The weather is beginning to hint at spring, but I’m sure we still have one good snow left before warm temperatures are here to stay. Everything and nothing has been going on in the Cate household. I began volunteering on Tuesdays at our church’s crisis pregnancy center. I mainly do whatever is needed- sort Bibles, fetch clothes and supplies, or just play with the children of the clients who are in counseling. I try to remember my rudimentary Spanish, but the kids inevitably look at me with utter confusion. Hand signals and smiles work best. Candy, even better.
We’re becoming less hermit-like as the weather warms up. Joey and I spent a fun Saturday night with friends, some of whom we see way too little. Must remedy this. Our hostess made delicious homemade BBQ (will need to get that recipe) and another friend brought homemade king cake. Yum! I made the standard side of baked beans, which I would mix up once in a while, but I’m afraid of the backlash. We rarely have any left. In the mindset of food, Joey and I finally made it to Gaetano’s for a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner. Even though we were completely full, Joey from lasagna and I from manicotti, the waitress convinced us to try the tiramisu. I’m so glad she did! It really was the best. Next trip, I plan on trying their made from scratch pizzas.
Joey is in the middle of a big project at work now through the end of April so our trip to France and Italy is on hold indefinitely. It’s amazing how a two week difference can affect ticket prices dramatically. Oh well. In light of this disappointment, I’m hoping I can at least persuade him to consider a trip to an ocean this summer. He really is working hard so he definitely deserves a vacation. I’ll just tag along for moral support.
What’s been for dinner lately? Pan seared pork chops with hash brown casserole (mmm…classics); shrimp po’boys with spicy ketchup; salmon fillets with mixed vegetables and spring salads; strawberry cake balls; banana and macadamia nut pancakes
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Even Eskimos Eat
It's hard to get motivated to cook when winter seems to keep dragging on and eating one more bowl of potato soup is grounds for staging a coup. But soup is soothing and relatively easy, so I pulled out a forgotten stand-by on Monday. I made a very easy three cheese tortellini, spinach, and mushroom soup with toasted pane rustica. I thought I'd share this recipe in case someone needed a new dish to brave the ongoing arctic chill.
For the soup, start by bringing 3 cups chicken stock to a boil. Throw in a few diced green onions and garlic. Add one 16oz package of refrigerated cheese tortellini, can of diced tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms. On medium heat, toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach. Serve, topped with parmesan cheese.
Pane rustica should be in the bakery section of your local grocery or use ciabatta for this upscale cheese toast. Cut the loaf into 1-1 1/2" slices. Combine 2 Tbs. mayonnaise, 2 Tbs. softened butter, diced garlic, feta, parmesan, and Monterey jack cheese in a small bowl. Spread mixture on to slices. Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12 minutes.
The best part of this dish- not one potato in sight.
For the soup, start by bringing 3 cups chicken stock to a boil. Throw in a few diced green onions and garlic. Add one 16oz package of refrigerated cheese tortellini, can of diced tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms. On medium heat, toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach. Serve, topped with parmesan cheese.
Pane rustica should be in the bakery section of your local grocery or use ciabatta for this upscale cheese toast. Cut the loaf into 1-1 1/2" slices. Combine 2 Tbs. mayonnaise, 2 Tbs. softened butter, diced garlic, feta, parmesan, and Monterey jack cheese in a small bowl. Spread mixture on to slices. Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12 minutes.
The best part of this dish- not one potato in sight.
Synopsis of the Past Week
Tourists for a Day
Joey and I decided to leave our bubble of Arvada/Golden and head downtown on Saturday. We embarked on one of Historic Denver, Inc’s Story Treks through the Capital Hill area. At each stop on the route, we listened to a pre-recorded history of the appropriate landmark through our phones. It was a great way to learn more about the founding and establishment of Denver on your own time while enjoying an early spring day. While our trip was cut short due to hunger pains, Joey and I plan on exploring more of the Story Trek itineraries. Oh, hunger pains comforted by delicious late lunch at Cake Crumbs in the Park Hill neighborhood. I’m trying to find excuses to go back.
A Cold Spell accompanied by Parents (Related?)
My parents arrived on Monday for the week and with them, snow and freezing temps. Thanks. Their timing couldn’t have been worse, just missing the previous week’s glorious sunshine and warm temps, which would’ve been a tropical vacation compared to the wintery mix they’ve been receiving. Regardless of the weather, we’ve had a fun week. Tuesday, my mom and I braved the negative temperatures and went to Sur la Table, a specialty kitchen/home store, where I picked up a chocolate dipping set for cake balls plus other gadgets and she got a travel French press for Joey as a congratulations gift for getting his Professional Engineering license/certification. Wednesday, we went to Boulder then Broomfield, where at the Apple Store, she discovered she wanted an iPad. Your welcome, Dad. Rain, sleet, or snow will not stop the desire to shop!
We’ve managed to have a great time even though temperatures have been frigid. They’re expected to leave on Sunday, but may leave a day early. Did I mention snow is expected in Memphis this weekend? Irony. Ha.
Joey and I decided to leave our bubble of Arvada/Golden and head downtown on Saturday. We embarked on one of Historic Denver, Inc’s Story Treks through the Capital Hill area. At each stop on the route, we listened to a pre-recorded history of the appropriate landmark through our phones. It was a great way to learn more about the founding and establishment of Denver on your own time while enjoying an early spring day. While our trip was cut short due to hunger pains, Joey and I plan on exploring more of the Story Trek itineraries. Oh, hunger pains comforted by delicious late lunch at Cake Crumbs in the Park Hill neighborhood. I’m trying to find excuses to go back.
A Cold Spell accompanied by Parents (Related?)
My parents arrived on Monday for the week and with them, snow and freezing temps. Thanks. Their timing couldn’t have been worse, just missing the previous week’s glorious sunshine and warm temps, which would’ve been a tropical vacation compared to the wintery mix they’ve been receiving. Regardless of the weather, we’ve had a fun week. Tuesday, my mom and I braved the negative temperatures and went to Sur la Table, a specialty kitchen/home store, where I picked up a chocolate dipping set for cake balls plus other gadgets and she got a travel French press for Joey as a congratulations gift for getting his Professional Engineering license/certification. Wednesday, we went to Boulder then Broomfield, where at the Apple Store, she discovered she wanted an iPad. Your welcome, Dad. Rain, sleet, or snow will not stop the desire to shop!
We’ve managed to have a great time even though temperatures have been frigid. They’re expected to leave on Sunday, but may leave a day early. Did I mention snow is expected in Memphis this weekend? Irony. Ha.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Third Time’s the Charm
Friday night, Joey and I went out with two other couples from our church. The plan was to meet at Chubby’s, supposedly a Mexican restaurant in a less than pretentious part of town, which no one had frequented prior to this night. But hey, we’re adventurous (or trying to be) so we headed out with low-medium hopes. We were the first to arrive at this fine establishment and decided to go ahead and wait for the others inside. You know that feeling of confusion you get when you’re trying to read directions on a box only to realize, belatedly that they’re in another language? Well, if you can relate, then you’re close to experiencing our night. It was indeed, a Mexican place which served food; a dining establishment, it was not. A bar lined one wall of the galley, which was less for eating than waiting on one’s order while the opposite wall contained a cutout masquerading as a counter for orders. As Joey and I made our way in to wait for the others, we had the distinct feeling of being out of place. However, one look at the menu explained the bustling scene we stumbled upon (okay, really walked into directly, but I’m convinced everyone else there thought we were lost by the quizzical looks thrown our way). Burritos smothered in green chili - $5. Half dozen tamales - $6. A great story to tell once safely back in suburbia – Priceless. Nevertheless, once the others arrived, it was quickly decided Chubby’s was not the ideal place to sit and shoot the breeze over chips and salsa.
Round 2 found us at Gaetano’s. With a wait of 45 minutes or more, no amount of delicious smelling Italian food could hold our attention. We will return though, if only to soak up the Denver mob history which resides at 3760 Tejon Street.
Success at last. When all else fails, La Loma Mexican Restaurant will prevail. Even with a full parking lot, the wait was short, the food satisfying, and above all else, an atmosphere conducive to lingering and laughing. After our long night of restaurant hopping, our group was ready to do plenty of both. We had a great time catching up with friends and swapping grandparent stories.
Oh, and we definitely plan on visiting Chubby’s after church. Joey pass up a cheap burrito and green chili? I think not.
What was for dinner? mmmm...Maggiano's
Round 2 found us at Gaetano’s. With a wait of 45 minutes or more, no amount of delicious smelling Italian food could hold our attention. We will return though, if only to soak up the Denver mob history which resides at 3760 Tejon Street.
Success at last. When all else fails, La Loma Mexican Restaurant will prevail. Even with a full parking lot, the wait was short, the food satisfying, and above all else, an atmosphere conducive to lingering and laughing. After our long night of restaurant hopping, our group was ready to do plenty of both. We had a great time catching up with friends and swapping grandparent stories.
Oh, and we definitely plan on visiting Chubby’s after church. Joey pass up a cheap burrito and green chili? I think not.
What was for dinner? mmmm...Maggiano's
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Trash Day with a Dusting of Powder
Every Wednesday is trash day and every other Wednesday is recycle day. We have missed recycle day for the past month (or more), but today Joey was determined NOT to miss the truck. Recycle guy comes at exactly 7:00am (Garbage guy is a more lazy 11:00am – 3:00pm kinda guy) which wouldn’t usually be a problem, but we didn’t get to bed until late last night and not even Shep was stirring by then. Alas, crisis averted. Joey jumped out of bed, ran downstairs and set the bins out just in time. If we had missed recycle guy again, it was mutually understood between us that garbage guy was getting waaay more than his usual share of refuse this week and we’d try saving the planet again in two weeks.
Headed to the dog park with Shep this afternoon only to be surprised by sudden snow and freezing wind! So rarely is the weatherman correct here, I completely ignored the forecast. Today, apparently, he got it right. Good for him. In light of the weather, I will be catching up on reading for book club. We are currently reading Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer. It is not a book I would choose to read voluntarily, but that is the point of a book club, no? Joey is currently reading a mystery novel, The Cat Who Went Up the Creek by Lilian Jackson Braun. So far he seems to be enjoying it when he has time to read. I have yet to ask him if the cat went up the creek with or without a paddle. Maybe that’s the mystery…
What’s for dinner? Petite sirloin steaks, mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed yellow squash
Headed to the dog park with Shep this afternoon only to be surprised by sudden snow and freezing wind! So rarely is the weatherman correct here, I completely ignored the forecast. Today, apparently, he got it right. Good for him. In light of the weather, I will be catching up on reading for book club. We are currently reading Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer. It is not a book I would choose to read voluntarily, but that is the point of a book club, no? Joey is currently reading a mystery novel, The Cat Who Went Up the Creek by Lilian Jackson Braun. So far he seems to be enjoying it when he has time to read. I have yet to ask him if the cat went up the creek with or without a paddle. Maybe that’s the mystery…
What’s for dinner? Petite sirloin steaks, mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed yellow squash
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Saturday Laughs, Sunday Skating
Saturday:
Ah, we were bums. Okay, I was more the bum than Joey. I was sitting at the bar eating Fruit Loops (don't judge, they have no age limit) and he comes down the stairs, head to toe in spandex. Which, without context would be disturbing, but he was headed out for a morning bike ride. Briefly, our juxtaposing morning activities bothered me, but I comforted myself with the thought that I would put in some time on the Wii Fit.
That afternoon I began prepping for dinner. Joey and I invited six (+ two adorable little ones) of our friends over that night and I decided to cook for everyone. I had pre-made white cheddar cheese puffs which turned out to be delicious! Definitely worth making ahead of time and keeping some in the freezer for an easy appetizer or snack. The main meal consisted of garlic herb chicken with tomatoes and a two cheese blend, risotto with zucchini spears, green beans with crisp shallots, and a mixed baby green salad with feta, blueberries, and almonds. I'm getting hungry again just writing it out! We finished off with molten chocolate cakes with whipped cream and powdered sugar. So yummy! We had a great time and some interesting conversations. I must start making dinner parties a habit.
Sunday:
While Joey and I didn't make it to the 8:00am service as planned, we still made it to church and I am so glad we did. Pastor Jim's message Sunday morning focused on how we pray and how integral it is in our daily lives, or at least should be. Stuff to ponder...
I made my first real attempt at ice skating after lunch. The first time, at an ice rink in Jackson, MS, hardly counts as Joey pulled me around until I fell so many times I needed a donut pillow for the next week. We went to Evergreen Lake where I strapped on hockey skates (better ankle support apparently) and gingerly made it down the steps onto the ice. Joey had strict instructions not to let go under any circumstances. He, unlike me, is really really good at ice skating. While he chalks it up to all the rollerblading he did as a kid, I'm not convinced. But then again, he is really really good at so many things, I shouldn't be surprised ice skating is in his repertoire. While I am not in the least proficient at skating, it was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun. I'm willing to go again, which proves it wasn't horrendous!
Anyone had Starbucks' hot chocolate lately? Mmmmm, worth the splurge.
Ah, we were bums. Okay, I was more the bum than Joey. I was sitting at the bar eating Fruit Loops (don't judge, they have no age limit) and he comes down the stairs, head to toe in spandex. Which, without context would be disturbing, but he was headed out for a morning bike ride. Briefly, our juxtaposing morning activities bothered me, but I comforted myself with the thought that I would put in some time on the Wii Fit.
That afternoon I began prepping for dinner. Joey and I invited six (+ two adorable little ones) of our friends over that night and I decided to cook for everyone. I had pre-made white cheddar cheese puffs which turned out to be delicious! Definitely worth making ahead of time and keeping some in the freezer for an easy appetizer or snack. The main meal consisted of garlic herb chicken with tomatoes and a two cheese blend, risotto with zucchini spears, green beans with crisp shallots, and a mixed baby green salad with feta, blueberries, and almonds. I'm getting hungry again just writing it out! We finished off with molten chocolate cakes with whipped cream and powdered sugar. So yummy! We had a great time and some interesting conversations. I must start making dinner parties a habit.
Sunday:
While Joey and I didn't make it to the 8:00am service as planned, we still made it to church and I am so glad we did. Pastor Jim's message Sunday morning focused on how we pray and how integral it is in our daily lives, or at least should be. Stuff to ponder...
I made my first real attempt at ice skating after lunch. The first time, at an ice rink in Jackson, MS, hardly counts as Joey pulled me around until I fell so many times I needed a donut pillow for the next week. We went to Evergreen Lake where I strapped on hockey skates (better ankle support apparently) and gingerly made it down the steps onto the ice. Joey had strict instructions not to let go under any circumstances. He, unlike me, is really really good at ice skating. While he chalks it up to all the rollerblading he did as a kid, I'm not convinced. But then again, he is really really good at so many things, I shouldn't be surprised ice skating is in his repertoire. While I am not in the least proficient at skating, it was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun. I'm willing to go again, which proves it wasn't horrendous!
Anyone had Starbucks' hot chocolate lately? Mmmmm, worth the splurge.
The Inaugural Dinner
It's purpose is simple. I've started this blog to keep family and friends (maybe foes?) in the loop as to mine and Joey's life in Colorado. While we're not particularly entertaining, should you find a free minute, we invite you to take a peek into our days.
What's for dinner? Blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream
What's for dinner? Blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream
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