Weekend Recap

Phew.....what a weekend! I really wanted to do a "Weekend Guide" post on Friday because there were so many fun activities going on, but work just got in the way. It was a typical weekend in Austin, full of festivals and beautiful weather. While the rest of the country is cooling off and enjoying fall, it was all sunshine and warmth in our neck of the woods.

First up was the Gypsy Picnic, a festival of all things trailer food. I really wanted to go to this last year, but the organizers didn't anticipate the crowd, which resulted in really long lines and running out of food. Friends who were already there warned me not to go to the trouble. So I patiently waited a year, and Corey and I made plans to head down there early, just in case. Luckily, the festival doubled in size, with nearly 40 trailers spread out along Auditorium Shores. Two stages for music and other random entertainment made for a few fun hours. We met up with friends and had a great time meandering around the park, stuffing ourselves silly with all the great food options. There were no new stand-outs for me (with the exception of the meatloaf sandwich from Rockin Rolls.) It's hard to beat my tried and true favorites like Peached Tortilla (you must try the bbq brisket taco) and Gourdoughs (Son of Peach, please!)

On Saturday night a good friend of mine (and phenomenal hostess) invited people over for a wine tasting party. She's a CPA by day, but is so creative at putting together beautiful presentations of food, and especially dessert! Not the best pictures, but I wanted to keep these for future party ideas. She had a green and white themed dessert table, complete with white chocolate Oreos with a green design on top, and white cake pops served on green sugar. I can't imagine how much work went into putting the table together.

I had to take a side shot as there were always people standing in front. 

She also had a table set with wine, cheese, and other assorted food. My favorite were the manchego bites with quince paste, and the stuffed figs with goat cheese and bacon. Yum!! Again...kill me with the presentation. Corey and I had fun chatting with other people, and ignoring the fact that the Rangers got creamed that night.

Sunday rolled around too quickly, and it was off to the 2nd birthday party of my absolute most favorite (and cutest ever) niece. I just cannot believe that it has been two years since I held that sweet little thing in the hospital. And now she's this gorgeous little blonde spit fire. Running all over the place and talking up a storm. There is nothing that warms my heart more than when she calls me "Mamy" (especially when I get to see her sweet face when she says it.

Two years ago today, holding G just before passing her off to my sister.

Playing in the ball pit.

She had a ladybug themed party, with all kinds-of fun games outside. She had such a great time running back and forth from the ball pit to her jumpy castle. It was a big day indeed. She blew out her two candles, and then had even more fun opening her presents. The girl LOVES clothes, and every time she opened a present with a new outfit, she would ooohh and ahhh, and hold it up to show everyone. It was beyond cute! I especially loved her reaction when she opened the ladybug rainboots I gave her, to go with a matching rain coat my mom got her. She immediately put them on. They were followed with an all pink tutu get up, complete with wings, a wand and a tiara. When the party was over, I dressed her up in the outfit and had the best time watching her run around in it.

So there you have it...a busy busy (but really fun) weekend. So looking forward to my trip to Denver next weekend!

She's being silly here, but I thought it was the perfect "the end" to my post.

A Celebration of Life

On Wednesday, October 18th, Apple held a private memorial service so that all employees could celebrate the life of Steve Jobs together. The event was held on a beautiful sunny day at the Cupertino campus, but Apple stores around the world closed its stores for a few hours, and the Austin campus gathered in common areas, so that we could watch the event being video streamed. Obviously, it was a once in a lifetime experience.

Tim Cook spoke most of the time, and acknowledged Steve's wife Laurene, who was in attendance. Seeing her is what set off the tears in my eyes, as there is no doubt the love that was shared between those two. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to lose your life partner at such a young age.

Several speakers shared personal, funny, insightful and touching stories of their experiences with Steve. And we were surprised by 2 performers, Norah Jones (who sang a most beautiful version of Bob Dylan's Forever Young), and Coldplay, who set the waterworks off again when he sang Fix You. It was truly an amazing event to watch, and I felt so honored to work for a company who recognized the importance of sharing those moments together.

Every one has their own ideas of death, and life after death. I know only one thing- that I feel strongly about how my life is celebrated when I'm no longer here. Burial, organ music and ugly flowers? No thanks! Tears are always inevitable, but how great to be out under the sunshine, telling stories that bring happy tears to people's eyes, and taking comfort being with people. Cremate me and scatter my ashes in Town Lake, where I've logged countless, enjoyable miles running that beautiful trail. My death might not warrant a private performance by Coldplay, but laughter, sunflowers, and maybe some margaritas are just some of the things I would like to be included when my time has come. I'm sure Steve would have loved the festivities that took place on Wednesday!

Apple has created a memorial page for Steve, posting comments left from people around the world. It's quite possible that in this lifetime, we will never know someone else who has impacted such an astonishing amount of people, in so many different ways. What an honor to have been even a teeny, tiny part of the magic that is Apple!

Navajo Frybreads- All the Rage!

Two weeks ago the Trailer Friends Meetup group went to Fat Cactus Navajo Frybreads for dinner...and it was FANTASTIC! Hands down, one of my top 3 trailer food meals. Tucked away at the corner of South Congress and Gibson, Chris (the owner) fries up some of the most delicious bread I have ever tasted. I had never had frybread before, and will definitely be going back for more. We tried the OG (with both sauces on top) and the Foghorn. The pizza was a little salty for my taste, but the taco was just so good, I can't imagine getting anything else. Be sure to save room for dessert though. The Elvis, a beautiful concoction of banana, peanut butter, honey and cinnamon, is not to be missed!

Just when I was starting to crave that warm, salty, just crispy on the outside, but still soft on the inside bread- I read today's post on The Pioneer Woman Cooks blog. She gives clear cut instructions, with a beautiful tutorial, if you are up for making your own. But I say why mess up your kitchen when you can head to Fat Cactus to have it made for you? The owner is super nice and chatted up our whole group. I think we caught him a little off guard (there were about 15 of us), but he was more than accommodating and very grateful that we came to visit his trailer. He told us all about how he learned to make frybread, and is well on his way to mastering his craft. It's the only place I know of that serves this in Austin, so go check it out!

Bakerella Book Signing

For those of you who love to bake, and happen to follow the adorable blog Bakerella, she will be doing a book signing in Austin the first of December. She is best known for her amazing cake pops, but she sounds like an overall really nice person. I'm putting it on my calendar and hoping that I get the chance to meet her.

Austin, TX
Thursday, December 1, 2011
7pm-8:30pm
Book People
603 N. Lamar
Austin, TX 78703

Back in Business

There was "suspicious activity" surrounding my gmail account, and apparently that meant that my blog was temporarily taken down. Sorry about that, but it appears that all seems to be functioning normally again. Posts to come later today.

Frittata Muffins and Kale Chips

Holy Superfoods of goodness...I made the most fantastic dinner tonight, just for myself! I first saw the idea for frittata muffins on Pinterest (seriously, have I told you how much I love that site?!) I've been kind of tired lately and didn't make my usual Sunday run to HEB, so I forced myself to go after work today so that I wouldn't stop to pick up something unhealthy. I wanted to make a quick and easy dinner, as well as something that would leave me with leftovers for the next couple of days. So the muffins sounded perfect. I needed something to go with it, and the kale chips sounded like the perfect fit. Eggs, broccoli, kale....lots of nutrients in this meal!

The muffins were a piece of cake. I decided to add the extra step of roasting my broccoli first, but it was totally worth it for the extra flavor it gives it. And the great thing about these is that you can add pretty much any ingredients you have on hand. I used my favorite frittata combination: broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese. But really you can throw any meat, cheese and/or veggie combination that you have in the fridge, and have these on the table in about 10-15 minutes.



Broccoli, Sun-dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata Muffins
(makes 3 servings, about 200 calories per serving)


3 eggs
3 egg whites
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 ounce goat cheese
1 cup broccoli, chopped into small pieces (I roasted mine first with a dab of olive oil and garlic)
6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped into tiny pieces
non-stick cooking spray (I used olive oil flavored)

Pre-heat oven to 350.
Spray 6 muffin cups in a tin with non-stick spray.
Mix eggs and milk in a medium bowl, and then pour evenly into the tins (about 3/4 full).
Sprinkle you mix of toppings into each cup.
Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until tops are just browned.
Carefully remove by sliding a knife around the edges and sliding onto a plate to cool.


Kale Chips
(makes 2-3 servings, unless you eat the whole pan like I did)


1 bunch of kale, washed and dried
1-2 Tbs olive oil
season salt

Pre-heat oven to 415.
Tear the kale from the stems into pieces (not too big, not too small)
Be sure to dry the kale pieces in paper towel, or use a salad spinner to remove moisture
Toss kale with olive oil (I got away with barely a tablespoon) and sprinkle with season salt. Don't go overboard- mine was way too salty.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, tossing once or twice with a pair or tongs.
Remove from oven to cool.

I know, I suck at food photography. It's just not my thing.

Back in the Kitchen

I've been trying to make more of an effort recently to a) be a more active participant in cookbook club and b) cook healthy dinners that contain more than just scrambled eggs. I have been fairly successful, and have turned out a few decent meals lately.

A recent favorite was Lemon Pork Scaloppine from "The Pleasures of Cooking for One", served with roasted broccoli and bourbon mashed sweet potatoes (ok, so maybe the last part wasn't so healthy- but it was Corey's contribution to dinner.) This was pretty easy to throw together, as the potatoes had been made before hand and only had to be reheated. You can always cook regular mashed sweet potatoes on the weekend (minus the bourbon, cream and butter) and store them in a dish that is easily reheated.

The roasted broccoli was simply amazing. I cut up the florets fairly small, lined a rimmed backing sheet with foil, and then tossed the broccoli with barely a tablespoon of olive oil, kosher salt, pepper and thin slices of garlic (1-2 cloves depending on how much broccoli). I roasted it at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes (using tongs to turn half way through)- just long enough to caramelize the outside for a good little crisp. I remember Corey saying "Why don't restaurant vegetables taste this good?" Super easy and really healthy, this is a no-brainer side dish.

But the pork dish was the star of the show, and only required minimal ingredients. I bought one pork tenderloin, and it was enough for barely two more servings as leftovers. I adjusted the quantities and added the sherry on my own- I love how it can enhance a good sauce.

Ingredients

1 pork tenderloin, sliced into 3/4 in. rounds
salt and pepper
all-purpose flour for dredging (no more than 1 cup)
1 Tb olive oil
1 Tb butter
2 lemons, 1 thinly sliced and the other for juicing
1 fat shallot, thinly sliced
3-5 Tb chicken broth
1-2 Tb capers (I'm not a big fan, but they did make the dish taste great)
1-2 Tb dry sherry (this is optional, but I liked the tang that it added to the sauce)
fresh chopped parsley for garnish


1- Pound the pork slices so that they are thinner, and of even thickness
2- Salt and pepper the pork, and then dredge lightly in the flour (I shook mine to remove excess coating)
3- Heat oil and butter in skillet until sizzling
4- Lay pork slices, lemon and shallot in pan
5- Cook on medium high for about 1-2 minutes per side (depending on thickness of slices)
6- Remove from pan to a plate and cover loosely with foil
7- Squeeze juice of the lemon into the pan, add chicken broth and sherry, and boil down until lightly thickened
8- Toss capers into pan, and add chicken to heat through
9- Spoon onto plate and sprinkle parsley on top

Bon appétit

RIP, Steve

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the ones who think differently. While some may see crazy, we see genius."


We'll miss you Steve. But in your absence, we will celebrate your life, and all the amazing things that you left us with. Thank you.

The Pleasures of Cooking for One, Plus One More

Hello readers. I'm still alive, I promise! Life and work have been busy, busy and that has left me with not much time for blogging.

Some recent highlights....

Corey lost a football game bet, and therefore had to cook a "homemade" dinner for me last Friday. I was sure to remind him that picking something up at a restaurant, and then serving it on your own dishes, did not constitute homemade. He sure showed me! I was served deliciously moist grilled chicken and asparagus with bernaise sauce, along with the most decadent bourbon mashed sweet potatoes. He topped it all off with  chocolate chip cookie dough cake in a cup. Am I a lucky girl, or what? Problem is, he set the bar awfully high so soon. We'll see how he is able to follow up with it.

Saturday night, my Trailer Friends Meetup group planned a rare Saturday night adventure. I love having that as one of my "friend's" activities, but I thought this was an appropriate opportunity to invite Corey to meet some of those friends. We ate dinner at Regal Ravioli, a new trailer on the East side, and followed it with bar hopping in the neighborhood. The squash ravioli with veloute sauce was outstanding, and so was the company. It was a fun group, and I think everyone enjoyed meeting Corey. Tonight I'll be hanging with them solo at Tenderland and I'm looking forward to hearing what they have to say.

On Sunday, we celebrated my dad's birthday with the most amazing Fried Chicken supper that is served family style at the new BC Tavern. For $18 a person, you get the most perfect fried chicken, biscuits, cole slaw, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. It's enough food for the entire day, and guarantees nap time afterwards. It was awesome, to say the least! Family time is always fun, especially when my little niece is involved. She was all dressed up looking adorable as ever, and I just love every minute I get to spend with her.

Yesterday I took a tripod (3-legged) dog from the shelter for a trail run in this awesome weather. It's like she has no idea that most dogs have 4 legs- she didn't miss a beat. It was so fun watching how happy she was running around the trail, meeting other dogs and playing in the water. Even better, we passed many other people running, all who were amazed that she was missing a back leg. Great reminder that life is what you make it. She's not letting that get in the way of having a good time! Inspirational, for sure.

All that leads me to last night's dinner. My cookbook club is currently cooking from "The Pleasures of Cooking for One", but I invited Corey to come over and eat with me. Why? I don't have a problem cooking and eating by myself, but I certainly enjoy it more when there is someone else to appreciate my work. It also doesn't hurt that he does the dishes, too. But sitting down together, talking about our day, and just enjoying each other's company made the meal all the more satisfying. It also happened to be really tasty, too! (I'll do a separate post for the food)

Obviously things are going really well with him. And he finds ways to remind me why I like him so much...like sending a text today saying "Happy Max's Wine Dive monthiversary". It's been 2 months since our very first date there, and they have been really great months. I came across the perfect article today written by my favorite dating guru Jess McCann about chasing butterflies vs. adult love. It couldn't have come at a more perfect time as I am really reflecting on all that is happening in this new relationship, and what it means. She makes a lot of good points, and many of them are mistakes that I have made in the past. The rush of new, or tumultuous relationships, is often what we mistake for "love". But she points out the long-term love really should fell happy, safe and (dare I say it) comfortable. I'm not saying that I'm "in love" right now. But he makes me happy, and I feel really comfortable with where we're at in the process of getting to know each other better. It's a good feeling, and very different from most of my past relationships.

So there you have it. I'm loving the weather change and happy to be getting back into running as I start the slow climb to 13.1 miles. I have a trip to Denver at the end of the month to see my friend Sarah. Football is alive and well every weekend. Now if only I could find a way to add a few more hours to the day,  I just might be able to fit it all in. But life is good, and I couldn't be any happier about that.