cake cutting, bartenders, bridal suite with some food, all sorts of stuff. The site fee itself is excellent, really affordable. Unfortunately, its kind of an office building and the indoor area where we'd have the reception feels very hotel-y.
The second, which we saw today, is Hollycrest Hall. Their outdoor area is very different from The Georgian Club, its more of a deck, but its also very pretty. I love it, its just the kind of thing I wanted. The inside is really nice as well - its a wedding venue and looks like it, but they have lovely chandeliers and big windows and a dance floor with four big pillars. The site fee is double that of The Georgian Club, but I think its worth it for the area we get and how it looks.
Tomorrow we're going to see the William Payne House of heritage Sandy Springs. I'm in love with their outdoor area, but can't get a feel of their indoor space from the few pictures on the website.
Finally, at the end of the week we're going to check out the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. I love the look of their space, the outdoor area is unique and an art gallery would be the blank canvas I'd love for decorating. I'm really excited to see this place, once we can find the time.
We may also look at Park Tavern, since I love both their indoor and outdoor areas. I had originally ruled it out for budget reasons because of their food and drink minimum, but I think right now its back on the table and we need to make an appointment to check it out.
Truth be told, I'm feeling a bit stressed about all this venue stuff. Its a big decision, and it takes up a big chunk of our money because of the catering. With only 3 weeks left here in Atlanta, we need to get a good look at all the places we're considering and really think things through. I'll be glad once we have it booked, and all the more fun stuff can start.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Ridiculously Easy Pulled Pork
I feel like this recipe is extra awesome, just because its SO easy and has so few ingredients, but it turns out so good and people are always impressed with it!
What You Need:
What You Do:
Grab your slow cooker, and throw in your pork and pour in your can of coke. Set it on low for 6 hours.
At the 5 hour mark, take the lid off and drain out as much of the liquid as you can. I've used a turkey baster, or just a measuring cup. Shred the pork with two forks.
Pour on your bottle of bbq sauce, mix it up, and put the lid back on and let it cook for the last hour. You can then keep it on warm for however long you want, like if you're doing a potluck or something.
Eat it as is, in a taco, on a bun (my favourite), whatever! Its literally almost no work at all for delicious results.
What You Need:
- pork. we used a 3 lb pork loin, and it was more than enough for the two of us for two meals - we still have enough left over for almost another two more!
- a can of coke
- a bottle of hickory smoke bbq sauce
What You Do:
Grab your slow cooker, and throw in your pork and pour in your can of coke. Set it on low for 6 hours.
At the 5 hour mark, take the lid off and drain out as much of the liquid as you can. I've used a turkey baster, or just a measuring cup. Shred the pork with two forks.
Pour on your bottle of bbq sauce, mix it up, and put the lid back on and let it cook for the last hour. You can then keep it on warm for however long you want, like if you're doing a potluck or something.
Eat it as is, in a taco, on a bun (my favourite), whatever! Its literally almost no work at all for delicious results.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
So I guess I've got a bit of a theme going this week, with the bacon. It was buy one get one free, I had no choice but to buy it and now use it! Its almost all gone though, so I'll stop clogging your arteries soon enough.
I know a lot of people don't like meatloaf, but I personally love it. Its comfort food to me, its simple to make, and you can do pretty much anything to it.
What You Need:
Chop up some bacon (as much as you'd like) and cook it.
Mix your ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, seasoning, and a little bit of ketchup. Grab a handful, and make it into an oval hamburger shape and put it in your pan. Slice a piece of cheese so that it fits down the middle and place it on top, pushing it in a little bit. Add some of your cooked bacon. Make another oval shape and put it on top of the first, sandwiching the cheese and bacon inside.
I usually then squirt some ketchup on top, because I liked the cooked ketchupy top.
Cook at 350 for 30-45 minutes, depending on how thick your meatloaves are.
As a side note, usually I don't use breadcrumbs but instead rice krispies. I really like the texture of the rice krispies better, but we had breadcrumbs and not cereal so thats what I used. My uncle uses corn flakes, but I've never tried that. You can also use ripped up pieces of stale bread if you have any.
I didn't take a picture because, well, it wasn't looking very photogenic.
I know a lot of people don't like meatloaf, but I personally love it. Its comfort food to me, its simple to make, and you can do pretty much anything to it.
What You Need:
- ground beef (I used like 2 lb but I really only needed one)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (I used garlic seasoned, and this measurement is a complete guess)
- ketchup
- cheese
- bacon
- seasonings (I used pepper and italian seasoning blend)
Chop up some bacon (as much as you'd like) and cook it.
Mix your ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, seasoning, and a little bit of ketchup. Grab a handful, and make it into an oval hamburger shape and put it in your pan. Slice a piece of cheese so that it fits down the middle and place it on top, pushing it in a little bit. Add some of your cooked bacon. Make another oval shape and put it on top of the first, sandwiching the cheese and bacon inside.
I usually then squirt some ketchup on top, because I liked the cooked ketchupy top.
Cook at 350 for 30-45 minutes, depending on how thick your meatloaves are.
As a side note, usually I don't use breadcrumbs but instead rice krispies. I really like the texture of the rice krispies better, but we had breadcrumbs and not cereal so thats what I used. My uncle uses corn flakes, but I've never tried that. You can also use ripped up pieces of stale bread if you have any.
I didn't take a picture because, well, it wasn't looking very photogenic.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Weekly Menu
I always try and plan out a menu for the week, so that we can do the majority of our grocery shopping on sundays and I can plan to make the best use of leftovers and all the ingredients we buy. Sometimes plans change so the days get switched around, but this is the general idea.
Sunday: Chicken with our favourite seasoning (its called Back Eddie's, its Canadian and a lot of work to get ahold of!), potatoes, and some sort of vegetable.
Monday: Pulled pork
Tuesday: We're going 25 minutes away to see a possible wedding/reception venue at 4:30, so right now I don't have anything planned for dinner.
Wednesday: cheese filled meat loaves (a new recipe, meatloaf haters to the left), green beans for Blake.
Thursday: French dip sandwiches (another new recipe)
Friday: leftover french dip and butternut squash soup (for me, Blake won't eat it on account of it containing vegetables)
Saturday: Another question mark, since a friend is coming from out of town and its Pride Weekend so I have no idea what we'll be doing.
Sunday: Chicken with our favourite seasoning (its called Back Eddie's, its Canadian and a lot of work to get ahold of!), potatoes, and some sort of vegetable.
Monday: Pulled pork
Tuesday: We're going 25 minutes away to see a possible wedding/reception venue at 4:30, so right now I don't have anything planned for dinner.
Wednesday: cheese filled meat loaves (a new recipe, meatloaf haters to the left), green beans for Blake.
Thursday: French dip sandwiches (another new recipe)
Friday: leftover french dip and butternut squash soup (for me, Blake won't eat it on account of it containing vegetables)
Saturday: Another question mark, since a friend is coming from out of town and its Pride Weekend so I have no idea what we'll be doing.
Bacon Spaghetti
This recipe was given to me by my mom via email last week, and we tried it last night.
What You Need:
Set your pot full of water on the stove to begin heating up. Use this time to gather your ingredients and chop your bacon, and by the time you're ready the water should be boiling and you can drop your spaghetti.
In a pan, cook your bacon. Remove it and set it aside, and drain any grease from the pan. In the same pan on low heat, add your butter and spices, and then the heavy cream. Simmer it (but don't boil!) and add some cornstarch to thicken it up - add a little at a time, I think I used around 2 tbsp. Add the tomatoes and bacon, and stir to combine and heat. Toss with spaghetti and there you have it!
My Review
I was pleased with this recipe. I found it a tiny bit bland, but an interesting side dish could take care of that (dinner was a little last minute so we had it on its own). It was easy and came together quickly, and it was different than our usual spaghetti. If you like parmesan cheese I think it would go really well in this sauce. I will definitely make this again.
What You Need:
- 10 slices of bacon, chopped (you can use more or less, I used less because I was finishing up a package but next time I will go for the 10)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- cornstarch
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (I only had stewed, so I used them but mashed them up with a potato masher). Italian seasoned tomatoes work well.
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic
- spaghetti
Set your pot full of water on the stove to begin heating up. Use this time to gather your ingredients and chop your bacon, and by the time you're ready the water should be boiling and you can drop your spaghetti.
In a pan, cook your bacon. Remove it and set it aside, and drain any grease from the pan. In the same pan on low heat, add your butter and spices, and then the heavy cream. Simmer it (but don't boil!) and add some cornstarch to thicken it up - add a little at a time, I think I used around 2 tbsp. Add the tomatoes and bacon, and stir to combine and heat. Toss with spaghetti and there you have it!
My Review
I was pleased with this recipe. I found it a tiny bit bland, but an interesting side dish could take care of that (dinner was a little last minute so we had it on its own). It was easy and came together quickly, and it was different than our usual spaghetti. If you like parmesan cheese I think it would go really well in this sauce. I will definitely make this again.
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