Give Brussel Sprouts a Chance

Tonight, I gave Brussels sprouts a chance.  I don't think I've ever cooked them by choice.  Ever.  I made Heidi Swanson's Caramelized Tofu and it was really tasty.  If you haven't checked out her recipes, she makes some great things.  I've checked out her cookbook at the library and loved it.  She combines ingredients that I would never think of, such as tofu, pecans, garlic, Brussels sprouts, and cilantro.  Maybe one day my husband will give the sprouts a chance.  They actually weren't that offensive in this dish, as they only cook a few minutes.  (I heard someone on NPR, I want to say Alton Brown, say that Brussels sprouts release their offensive gases when they are cooked for longer than five minutes.  Science.)  (Footnote: did you know you put an 's' on the end of Brussels sprouts?)
Speaking of my husband, he has safely made his way to the Windy City.  It's puppers and I until next Wednesday.  Don't tell Jim, but I'm going to use the drip coffee maker tomorrow.  No French Press.  And I may actually grind the beans tonight.  Gasp! 

Yikes!

Yikes!  I just received a message that I've reached my photo quota for my blog!  I didn't know there was a limit.  Readers: photos are on pause while I figure this out.  Cray-cray.
In the meantime, you should make this slow cooker pepper steak. 

Gobble, Gobble

Are you jealous of my turkey hat?  Yes, I ran 4 miles in it.  Yes, it's from the Dollar Spot at Target.  Yes, it's made for children.  And I was a hit.  (My friend actually bought it for me and wore one herself.)  Jim and I and another couple ran in the Turkey Trot this morning.  (My third year!)  As this is my blog, I will brag and tell you I ran an 8:23 mile and finished 9th in my age group (out of 77). 
Today we enjoyed a nice day together, including a long walk with Trooper and Friendsgiving.  I ate more than I should have and giggled a lot, so all in all, a good evening.  Oh, and I wanted to share this dairy free dish: spicy sweet potato au gratin.  (I omitted the blue potatoes.)  Okay, I have to retired now for my long day at work tomorrow. 
Don't forget shop at your local businesses on Saturday!  Small Business Saturday is a great way to support your fave local places!

Lady and the Dog

It was just Trooper and I last night, as Jim had to go to Bend for his job.  He's been preparing for a practice trial for awhile which was yesterday morning.  On Wednesday night, I think he got home at 11pm and biked pack to school at 7:30 the next morning.  If the Legal Beagle is anything, he's a hard worker.  He doesn't know it yet, but he has homemade chocolate chip cookies, chili for dinner, and cold beer all waiting for him this evening.  (Note: I've been adding one tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon to my chili.  It makes it have a bit of a mole taste.) 
Ugh, I just heard the weatherman say that tomorrow for "several hours we could get pounded for showers." 
I forgot to blog that I will be touring the great state of Florida from March 23- 30 and can't wait.  Sunshine state, here I come.  (In four months.) 

Domestics and Such

 Fun with Instagram!  I love when Trooper sleeps with his head on a pillow like a little person.  I wonder if the first time he saw a person sleep like that he thought, "I've been sleeping like an animal!" 

Here's a little glimpse of what the fall/ winter/ spring looks like in the Pacific Northwest.  (In front of the U of O law school at 4pm.)

We had a lovely weekend.  Between rain drops I was able to get in two outside runs and took TZ to the dog park twice.  I slept 10 hours two nights in a row (amazingly wonderful) and took my LS to indoor mini golf (such a great idea for Oregon.) 

I am now going to brag about myself: I was a domestic diva to the max today.  This morning I made us pumpkin pancakes (you seriously need to go to Trader Joe's and buy their pumpkin pancake mix) and bacon.  This afternoon my girlfriend and I took a sewing class at my fav fabric store, Piece by Piece.  And when I came home this evening I whipped up some Pioneer Woman Spicy Drip Beef for dinner, banana bread, and white bean soup (note the crisped prosciutto...) for dinner tomorrow.  And it's about time for me to settle in with a glass of wine to watch 60 Minutes with my dog.  

(I wonder if anyone reading my blog thinks I'm 65.  I'm 31, I swear!)

We Did It!

I always had your back, Barry.