Jacques Pepin

Jacques Pepin and his friends are pure genius. In 1965 they decided to hold 'The grandest picnic of all time". Lucky for me, some chefs in the Columbus area decided to recreate that picnic and sold the idea at a silent auction. How wonderful that a friend of mine invited Mr.A. and I to attend?!

So last night we rode a little bus out to a local farm with a dozen others and had one of the best meals I've ever had. As you walked off the bus there on a white linen table cloth, was a galvanized bucket filled with ice and bottles of wine. Lovely. And less than 20 minutes later an appetizer of walleye and coleslaw (not your average, everyday green cabbage variety) miraculously appeared in your hand. REALLY!

After that we were asked to walk down a path to the farmers field... Yes, this sounds a little "Children of the Corn"ish but there, amidst tall stalks of sunflowers and a wonderfully orange setting sun was another long table also covered in a white linen table cloth. On top stood elegant wine goblets, rustic breads and cheeses that would make your mouth water. Every bottle of wine was different. All 7 courses were different. The dessert of local ice cream and crushed cookies was AMAZING. It took all of 3 hours to arrive, eat and leave. I was almost convinced I was in Provence. Almost... I'm pretty sure we're going to try to recreate this for our 15th anniversary. That's only 3 years away.... any chance you're free?

Helping out

A neat science experiment for the kids. It's as simple as putting whipping cream in an air tight container and shaking it. Shake, shake, shake (you want to say, "your booty" don't you?) Before you know it - BUTTER! We added a little sea salt at the end. And on a fresh bun it tastes fantastic.

Thank you Mrs. C for the idea!

Getting Ready.

It's Spring Vacation here. I should be somewhere warm with a swim up bar and sand stuck in unmentionable places. But I am not. I'm trying to make the most of 'spring' in Ohio. Rain, snow, clouds, more rain... you get it....

I am so truly blessed to receive the King Arthur Flour catalogue in the mail (there might be a hint of sarcasm there) and low and behold they had a recipe for a lovely Spring Sweet Bread. What better way to start of the warm bathing suit weather than with sweet bread? It's divine with a cup of tea, lemon curd and a good book. So make a loaf or two and curl up. We've got sunshine today!

Note: the King Arthur version calls for a few things that I had to make substitutions for...

1. Buttery Sweet Dough Flavour = 1 tsp. vanilla, grated orange rind, a splash of real orange juice (from an actual orange). I'm sure it's nothing like the real thing but it tasted great just the same.

2. Tropical Fruit Blend = a cup of chopped candied fruits I had leftover from Christmas. I actually thought I was going to make a fruitcake this year. Oh how I make myself chuckle...

3. The topping = It calls for an awful big amount of sugar and flour here - and more butter. I made less, probably half of what they call for, and still had plenty.

Nutella, Guinness and Cheesy Potatoes.

Groceries are a headache. As with most chores, it takes longer than you think and is not nearly as gratifying as eating chocolate and watching bad television. Yet, it must be done as the little ones get hungry and start complaining about the utter lack of food in the house. The total today was $101.89. I don't think I need to rush out and purchase anything else so I think this is it for the week. I'm going to make bread this evening and gingerbread men this afternoon (thank you Jan Brett!). I've been informed that all anyone really wants for lunch is a sandwich. So you'll notice Nutella (for E's banana & nutella wraps), Muenster cheese and ham (for Mr. A and S's wraps with lettuce and tomatoes). And what's for me? See those Shandy's in the back? ALLLLLL MINNNEEE! Mr. A gave up beer for Lent (ha ha ha)!
Though when you put Guinness in cake it doesn't count. That's what I've been told and who am I to argue? This was out dessert for St. Patty's day. The recipe can be found here and here, in case you want the original or just want to read Nigella's food porn. Seriously, if ever you need a fix this lady has it wrapped up.
And St. Patty's is never complete without some sort of potato concoction. This one is boiled, then baked, potatoes topped with tomatoes, ham, bacon, onions, Irish cheese and plain yogurt. TO DIE FOR! I could eat a big ass bowl of this and still come away wanting more. There's just something about potatoes and cheese that makes me want to melt (there's a pun there somewhere). Throw on some bacon and it's heaven! Oh, and in case you doubted it, I did have myself a Guinness on Thursday. How could you not?

Dog Bones and Icing.

BRACE YOURSELF!

This morning my son asked me what a Twinkie was. It's true. I hang my head in shame. He probably isn't aware of the names of any of the Hostess group. As a child of the 70's/80's, I feel like I have failed as a parent. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he doesn't know what orange pop (soda) tastes like either. You're disappointed in me aren't you?

Well, get over it! I've rectified the situation and all is well with the universe. While I didn't go out and buy a bunch of shortening based pastries, I did break out the butter and find myself a delicious little cake that I think you'd agree is a wonderful (if not better) substitute. The cake is super easy and the icing even easier - with time and perseverance. It tastes amazing. Oh, and yes, I cut the cake out into nice little dog bone shapes and filled them with the icing. Cute right?

Not quite Monday post.

These were some of the bags. I usually line them up on the counter to make me feel good about how many bags there are. You know 'bang for your buck' and all that. This week they didn't all fit on the counter - and that's not just because there's so many other items there (like dishes).... really....
Picture one. Yes, there's more than one this week. My cupboards were pretty bare. I'm really hoping next week is just a milk and egg week but I think we all know better. The kids just won't stop eating! I'm not sure what it is with kids, I mean, I know they're growing and learning and incredibly active but do they really need that much food?
Here's the produce. Look, I even bought the cheap toilet paper this week. There's also no wine or beer or any other type of alcoholic beverages. I may have to rectify that. The box O' wine that I bought last week is gone. In my defense it was only 4 bottles. That's really nothing for a professional like myself.

And now, I just know you're dying of suspense... drumroll.... this weeks grocery bill was a WHOPPING $182.70! I may have to start selling stuff. I'm already out of pears and the apples are almost gone. It's like those kids have never seen food before. Little scavengers.

For the Lovely Mrs. Jules.

One of my favourite pizza dough recipes is this one~it's adapted from The Complete Canadian Living Cookbook's Homemade Pizza Dough on page 248.

2 Cups all purpose flour (or a blend of garbanzo bean (1/2 cup) and all purpose (1 1/2 cups) I use the blend because the gbf gives a nuttier taste to the dough)

1 1/2 teaspoons quick rising yeast

3/4 teaspoons salt

3/4 cup hot water

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar (or honey works too)

In a measuring cup, mix water and sugar then add yeast. In a bowl, combine flour and salt and then gradually add in the oil. Add the water blend to the flour mixture. Mix to combine and then knead until dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit until double in size or until you're ready to make your pizza (sometimes hours later....). Roll out on a floured surface.

I can usually get two pizzas out of this (I roll pretty thinly). Preheat your pie stone with the oven and then when you're ready to bake your pizza sprinkle the stone with cornmeal. It adds a little more crunch to the dough.

Hope your little munchkins enjoy this Jules!

Canadian Thanksgiving...

Or better yet, "What I did with all that food in my fridge!".

Yes, as another Thanksgiving comes and goes I am again faced with the dilemma of how to transform the leftovers into something fabulous... something that my family will eat... Now, I'm blessed with fairly good eaters and I'm not complaining but that still doesn't stop them from shouting, "Ick, what IS that?" when the plates hit the table. And I think they are on to me - you know, with my 'hiding' of food. Darn kids. Darn husband.

So, I took matters into my hands and tried my best to come up with something edible. I think you'll agree that it's all going to be quite yummy.

1. Mashed Potates: I played around with Robins recipe for Breakfast burritos and now I've got many a burrito in my freezer. Since my mashed potatoes already contain cheese (yours don't?) I just added them to some scrambled eggs, and canned chilies. Now, all I have to do is micro them for a couple of minutes in the morning and breakfast is done.

2. Acorn Squash: An easy one? Yes, I think it is. I whipped up some Pumpkin Spice Cookies. I thought about pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie or even just eating it all out of the dish but I thought this might be a better alternative. I made some changes - adding applesauce and maple syrup and cutting the sugar in half (way to much sugar in this). Since I make my squash with applesauce anyway it should be sweet enough . I'm not sure yet though as they are sitting on the counter patiently waiting to go into the oven.

3. The Chicken and Corn: Mixed with black beans, cheese, and salsa then rolled into a casserole with enchilada sauce and VOILA tonights dinner. Mmm... enchiladas. I think a Margarita is in order don't you?

4. The Stuffing: Nothing yet. I always get stumped here. I've seen recipes for bread souffle and stuffing patties with turkey (I think I made those last year) but nothing is jumping out at me just yet. Any ideas?

5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Easy enough to make and easy enough to use up. Cranberry muffins. This helps me out in the breakfast area as well. If you remember I'm trying to cut down on processed cereals (easier said than done) and thus, I'm always looking for easy and fast ways to feed the family. Since Cranberries were on sale last week - go look - I bought a few bags! I don't have a recipe yet but it's only a google away.

6. Broccoli: Soup. I used the carcass (awful word) to make stock and so a very, very yummy broccoli soup will be on the table tomorrow night. With the addition of some bannock (talked about all weekend by my little redhead, A. and now craved by me, T.) it should be a very nutritious and easy dinner.

An Oldie but Goodie.

Pierogi pizza. This is what we had for dinner tonight - again. I can't help it. I LOVE it! I did expand on the idea, however; and added some pine nuts and Trader Joe's Tomato Salsa. Yes, it sounds gross but it works. Apparently, you can throw anything on home-made pizza crust, cover it with cheese, serve it with a cold beer and it tastes amazing. Try it. You'll find I'm right.

Anyway, whatever you're doing tonight I hope you have a good one and while you do imagine me eating popcorn at 'Easy A' and laughing my butthoggs off. Kisses.

Saturday at the market.

CRAZY BUSY! I got there around 9:15 am - it opens at 9. The egg lady had 4 dozen eggs left. I bought two and the lady behind me bought two. So as it would seem today is the day that you don't want to sleep in.

And there were people everywhere. Lolligaggers! If you would allow me to rant for just a moment; the very morning section of the market time should be reserved for those of us who know exactly where we're going and what we want. If you've got mom and dad or grandma with you and you're just 'showing them the sights of Worthington' then please, come later. Like 10. I only need 15 minutes to get from end to end.

Alright, sorry. I'm done... I did get my two dozen eggs so I was quite happy. I even ventured out and got a couple of kohlrabi. No, I've never cooked them before but I thought they would be a nice addition to my vinegar potato salad. Just a little 'crunch' to spice things up a bit. I also bought a zuccini to make a couple of fritters. My kids will actually eat those - even better if I put a little applesauce on the side. And that was it.

I apologize also for not posting dinner menus lately. I've been a slacker lately (translation: it's too hot and humid to eat anything other than peanut butter and banana sandwiches) and meals just haven't been made - aside from last nights hot dogs and baked beans (sooo yummy). I'm slowly adjusting to summer (very, very slowly) and I'm hoping things will pick up this week (I'm out of bananas). I'll try to keep you posted.

One great thing that has come from the heat is the Shandy. I know I was buying the bottles and yes, they are delicious BUT I went back to the old version - just plain ol' beer and lemonade and I'm even happier now (translation: I checked the bank book and Miller light and a bottle of Minute Maid Lemonade is cheaper than a 12 pack of ready made Shandys). What's your drink of the summer? Are you mixing it up? Making Mojitos and trying to use the mint in your garden? Let me know!

Dinner Menu for the week.

It's been raining quite a bit. There's a lake in my backyard. It seems that there's always a lake in my backyard. I really have to work on that rain garden. It's a might bit soggy over there...

Luckily, the rain stopped long enough for E. and I to walk/run/skip/jump downtown and go to the local farmers market. Today was "Go Green Day". I love our little town and all their little gimmics to keep us all happy.

I didn't spend a whole lot, never really do and that's one good reason to shop locally! The potatoes you see were the same price as the bars of soap ($1.00 for both). The soap is made by a place called Marvin Goods. It's glycerin and so far it seems lovely. No scent, pure glycerin and rain water! Fabulous! If you interested you can email them at: clanmarvin@gmail.com and remember it's only 50 cents a bar. I'm also looking into rain barrels from a guy who lives down the street. They deliver and each barrel is $70. Not too shabby.

I'm hoping the plants I got will make it to the fall. There's rosemary, eggplant and a black pepper plant. Cross your fingers! I'm dreaming, dreaming, dreaming of veggie lasagnas and caponatas - as I watch a squirrel dig through the herb garden. Darn squirrels.

Anyway, I ramble... Here's this weeks dinner list. I'm not sure what order they'll be in. Tonight might be roast chicken but I'm currently feeling a little sluggish so it could be nachos and cheese instead...

1. roast chicken, rice and asparagus (from the market today).

2. pizza w/ chicken, spinach and camembart cheese.

3. lentil burgers with salad (lettuce from the garden, shredded apple and carrots).

3. quiche with ham and spinach (also from the garden).

4. chicken soup w/homemade bread (I'm putting flax seed, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds in the bread in hopes of lowering A. and my cholesterol levels).

5. chili

6. baked potatoes with chili and cheese.

And that should take us to next Saturday - market day. The first week in June is the first day of our new Tuesday market! Oh, I'm so excited. Until the garden comes in it really does make it easier to have two market days. I go through a ton (TON) of eggs in our house. I asked the local egg lady if they are going to be at the market... they don't know yet though they are really hoping to be. They make an awesome chicken chorizo. Mmmm.... hungry yet?

Get it before the rabbits do!

The picture is a might bit dark. In my defence, it was dark.

Last night after a day of gardening and entertaining the boys, I went to my over flowing lettuce patch and made me a big ol' salad in one of my silver bowls. The assorted lettuces are getting too close together to grow and so, I may have taken a bit more greens than any one person needs in one sitting (or even two). Add in some shredded lettuce (thank you people at Kraft) and some of those edemame (my new favourite) and "VOILA", dinner!

This is why I love summer and gardening soooo very much. Did I tell you my potatoes are up - about an inch already! I feel like I just planted them ('cause I did).

OMG time flies.

Mondays shopping trip $108.78 - a trip to Trader Joe's and a trip to Target (for peanut butter. Skippy is on sale for $4.74). I still have a few pantry items from last week (carrots, celery, zucchini) that I had to use up. It went well as a meat sauce for last nights penne and it'll be extra special in the lasagna for this evenings meal (Mr. A is dancing at work right now just thinking about it). Tomorrow is a night out at this house (or at least there better be some sort of take-out) and then Thursday and Fridays meal will be homemade chinese (see the dumplings and the shu mai) and polenta fries with some sort of salad - respectively. We're hoping for a sunny Saturday and/or Sunday as my neighbour has promised me a meal of tortellini salad and sea breezes!

The left side of the above picture. See those potatoes? I'm dreaming of an Italian Potato Salad. Mmm.... (Italian Potato Salad is boiled potatoes, chopped onion, and a salad dressing made of red wine vinegar, the above pictured olive oil, s&p, and dijon mustard.)

The right side of the photo above. The kids cliff bars are for S.'s lunch. I'm trying to branch out a little more for him. He hasn't bought his lunch once this year (poor thing) - just homemade stuff - so I thought he deserved a treat. My kids are suckers for these granola bars - me too. I love the chocolate brownies. Mmmm....

See the Edamame in the picture? I've never made it before. I'm not sure my kids are going to fall for them. They're a little green to sneak into a wrap but perhaps if I mush them and make them into a dip? Any suggestions? The kids haven't had Fondue either! Oh, doesn't that seem like it would be fun? Hot cheese, kids with sharp sticks and an open flame.... I'm shaking with excitement!

Madhatter Monday...

No particular reason for the title today I was just cravin' a little alliteration and that was as good as it was getting.

Today was shopping day! It's been a few weeks and for those of you that love being a grocery voyeur (yes, you Ser), I thought I should continue on. There wasn't a big load of meat in this excursion - thanks to Stacy's family for the 1/8th of a cow (don't cringe). I've got some Hebrew Nationals down in the corner 'cause it's been warm here and on Saturday I was craving a hot dog on the good ol' Hibachi!

Anyhoo....Kroger made a big whoppin' $74.00 off me today. No real bargoons out there and I do believe my broccoli was priced wrong. The hot dogs were the biggest steal - on sale for $2.50 a pkg. Mmm... hot dogs...

In case you're wondering when to stop by for supper this week, the menu is below!

Monday: Roast chicken, with baked onions, roasted potatoes and squash.

Tuesday: Meat Loaf, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli with almonds.

Wednesday: Tacos - using the leftover meatloaf and tofu cubes.

Thursday: Perogies - using the leftover mashed potatoes and squash from Monday and Tuesdays dinners.

Friday: Pizza day! Hurray! And yes, it's alllllll leftovers. Whatever I've got from the week will be thrown on the pizza. Top it with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil and it's heavenly!

Saturday: oh, here I just don't know... I suspect it might be a sandwich night or perhaps those hot dogs will make it over to some hot coals!

Happy Sunday to you.

That my darling, is a picture of happy little sweet potato dumplings/gnocchi swimming in olive oil, melted butter and fresh sage leaves (and bacon, always bacon). Someones' Nona is getting a splitting headache right now and can't figure out why...

I started out making sweet potato gnocchi but I'm sure I didn't put in enough flour and I certainly didn't drag the little suckers up the fork hard enough so, now, instead of having ridges they look a little more like the little fats from a Doctor Who episode (holy run on sentence Robin!). With a side salad fresh from the garden and a glass of Lexia White it was a positively wonderful Sunday dinner.

I think I have a 'thing' for adjectives today.

Menus.

DINNER
Sunday: We finally got around to having that finger-licking pasta dish and I have to say I absolutely loved it! And the kids too! Well worth the 8 minutes it took to prepare it.

Monday: Lettuce Wraps with chopped veggies in an almond/thai sauce with fried rice & egg. Tastes better than it sounds.

Tuesday: I'm going to give Bobotie a try, along with some yellow rice and cucumbers in yogurt. The recipe looks delicious. We'll see if the family gives it a thumbs up.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, roasted potatoes and squash. Mmm... it's supposed to be a rainy day and this is going to be fabulous.

Thursday: Squash pancakes with sausages and blueberries!

Friday: Sausage soup (sausage, potato, canned tomatoes, carrots, celery, cauliflower, pasta) and No knead bread. My friend Ser made this bread and it was fantastic! I've found a recipe(s) online. It seems that I have to plan 18 hours ahead; not liking that.

Saturday: Baked potatoes topped with broccoli, cheese, tuna and roasted red peppers. This might even turn into Breakfast Burritos instead. Darn Robin. I made these the day she posted the recipe and that batch went as fast as I was making them.

LUNCH
Monday: Pizza (leftovers from Saturday), broccoli w/dip, yogurt, cookies (2) SNACK: Apple

Tuesday: Spaghetti w/cheese and bl.olives, yogurt, banana, broccoli w/dip SNACK: Graham crackers with apple butter

Wednesday: Banana and Peanut butter wrap, yogurt, cookies (2), cheese curds SNACK: ritz crackers

Thursday: Chicken Burrito (cheese, chicken, hummus), yogurt SNACK: almonds

Friday: Pancake sandwich with almond butter, yogurt, celery sticks with cheese SNACK: apple

What's for dinner and all that.

Alright, I haven't had a chance to get out to the market and surprisingly I'm not out of a thing at home... except milk, and eggs, and butter... I had meant to go today as it's become a bit of a habit and I know how much you look forward to starting your week off by looking at all the crap that comes into my house. But alas, it was not meant to happen. Little E. woke up in the middle of the night with a bit of a silly belly and then proceeded to expel all that said silly belly contained. A wonderful start to the week I think.

So, instead of running out to the store I decided to make up the dinner list and see what I could come up with. Every week I try to make something that I haven't tried before (like the Dal last week - thank you R. for the recipe, perhaps I'll try it again). It doesn't always work out well. I'm much more of a country cooker than I am a gourmet - for example, I can whip up a mighty fine turkey and fixin's but not so great on Thai food or East Indian cooking. Now my friend Ser is awesome at Asian cooking - she makes the best chicken soup! This week I'm going to give the "new recipe" a go with Buttercrust Corn Pie with Fresh-Tomato Salsa. We'll see.

Sunday: We had homemade All-American pulled pork on a bun (thank you to our neighbour for making these) and Nanaimo Bars (an All Canadian favourite). Gee, I wonder why we had an American/Canadian dinner? Could it be the biggest hockey game of all time was on tv? Well, you didn't honestly think I'd skip mentioning the game the day after did you?!! Congrats Canada on a very well played Olympic Games!

Monday: Since we've got the upset tummy situation I thought it would be a great day for some homemade Chicken Soup. Everyone should have homemade stock of some sort in their freezer for such an occasion!

Tuesday: The Buttercrust Corn Pie with Fresh Tomato Salsa. It looks yummy right? Mmmm...

Wednesday: Mac and Cheese made with Scooby Doo noodles! I just love these noodles and who doesn't love that they're named Scooby Doo?!

Thursday: Spaghetti and tofu with finger licking peanut sauce. I mentioned that I was going to make this last week but we had those super yummy pork sandwiches instead (E. said they tasted like candy).

Friday: Buffalo burgers and french fries (possibly sweet potato fries... we'll see how the day goes).

Saturday: Pizza! Hurray, it's the weekend.

As an aside: I purchased Tierra de Luna this weekend (yah, it's a necessity) and I quite liked it. It's a Syrah-Malbec from Argentina and for a price of $6.99 it's a steal! No surprises here however, so if you're looking for something with a full body and lasting after taste this isn't it. Go buy a Da Vinci instead or perhaps The Prisoner and then invite me over! I'm so full of great ideas sometimes I just surprise myself.

Grocery List.

In my defence, I didn't buy wine and I bought a lot more organic items (Thank you "My Year of Meats") and more organic/free range meat than I usually buy... so the total cost this week was $108.38. I did buy beer (hangs head in shame). But we discussed this and beer is a necessity! Yah, I'm sticking with that and nothing, I repeat, nothing you can say will change my mind. I am trying to limit it to a 12 pack a week. Which sounds like an awful lot if you're a non-drinker but there's two of us here and that doesn't even amount to one beer a day - and that by-the-way, is what you should be consuming in order to be heart healthy! Yah.

So now that I've convinced myself that I've made a wise and Lent worthy decision... I did actually buy more than I had anticipated. $28.28 of the total was actually spent on Saturday (there's no picture) and that's when I bought the beer, 3 loaves of bread (from the bakery sale rack), and 2 oranges (I bought Blue Moon beer and you HAVE to drink it with oranges). How this comes to $28.00 is beside me but it does.

The pictured items are from Giant Eagle. As I went to all the little markets last week I really didn't need anything from them this week. One good thing about G.E. - double coupons! Gotta love that. I didn't have very many but they do add up! The yogurts are for lunches (kids) and A. and I will eat from the big container. I know I could use this for the kids lunches too but it's one of those little treats the kids like (please refrain from telling me how I'm wrecking the environment). The Rice Krispies and the pineapple are for the cake walk at the school carnival this week.

Drumroll ..... And this weeks dinner list is as follows. There's a few from last week - we had invites to neighbours or I ran out of time and made something else quick instead - like pancakes or grilled cheese sandwiches. Perhaps tomorrow would be a good time to list some of the things I plan on packing for lunches?! Always exciting!

Monday: Falafels with rice, cucumbers and tomatoes

Tuesday: Red Lentil Dal (yep, didn't get around to making it last week so here it is again)

Wednesday: Beef Soup with Barley (hmm... didn't make this either. Went to a birthday party and they served pizza... mmm... pizza....)

Thursday: Chicken enchiladas

Friday: Pasta with spinach feta sausages, broccoli and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Saturday: Wraps with tuna sauce (cause I didn't make these either - oops...)

Sunday: Spaghetti and tofu with finger licking peanut sauce (from the best of Cooking Light, page 147).

This is how we started our day. I'm in a little bit of a cheeky mood. Not sure if it's because the kids have BOTH been home since Friday or if I'm just getting a might bit of cabin fever. These lovely little scones, yes, scones not dog biscuits, fit nicely in one hand while the other holds a mug of deliciously hot coffee (complete with homemade creamer).

For dinner, sweet potato and banana pancakes topped with sugared walnuts. Mmmm.... I think I'm on carb overload. And, I think that's why it's snowing again! We're hunkering down and settling in for winter. We really have no choice.

Tomorrow is the start of Lent - Ash Wednesday. We've been tossing around an idea as a family. I'm anxious to hear what you think of it. The last two years (did I say this already) I gave up chocolate. I don't think I'm that strong anymore... did you know the kids have been home for 4 days!!! *sigh*

Note: The walnuts are my own invention. Simply put some walnuts (lots cause you're going to want lots) in a dry fry pan and heat until warm. Then add some brown sugar, stir, add corn syrup (oh, that's right I said corn syrup!), a dollop of butter and stir some more until it's all ooey gooey yummers. Then mix in just a half teaspoon of sea salt. Mix some more - be patient, it's all going to be worth it. When it's super sticky take it off and gobble it all up (careful they're hot). You'd like to only eat one, maybe two but before you know it, "voila", it's gone!

It must be the start of the week.

The wine - there always has to be something! I'm quite interested in trying this little number. I laugh. It's a Malbec so it should be quite a full wine. At Trader Joe's yesterday there was a wall of this. Now, that's either a great sign or... well, I shudder to think what else it might mean. Since I'm not buying too many cases these days my wine has become rather important and it would suck if this was bland. Cost of wine: $6.39 - state tax included.

Giant Eagle purchases. Grand total: $32.80. 16 items.

Raisin Rack total: $24.47 - I get a lot of the bulk items here like spices and flours and such. They also have great prices on tofu and Udon noodles. 13 tems.

Trader Joe's : (don't gasp) $42.42 - By far the most expensive (who knew?) 18 items that included cream cheese, coffee and almond butter - darn almond butter and your almondy goodness!

Alright, if you broke out your calculator you would have come upon a grand total of $106.08. This doesn't include the dishwasher detergent that I have to go out and get today. I'm trying hard to keep this weekly budget under $100.00 (that's for four people). I realize this is quite a lot of money and some people have it worse than that but for the life of me I'm just not making it. How about the rest of you? Do you have a budget? Do you have a set goal that you'd rather not break for the week/month? I've got big plans for this budget: wait until tomorrow when we hit Pancake Tuesday and the day before the beginning of Lent - oh, the season is already upon us!

And the menu for this week:
Sunday: as stated yesterday - Chinese Food! Hurray.

Monday: Beef wrapped around stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes and salad.

Tuesday: Pancakes! (guess what day it is?!)

Wednesday: Enchiladas (beans, tomatoes, rice (from sunday) and cheese)

Thursday: Squash Soup (with pepitas -mmm....)

Friday: Wraps with tonnato sauce, grated carrots, coleslaw mix and black olives

Saturday: Red Lentil Dhal (This is my first time making this. Cross your fingers)

Sunday: Beef and Barley Soup with biscuits.