Sweet Potato Fries

Ok, so I made sweet potato fries tonight, and I wasn't all that impressed. The seasoning didn't really jive, and they were a little mushy! Any thoughts on how to make those good? These ones involved cumin, red pepper (don't use cayenne like I did!) and salt. I think I'll leave the skins on next time, but any ideas on other seasoning combos etc would be awesome!

I love my daily quote box...

A clever, ugly man every now and then is successful with the ladies, but a handsome fool is irresistible.

William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863)

Celebration!

Wow, I made it into my mom's cookbook! Ok, so it's not my own recipe, but I found it first and have passed it on. Personally, that is exciting... almost as exciting as watching cute BYU boys play volleyball. We almost won too... Our sports teams seem to have a thing with coming out strong and tapering off. Either way, though, it was a great match to watch versus Cal Baptist University. Chad and I watched them last year-- when we won-- on one of our brother/sister hopelessly single dates. I'm still hopelessly single but I went with Lizzy, an awesome friend in my ward, and we had a blast! I can't wait to hang up my volleyball poster with those attractive men and their incredible arms. Woot! Oh, and this weekend is my dance performance for my tap company!! If I manage to survive Saturday, I'll let you know how it went. They're supposed to be taping it so we can see ourselves. Hopefully I'll get a copy that I can send home if Dad is still coming in January. We have a show on the 29th in SLC at the Rose Wagner Theater-- seating is a little limited. Well, tomorrow is still Friday and there's much to be done. Adios por esa noche!

Yeah, it's the 2008 team, not 2009. I didn't take my camera and tonight was the home opener. But 10,11, and 15 are still on the team this year, so it's all good. Check out those sweet arms!

Bunoasera

So tonight I again tested my culinary skills, attempting to create a yummy pasta dish. I love pasta. I could live on pasta, except I would probably get fat doing so. That's why I like to include veggies in my pasta, like tonight. I started with 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced as much as I could get them minced. Then I sliced/cubed my zucchini and put it in with the minced garlic (and some canola oil to saute in). For some extra flavor, I added some squirts of lemon juice, some oregano, basil, and rosemary. I would also recommend salt at that point, and maybe not the rosemary. I let that cook for a bit, then I added sliced, chopped mushrooms. After those got a little tender, I added the slices of a massive roma tomato. Once those had warmed through, I poured in a little thing of whipping cream and some Parmesan cheese, because I love white sauces. Of course, it turned out a little orange because of the tomatoes, but the flavor was quite excellent! The lemon did a lot to zip up the ensemble, and a dash of nutmeg at the end also gave it a little secret punch. The only letdown of my recipe was that I used angel hair pasta, when bowties would have been more appropriate.

And she cooks some more!

I made this and it turned out great, even with some missing ingredients. Basically just make sure you have chili flavor, cinnamon and chocolate, and you'll be great!

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

1 large onion chopped
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa or 1/2 ounce grated unsweetened chocolate
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 (16-ounce) package uncooked dried spaghetti pasta
Toppings (see below)

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, saute onion, ground beef, garlic, and chili powder until ground beef is slightly cooked. Add allspice, cinnamon, cumin, cayene pepper, salt, unsweetened cocoa or chocolate, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, and water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 1 1/2 hours. Remove from heat.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions and transfer onto individual serving plates (small oval plates are traditional).

Ladle chili over spaghetti and serve with toppings of your choice. Oyster crackers are served in a separate container on the side.

Cincinnati chili lovers order their chili by number. Two, Three, Four, or Five Way. Let your guest create their own final product.

Two-Way Chili: Chili served on spaghetti

Three-Way Chili: Additionally topped with shredded Cheddar cheese

Four-Way Chili: Additionally topped with chopped onions

Five-Way Chili: Additionally topped with kidney beans

Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Toppings:
Oyster Crackers
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Onion
Kidney Beans (16-ounce) can

She Cooks

I'm 23!!

Happy Birthday to me! Here's some fabulous pictures to mark the event.

Birthday presents!

After morning yoga...

Getting my first pedicure : )

Birthday cake!

Make a wish...

Happy New Year!