Drugstore.com Deal

I love anything that is free, so I was especially excited today when I received a tote bag full of samples, some full sized, from drugstore.com.  To get the deal, you need to click this link and buy $40 worth of natural products by May 4th.  Bonus: if you buy seventh generation diapers, you will get a free Little Twig tote with a couple of products and a toy.  Also, if you are new to drugstore.com, you will get $10 off a $50 order (if it doesn't automatically come up, link to it here).   If you've ordered before, check your old emails because they usually send offers for $5 off $40 orders.  Watch for other deals as you shop, such as $3 off three California baby products.  You need to click on the offer for it to be applied.  Everytime you open a new link, your offers and shopping cart should carryover.  Just make sure all of your deals are there before you checkout.  Happy shopping!

Hadley was excited to try on her "preschool shoes."  

Do you think these two are related?

Butter Chicken

I've mentioned this recipe before, but it's worth telling you about again.  We ate this for dinner tonight and I truly can't wait to eat the leftovers tomorrow.  This recipe for butter chicken takes some preparation and planning as it needs to marinade for several hours before cooking.  Other than that, it's pretty simple, and I like that the final step is to simmer for 30 minutes (or longer), giving you time to do other things while dinner is cooking.  In the past, this hasn't been a huge hit with the kids, but tonight they both happily ate huge portions.  Without further adieu, here's the recipe.

image via tasty kitchen

Butter Chicken
Adapted from Tasty Kitchen

• 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut Into Bite Sized Pieces)
• 5 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoons Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper  (this is the kid friendly version- use 1/2 tsp if you like food a little spicier)
• ¼ teaspoons Ground Coriander
• ¼ teaspoons Cumin
• ¼ teaspoons Cardamom  (Buy it in pod form and crush it- cheaper, fresher and it smells amazing!)
• 1 whole Lime, Juiced
• 1 whole Onion, Diced
• ¼ cups Butter
• 1 can (14.5 Oz. Can) Tomato Sauce
• 1 can (14.5 Oz. Can) Petite Diced Tomatoes
• 1 pint Whipping Cream
• 1 bunch Chopped Cilantro, to taste
• Basmati rice, cooked per directions on package 

Combine first 9 ingredients and marinate at least 6 hours to overnight. 

Saute the onion in the butter until soft. Add marinated chicken and cook about 10 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Cook for 30 minutes (I cook it longer if I have time) over medium-low heat with the lid on. Add the whipping cream and cilantro just before serving over Basmati rice.

A couple of notes:

- After the chicken is partially cooked, I like to cut it into smaller pieces in the pan.  This way, as it cooks in the sauce it become even more tender.  When we eat at Indian restaurants, it seems that the chicken is usually cut this way versus in bite sized chunks.  

-This recipe makes a lot of extra sauce, which is good.  I've used this for lunch on the third day; just add frozen cauliflower and peas and serve over rice- delicious!

Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter and Walnuts

Image via Epicurious

You like brownies, right?  Please say yes, because otherwise, I'm not sure we can be friends.  Okay, good.  Now, do you like fudgy or cakey brownies?  Yes, there is a right answer to this question.  If you like cakey brownies, well, then you better get going.  Fudgy?  Stay right here; you're going to want to make this recipe.  

• Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter and Walnuts, recipe via Bon Appetit, Feb, 2011
• Ingredients:

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned into cup to measure, then leveled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, chilled
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 cup walnut pieces

Preparation: 

Position rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 325°F. Line 8 x 8 x 2-inch metal baking pan with foil, pressing foil firmly against pan sides and leaving 2-inch overhang. Coat foil with nonstick spray. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter stops foaming and browned bits form at bottom of pan, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; immediately add sugar, cocoa, 2 teaspoons water, vanilla, and 1⁄4 teaspoon (generous) salt. Stir to blend. Let cool 5 minutes (mixture will still be hot). Add eggs to hot mixture 1 at a time, beating vigorously to blend after each addition. When mixture looks thick and shiny, add flour and stir until blended. Beat vigorously 60 strokes. Stir in nuts. Transfer batter to prepared pan.

Bake brownies until toothpick inserted into center comes out almost clean (with a few moist crumbs attached), about 25 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Using foil overhang, lift brownies from pan. Cut into 4 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 4 brownies. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Notes:  

-I'm not a big fan of walnuts, so I planned to substitute chocolate chips.  Except, I forgot.  Next time...

-These are similar to Ina Garten's Outrageous brownies, but in my opinion, they were easier and cheaper to make.  Ina's brownies are great chilled; I have one of the browned butter brownies in the fridge now, just waiting for me to eat for breakfast dessert tomorrow.  

-Taking a tip from Ina's brownies, I think adding some instant espresso powder (maybe 1 tsp?), or substituting coffee for the water might intensify the chocolate flavor of these brownies. 

-If you make these, you must sample the batter (who doesn't?), as the browned butter flavor is really deliciously detectable.  It adds a nice carmel flavor. 

-Cut these brownies into small pieces, but eat several.  It won't matter, because they were just tiny bites, which we both know contain no calories.

Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

 My little bunnies, circa 2010

Lately, we've been talking about getting rid of the exersaucer, but for some reason, I can't part with it.  I think I finally figured out why.  I need to keep it around to recreate the above picture, year after year.  Wouldn't it be hilarious when the kids are teenagers?  Kind of like these pictures. 

I have a Pannu Kakku, or Finnish oven pancake, in the oven right now and my house smells wonderful.  After breakfast, we are going to attempt to make shaving cream easter eggs.  Hopefully it warms up, because this looks like an outdoor project (messy!).  Traditionally, we make bunny cakes on Easter, but after the Almond Joy Cake that we made the other day, I just can't stomach the thought of more coconut.  Yes, there is such a thing as too much coconut.  If I feel ambitious this afternoon, I might make cocoa brownies with browned butter instead.  

Happy Easter, everyone!

Long Time, No Post

I've been a little lax with the posting lately.  Sometimes I feel like it's a silly waste of time; like I'm writing to myself.  But, blogger says that a lot of people are reading, and occasionally people tell me how much they enjoy the blog, or even that it starts their mornings off on a good note.  Well, that is definitely worth it.   This may be an overdue post, but I have a lot of good stuff to share.  On with the show!

First, some happy news here.

Next, an awesome tutorial from my favorite mechanics.  I can't wait to adjust the mirrors on my van tomorrow.

Speaking of cars, this video is very moving, and presents a great message.  (Warning, this commercial might make you cry.)

If you're already crying, you might as well watch this video, too.  Even though it's a bit sad, it is completely beautiful. 

Symmetry from Everynone on Vimeo.



I bought a new pair of sandals at Target last night.  They only had one pair left in my color of choice, and low and behold, it was my size!  I bought them without trying them on, knowing that a 7 1/2 would be a perfect fit.  When I got home, I was so bummed to see that the shoes were in the wrong box and they were actually size 8 1/2.  I tried them on, and guess what?   They fit like a glove.  Surely that means I was meant to have these shoes, right?  And at $12, you really can't go wrong!  I bought a similar pair at Target last year, and they are surprisingly comfortable, so I have high hopes for these.  As much as I love Target, I do have one complaint following my recent shopping trip.  I really wish they had consulted with their number one customer before ordering their new shopping carts.  I will not be held liable for any cart crashes; it's not my fault that I can't see over the top of the cart!  Dwelling on the positive...Tall readers: you'll love the new carts at Target.  Hooray!

Work It, Walrus!

We've Got The Blues...

The post-dilation blues.  

Upon returning from the eye doctor, I asked Tyler if my eyes looked different.  His reply, "Yeah, they're blue!"

Blake has the blues, too. 

Maybe it's because Superman doesn't wear fairy wings.

Hadley, well who knows why she has the blues.  Probably because she is two.   

I'm not sure if Tyler has the blues.  That might be his muppet face.

So, what to do about the blues?

Head to the playground!

Or, make smoothies!

OR, you could make

Spaetlze with gruyere and caramelized onions

and/or

Raspberry-topped lemon muffins

Mmmm... guaranteed to make you smile!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring chickens?

Random Thoughts: Music, Monsters and Mascara

Since having kids, my cd collection has been gathering dust..  This is for a few reasons.  1.  The magical world of satellite radio (side note: When you get a renewal notice from XM, call to cancel.  They'll offer you half off.)  2.  The kids are usually in the car, and a lot of my music is not kid friendly.  3. Even when the kids aren't in the car, I usually listen to kids music without noticing.  4. Who listens to cds anymore anyway?

 -I ran without the kids the other night and I decided to bring my ipod with to keep me motivated.  There was just one problem.  I usually keep my ipod at work to listen to while doing paperwork.  Paperwork music does not equal running music.  I don't think anybody has ever won a race listening to slack key guitar.



Time to start loading some old cds onto the ipod.  Once you start diving into old music, it's hard to stop.  Isn't it amazing how you can go years without hearing a song, but still remember every word?  As the Beastie Boys were finding a place on my running playlist, I saw a few people post this new video on facebook.  First off, if you haven't watched this video, you should.  Be warned that there is some foul language.  If you've already watched this video, watch it again.  Unless you found it offensive.  In that case, keep reading.

-There you are.  Here's something completely unoffensive.  This was one of my favorite books as a kid, and now it is one of Hadley's favorites, too.   It always makes us laugh. 

-Have any of you ever noticed Giada De Laurentis's nails?  They always look perfect in a nice, subtle, pale pink color.  I googled it last night and found that I'm not the only person who notices.  The color is called Bubble Bath by OPI.  Fred Meyer has it in stock, and toxic chemicals be darned, I bought some and I'm wearing it right now.  This is the first "real" nail polish I've worn in years and, while stinky, it sure works better than the pregnancy-safe natural polish.

-I'm not a skier, but every year I regret not making it up to Bogus Basin for the closing day of the season.  People come out to ski in all sorts of wacky costumes, from Elvis to a hotdog.  It looks like a lot of fun.  See pictures here.

-There is a seven month old female baby wallaby at the Boise Zoo, and she is just starting to come out of her mother's pouch for short periods of time.  She was mostly hidden in the pouch when we were there, but the girl feeding the wallabies told us that the joey will start jumping around soon.  Cute!

-My mascara of choice is Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara.  Not only is it natural, but it actually works and is affordable.  The only downside is that it is a fairly natural look, and sometimes a girl needs to glam it up, right?  Well, I was so very excited to find that they now make Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara.  Even better- there was a coupon on it for a mail in rebate of the full purchase price!  Free mascara!  Woo-hoo!  I got mine at Fred Meyer, but I would assume Target would carry it also.  Just check for the little coupon on the package, as it was not on every single one.

The BEST Whole Wheat Pancakes!

In our house, Tyler is the pancake maker.  Even though I taught him how to make them, his always turn out better than mine.  My batter turns out puffy.  Plus, I try to sneak in whole wheat flour, but it's hard to miss it.  They seem to get heavy and a bit gritty.  A few weeks ago, we were at the Boise Flower and Garden Show, when we came upon the Cowboy Tom's Flapjacks booth.  They were offering mini pancakes as samples, and the kids gobbled them up and asked for more.   While I was telling them no, the owner of the company was handing them each another plate...and another...and another...  After several free samples, I felt like I should purchase a mix, not knowing what is was.  

I found that the package comes with three separate packs of wheat kernels, as well as three packets of dry ingredients.  The wheat is organic and the dry packet contains only baking soda, salt and sugar.  

Here's what you do: Pour the kernels in the blender, add some milk, blend, add some more milk, blend some more.  Add an egg.  Add some oil.  Blend some more.  Add the dry ingredients.  Blend some more.  Pour onto the griddle.  Cook.  Enjoy.

They look innocent enough, but they contain toasted pecans, bananas and dark chocolate chips.  Yum!

These pancakes are very easy and very delicious.  Tyler, the all purpose flour pancake chef, agrees whole heartedly.  

I don't know if I've ever purchased a pancake mix, but I think this is a bit different.  It's all natural and I'm supporting a local business.  And at $12 to feed four people (plus leftovers) for three meals, I don't think the price is bad.  However, I think I'll look into making my own.  If you google "whole wheat blender pancakes" you'll get lots of hits.  If I find a good one, I'll be sure to let you know.