Keurig!

I finally broke down and bought a Keurig coffee maker. It took me about two years to convince myself to buy it. And I love it! I love having so many choices in the morning (and it is nice because I like super strong, spoon-stands-up-in-it coffee, and Adam doesn't).
I bought the cheapy, lowest on the totem pole version, the B30

It came with I think nine different flavors to try. The only one I really liked was the Emeril's Big Easy Extra Bold. That was really good. They have so many choices! Something like 250 different drinks to try. 

Now if I only had one at work so I could continue my addiction after 6:30 am... 

Honey Whiskey Ribs

Ribs (I used boneless pork - about 3lbs worth)
1/2 cup of whiskey (used leftover American Honey)
2 or so tablespoons of honey
dash of each: ginger, allspice, white pepper, hot Hungarian paprika

Sear the ribs in a cast pan (I used my new Dutch oven). Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on stovetop on high for 10 minutes. Reduce to a simmer for about 40 minutes.

Seriously this is probably the tastiest dish I have made in a long time. I served it over brown rice.

Banned Books Week

September 13 is Nat'l Celiac Awareness Day

As of 2006, September 13 is recognized in the United States as National Celiac Disease Awareness Day. September 13 was chosen because it is the birthday of Dr. Samuel Gee, the first person to put together the incidence of Celiac disease and a gluten free diet.

So tonight I will be celebrating with Redbridge, Tinkyada, and Grandma Ferdon's!

"If the patient can be cured at all, it must be by means of diet" -- Dr. Samuel Gee

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

I read a lot of books. And I usually don't write reviews for them. But I have to for this one. This book has to be the best book I have read all year. It was kind of like a combination between Ayn Rand's Anthem and The Giver.  Sort of. But not really.

Basically, it is a story of the near-future, when conservative propaganda takes hold and everyone is basically put in their caste. The main character, Offred (she is the concubine/not concubine of a commander named Fred. She is in the "Handmaid" caste, basically the wombs. She must have Fred and his wife, Serena Joy's (kind of a Tammy Faye Baker type), baby within two years or she is declared "unwoman" and basically executed.

Obviously, she wants to get out. She remembers her life before, with her husband, Luke, and their daughter, but she does not know where the two are. Alcohol, cigarettes, lotion, perfume, cosmetics, and the like are strictly forbidden. And her room is searched to make sure she does not have any "black market" contraband.

She eventually sees the Commander outside of the home, although this is illegal. And she becomes close with the commander's chauffeur (although we, the reader, do not know what side he stands for until the very end).

This book was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it.

More pictures of THE BEAST

                                      

welcoming our newest family member!

Since we are no longer hiding her from Adam's parents, I am proud to introduce Lucy, our six month old Italian Greyhound (possibly Texas Red Lacy??) pup.

She's a little cutie - hyper, yes. But she makes up for it with her adorbs ears. She also really, really likes picking tomatoes (and subsequently eating them). The cats both hate her with a passion, but they are bound to get over that one. Her favorite toys are her purple blob and her squeaky hamburger, but she also loves TP and cardboard. Oh and did I mention beer? PBR is definitely her favorite libation, but she'll settle for any beer. She loves to cuddle and wedge herself between couch cushions. 

broke out the slow cooker

My slow cooker could not stay in isolation all summer.  I was itching to break it out.  So I did -- yesterday to be exact.  And I made cowboy beans!

Cowboy Beans
2 cans pinto beans (2 c dry)
2 cans dark red kidney beans (2 c dry)
1 lb ground turkey or beef
1 onion
1 bell/ancient/cubano pepper
2 cans Rotel tomatoes & chiles (3 c fresh tomatoes & 1 c chiles)
1 can diced tomatoes (2 c fresh)
Adobo spice
Paprika (I used hot Hungarian -- you can also use chili powder)
Shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips to serve

1. brown meat
2. throw all ingredients in slow cooker
3. turn slow cooker on low
4. and wait.

Oh my god they are so good.  They give me an excuse to eat something chilli-like when it is nine billion degrees outside.

Biscuits. With Gravy.

Holy crap. I made biscuits and gravy this morning. Thanks to the (somewhat suprisingly, all things considered) celiac-friendly Betty Crocker, Bisquick now comes in gluten free form.

The gravy turned out really well with Pamela's baking mix.

But how were the biscuits? On first inspection, they were a bit heavier than I remember. Taste-wise? HEAVEN. So good.

Thank you for being awesome, Betty Crocker!

it's been awhile

It has bee pretty crazy 'round these parts lately (galavanting, gardening, reading...) but I feel as though I should share my current obsessions:

Malbec:

Namely, Gato Negro 2008 (for $3.99!)

Don Rodolfo

Arido 2008

Udi's GF bread (white or brown:

Hands down the best gluten free bread I have ever tasted. I can even eat it untoasted! And I can have my beloved olive-and-cream cheese sandwiches again.

Figs!

Figs seem to have about a one week window of availability in the Midwest- this last week was it! I love figs- they are so delicious.

To Kill a Mockingbird

This July is the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, hands down my favorite book. My mom made me read this book when we were on vacation in northern Wisconsin when I was just 7 years old - it has been my absolute favorite novel since.

That's all for now - hopefully either Adam or myself will update more than once in seven months from now on!

Kindle update

I have photos of my Kindle in all her glory!