Rocking Out & Instead of Dinner Nacho Dip

My husband and I are both super nerdy.

I say that like it's a bad thing, when really I mean that we both like "nerdy things" like Battlestar Galactica and video games.  As far as I know, neither of us has ever worn black horned-rim glasses and a pocket protector, but there's still time.

Last night, we indulged in something we haven't done together in a long time...Guitar Hero.  Yes, we both realize playing a real guitar would be far cooler (and I actually can), but it's fun and a great way to spend an evening in (especially when there's beer involved.)

So, last night, that's exactly what we did.  We rocked out for hours in our jammies, had a few drinks and decided that we wanted pub grub for "dinner"- I use the term loosely because it had to be almost 9 before either of us were actually hungry enough to eat.

Rather than leaving the comfort (and awesomeness) of our pj's, I suggested we do nachos.

They were the best fraking nachos I've ever had.  Hope you enjoy!

Instead of dinner Nancho Dip
Layer the following (starting at the bottom...duh!) in a deep 8x8 or 9x13 glass baking dish It tastes delicious fresh with the meat hot and the rest cool.  Can be served hot (minus lettuce) or cold.


Layer 1:
1lb ground turkey browned with:
1 small onion
1/2- package taco seasoning (NOT the liquid!)
1 hand full of chopped cilantro
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

Layer 2:
Shredded cheese (we used PC Southwest shredded cheese with chipotle)

Layer 3:
1/2 package light cream cheese
1/2 package light sour cream
(OPTIONAL:  throw in the other 1/2 package of taco seasoning for some zip)

Layer 4:
Romain Lettuice, finely shredded

Layer 5:
FRESH SALSA (drained) - we used mild & medium mixed together

Layer 6:
Green & Red peppers, chopped

Layer 7:
More cheese - as much as you like.  Garnish with the remainder of the chopped cilantro.

Serve with baked nacho chips (read as either baked as in healthier than normal, OR baked as in regular chips baked with cheese on top - ha!) and a spoon, because this is a serious dip.

Enjoy!

Jet Fuel

I've been married for a week, and there's already somebody else.

I'm in love with a coffee machine.

I've had other coffee machines.  The relationship, at first, is a good one.  They satisfy my need for a quick morning jolt.  They do in minutes what others before them took hours.  It fills my mornings with joy knowing that when I wake up, my coffee is ready to go.

But then, reality sinks in.  The machine drips seductively from the kitchen, the scent of coffee wafting through the house.  Their gurgling teasing me, the pot only half full of deep, black jet fuel.  The anticipation nearly kills me.  "It's eight o'clock," I say, "why aren't you done yet?"  And the coffee pot hisses in reply, laughing at my impatience and slowing its brewing process as if to say, "We both know who needs who in this relationship."

I try to make it work.  I run vinegar and CLR through the machine, hoping - PRAYING that it will do the trick.  "We can make this work!" I plead, "Please, just one more pot!"  

And then, the inevitable.  

Another trip to Walmart to find a replacement - the coffee machines lined up along the aisles like whores on the street, each displaying their wares for the world to see.  Slightly embarassed, I grab another version of the same machine, foolishly hoping that this one will be different.  But they never are, and the circle of abuse always continues.

Until we got married, and my boss introduced us to a "single cup" foreigner.  His name is Keurig, and he's sleek and slim and all the things I ever wanted in a coffee machine.

But we were cautious.  It has stayed in the box for about a week after the wedding.  My husband and I were afraid to open it.  "The coffee pods are too expensive," I whined, "and not to mention super wasteful..." my husband added.

We gave in and unpacked it.  Cautiously, we filled it with water and followed the instructions...and OH MY GOD the coffee...it was like heaven.  Perfectly brewed, steamy and delicious.  Twelve different kinds to try out with names like "Jet Fuel" and "Doughnut Shop"...but, Keurig my love, you had me at "Tree Hugger."

Yes, you're an expensive habit, but SO worth it. 

Presto....Pesto!

I love to cook.

I'm not one of those "follow a recipe" type of people either, I'm a, "throw it all in a pot and hope for the best," kinda girl.

Tonight, I cooked for my husband for the first time in our marriage.  Kind of sad seeing as we've been married for almost a week, but true.  It's hard to cook for anyone when you're barely home.

Suffice it to say that I felt like I had to go big.  My husband loves Italian food, but more specifically anything involving pesto.  So, I decided to try something new - and it turned out great!  Hope you enjoy!

Chicken Penne Primavera

Boil up some pasta - cook until al dante.

In a large sauce pan (or wok) heat some EVOO and brown one or two chicken breasts.  Remove.

Saute the following in the same pan:

1 Onion

1 Small Zuccini (yellow or green)

1/2 a Green Pepper

5-8 Mushrooms (your choice), sliced

2 roasted red peppers (from a jar)

4 artichoke hearts (from a can) halfed or quartered

2 roma tomatoes, cut into chunks

When the veggies have leaked all their juices into the pan/wok (whatever), add two very heaping tablespoons of pesto (fresh is better, but it works from a jar too) and mix together.  Add the chicken and heat.

Mix the veggie, chicken and pesto mixture with pasta in the pan & serve...with lots of fresh Parmesan/Asiago cheese.

It always makes way too much, but is always great for lunches the next day.

YUM!

It must have been good, he has passed out on the couch.

Now what?

OK, I admit it.  I'm in wedding withdrawal.

Weddings are like crack.  Not that I've ever done crack, but they're super addictive, they cost a lot of money and 5 days after, they leave you with this horrible empty feeling that can only be filled with more planning or shopping or meetings (oh my!).  

No, seriously, I have never done crack.

Our wedding day was perfect.  The timing...perfect.  The meal....perfect.  The venue...perfect (well, at least to those oblivious guests).  People ate, drank and danced the night away.  It really was a fantastic day.  And so it should be, my mum and I have been planning for it for a year and a half.

And now...............Nothing.

No more break neck pace.  No more waking up to find some scary wedding-related message in my in box.  Nothing.  What the hell!?

And apparently....wait for it...now comes the hard part - you know, the marriage part.

What have I gotten myself into?