Garlic Paste

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Originally uploaded by malena949

We love Zankous (Armenian/Lebanese Restaurant) and we were shopping at Jordan Market and found garlic paste. It's tasty but the smell lingers.

**Just discovered that if you have a flickr account, you can go to photostream to view your uploads and when you select a picture (there's an icon on the top "BLOG THIS" and there you go) Don't mind the short posts.

Tyler Florence - Macaroni & Cheese

We made some modifications (noted in blue)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/index.html

4 cups (1 pound) elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups milk (we did 2 cups non-fat and 2 cups heavy cream -- non-fat justified the heavy cream)
1/2 medium onion, stuck with 1 clove (we also added 2 shallots)
4 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 teaspoon dry mustard (best to mix the powder w/2 teaspoons of hot water to break down before adding it)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or wondra - stuff they use for gravy)
1 cups grated Cheddar, plus 1 cup in big chunks (we used aged sharp cheddar, primarily grated)
(added 1 cup - grated Gouda) -- don't be scared to add or change the cheeses, next time I think we want to try out pepper jack and havarti :D
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

• Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until done, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and toss it with 2 tablespoons butter; set aside.
  Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  Coat a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter and set it aside.
• Put the milk into a saucepan and add the clove studded onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and mustard (& shallot)
• Warm over medium low heat until the milk starts to steam, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and let the flavors infuse while you make the roux.
• Roux - In a large pot over medium heat add 2 tablespoons butter and the flour. Cook, stirring, for about 2 to 3 minutes; don't let the roux color.
• Strain the infused milk onto the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the sauce is thick.
• Remove from the heat and add 1/2 the grated Cheddar and 1/2 the Parmesan; stir until it is melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Pour this over the macaroni, add the chunks (we used grated to maximize the melting) of Cheddar, and mix until well blended; put this into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar/Gouda, Parmesan & bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake until the top is golden and crusty, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Christmas Shopping

I work a really close to South Coast and as I was driving to lunch today I kept asking myself -- do people work?????? There are so many people out and about -- the mall parking lot was full.

Speaking of Christmas and shopping, a friend sent me this link. Must see (it could potentially safe your marriage)
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx

Must See

I was watching MSNBC and found this tragic but very compelling story......

http://www.dearzachary.com/ (To view the trailer - it's on the top left hand side of the page)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036750/

San Dimas Turkey Trot (10k)

Sunday was an early morning, we picked up our friend Jean and headed to San Dimas for Renegade Racing's annual Turkey Trot at the Frank Bonelli Regional Park (http://parks.co.la.ca.us/frank_rpark.html). Carlos and I hadn't run this course before and because of the rain, they reconfigured the route. So we really didn't know what to expect. This was also Jean's first race!

As we passed the starting line and encountered our first hill, we realized fairly quickly that this was not going to be a flat course. Carlos took off like speedy gonzales (as always).

Our strategy on the other hand was to save ourselves for the big FINISH :D We ran/walked the whole course. There was paved roads, dirt trails, mud trails (almost swamps), moderate/steep inclines. You felt the Turkey day calories melt away.

As we wrapped up the first mile we had to make an impromptu pit stop -- of all people to be running a race, you have the two people that have bad feet and require orthotics :D I had my new and improved ones on, Jean unfortunately had some over the counter - Dr. Scholls that were causing more harm than good. Once they were removed, she did better. As we headed to the half way point, I was about to stop at what I thought was a water station but it turned out to be the hangout for the local gang affiliated (noted by their tattoos and clothing) oldies car club. As we approached, we saw hynas with big hair seated in their fold out chairs, the homies chit chatting about their wheels. At this point, Jean and I were pretty close to being last, so I suggested that we kick it into high gear and as we zoomed we were embraced by a cloud of too much cologne and cigarettes.

At the 6th mile, we were finally approaching the finish line, I knew Jean was fading fast. So I pulled a Jillian (from Biggest Loser) on her and told her if she didn't speed it up I was going to drag her in by her hair. I think it worked cause she finished together:D Our time was 1 hour 33 minutes. Jean did wonderfully, she's a trooper for having done a 10k for her first race ever. We met up with Carlos and went to get our shirts, unfortunately - they ran out. Oh well, you can't win them all.

Upcoming races: The Santa Run (Irvine) only the 5K, we did the 10K last year.

Check us out: http://orderpicture.com/shop_addtocart.php3?event_cat=006.opc&client=byr_7608681798&event=TURKEY_TRI_AND_TROT_2008_BIB_900-1599&image=000553.jpg&password=

Black Friday, Gray Saturday?

After all the running around that we did in 2 days, we opted to stay in on BLACK FRIDAY. Yes, we missed the sweet deals but we were tired. We slept in --- our dogs refused to get out of their beds and we all napped most of the day.

On Saturday, we decided to run some errands and hit up Sears (for a lawn mower) and Home Depot (for random house stuff). When we got to Sears, they were offering up some pretty sweet deals on their tools but there were too many people, not enough store clerks to answer questions. So we drifted past the tools and lawn mowers to look at a dishwashers. The one in the house is the "pinto" of washers, it's loud, and I feel like it doesn't clean to my standards :S After seeing the nicer (pricier) Kenmores, I somehow convinced Carlos to go to the Sears outlet. To my surprise, there were so many people there, browsing and actually buying appliances (aren't we in a recession?) We checked out the dishwashers and as we were walking out, we found a Craftsman mitre saw for a mere $80 (retails over $200). We couldn't pass it up.

At Home Depot, we found a compressor with a brad nailer for $80 (retail over $200). I've always wanted a nail gun, I guess I've been watching too many home improvement shows.

So it's settled, we now have the right tools to make our fireplace mantel. We're in the pre-production stage, I will gladly document the process through pictures once we get started.

What deals did you all find?

Thanksgiving X3

On Sunday we were invited to our friends annual Thanksgiving (#1) dinner. He made the turkey with some family favorites (Ruthmary's potatoes, mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach, rolls, gravy, cranberries, etc.). We bought the mac n' cheese (which was really tasty and if you need a recipe, let me know - we found a winner :D) and some candied yams (using my mother in laws famous recipe with rum). We feasted but managed to keep thing under control because we had to save room for the real Thanksgiving on Thursday!

Tuesday night and partially on Wednesday - it rained. I'm not complaining, we need all the rain we can get out here and it helps to water our lawn and veggie garden. But since I was responsible for cooking the turkey at my in-laws place on Thursday. (If you need an easy, good turkey recipe - let me know, I'm a pro!) We decided to drive out to the desert on Wednesday night. We hit hard rain, ended up driving at 50 mph or slower in some areas. It took us about 2.5 hours to get there. Needless to say, we were exhausted.

Thursday (#2) morning we got up bright and early, prepared the two 10lbs butterballs (the best turkeys in town) and started on the sides. We were done cooking by noon. Ate no later than 2:30pm. I took a nap while the rest watched Tropic Thunder and we later played scrabble until the wee hours of the morning. I think we all agree, we really should get the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary.

The next morning, we headed back early since we had signed-up to volunteer at the Mission Viejo Float -- for the Rose Parade in Pasadena. To Carlos' dismay, we didn't work directly on the floats, we were cutting down yellow mums that would be used on the float. But it was fun and I was thankful it was only a 2 hour commitment. Here are some snap shots!


Later that evening, we headed to my parents house for Thanksgiving (#3). I made some salmon with herbs (something a little different) with more mac n' cheese (but with whole wheat pasta -not as tasty) and more candied yams. My sister brought over the turkey with all the fixings. Again it was a feast for the eyes! There was so much good food. We managed to keep portions small because it was our third Thanksgiving and we surely don't want to end up on THE BIGGEST LOSER.

This Thanksgiving, we're most thankful for our families and friends. We wouldn't be here without your love and support!

I think next year, we really need to re-think our 3 Thanksgiving dinners game plan:D