Marchesa

A staple of the red carpet, her designs are so whimsical and dreamy. Bury me in Marchesa, please.

Fever

I've been anti-Royal Wedding this entire time but I went online to see her dress and I've officially caught the fever. She looks absolutely stunning. I have goosebumps. And in McQueen, no less! She's living every little girl's fantasy! To become a princess.

On a side note, doesn't she look like Lauren Conrad?

Slow-Cooker Asian Short Ribs

This is an Americanized version of korean galbi-jim. I usually skip step 4 and just drizzle the sesame oil in the sauce. My brother loves this dish.

Slow-Cooker Asian Short Ribs

Makes 4 servings
Hands-on Time: 0hr 20m
Total Time: 7hr 50m

Ingredients
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
8 beef short ribs (about 4 pounds)
4 medium carrots, peeled and halved crosswise
1 small green cabbage (about 1 pound), quartered
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions
1. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper. Add the short ribs and carrots and arrange in a single layer. Lay the cabbage on top.

2. Cook, covered, on high for 5 to 6 hours (or on low for 7 to 8 hours―see note below), until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

3. Transfer the cabbage, short ribs, and carrots to plates. With a large spoon or ladle, skim the fat from the cooking liquid and discard.

4. If the slow cooker is on the low setting, turn it to high. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Whisk into the cooking liquid and cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the sesame oil. Spoon the sauce over the short ribs and vegetables and sprinkle with the scallions (if using).

5. Note: Because different slow-cooker models cook at different rates, the total time is presented as a range. Check for doneness at the low end of the range (but not before, or the escaping heat will slow the cooking). If the food is not done, continue cooking to the end of the suggested range.

Missed the Boat

I feel like I missed the boat on Herve Leger bandage dresses. When Express and Forever 21 copies something, it's probably time to let the trend die. But still, so beautiful and one day, I'll still rock one. And that day will be when I am no longer a flabby, pale heifer.

Pororo

This is, by far, Olivia's favorite cartoon - Pororo. It's a korean cartoon that she watches on youtube on either my iPhone or the computer. I'm hoping to download some of them on our iPad for our plane ride. It keeps her mesmerized like no other. I feel bad using it as a babysitter but it's a great distraction when I need to make dinner or do other stuff around the house.

DAMN THE RECYCLING TRUCK JUST WOKE HER UP. EFFFF.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive?

I swear up and down that I did not post the McQueen scarf because I expected to get it. Mr. Ho secretly bought it for me and it showed up at our door yesterday!! I cannot believe it. I am SOOO in love with it and I can't wait to wear it. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, Mr. Ho! xoxoxoxoxo

Here is Nicole Richie wearing it in multiple ways. I LOVE her!

Pretty

Blake Lively is wearing a beautiful dress at the TIME party. It's by Zuhair Murad. I love all the aqua but she's not giving great face. And I don't love her red hair.

Easter

Hello, friends. I am sitting here listening to Olivia perfect her scream over the monitor. She has been really resisting her naps. I think she might be ready to go to just one nap a day. I'm nervous to change it up though because we are so close to vacation time and I'd hate to change her routine now.

The weekend was really great! Mr. Ho had off on Good Friday. I sent him and Olivia over to the In-Laws because we got our carpets cleaned! I used OxiFresh. Joe was great. He was really thorough and the carpets dried very quickly. I was cleaning while he was cleaning. He actually LAUGHED at my Swiffer slippers. In the evening, we had dinner at Fortune with the In-Laws and the Mars. They are moving back to Alberta because Gary is running for premier! Isn't that super exciting?

Saturday, we went to the grocery store in the AM and sort of on on a whim (we had talked about it for awhile now), we decided to go the zoo! The Wiltshires couldn't join us but we did ask Mackenzie to come with since she will be leaving soon. They live literally next door to the zoo. Olivia actually LOVED seeing all the animals! She would point and babble. Her favorite were the elephants. After dropping off Mackenzie, we went to eat at Rays the Steaks. Yes, it was 4:30 PM and yes there were a lot of old people there. But it was great for us. We had a leisurely dinner and then made it home with enough time before Olivia goes down at night.

We did not go to church on Easter Sunday. This bugs me, but we don't have a church to go to right now. I want to find a church so Olivia can go to Sunday School. It's something I'm going to work on when we get back from our vacation. In the afternoon, we went to Remi's 1st birthday party at Clemyjontri Park. When I first read the park's name, I thought it was a misprint. But apparently the park got it's name from the children of the parents who invested in the park. This is a GREATTTT park!! The ground is rubber or something so if there is an accident, it's not as bad. There are tons of things for every age. Even a carousel! The only downfall is that everyone else thinks it's a great park too. So parking is limited and I can imagine it being quite the cluster**ck during peak times.

Here's a cute Olivia story. I am great at picking stuff up with my little toes. I did this in front of Olivia the other day and afterwards, she kept trying to stick things in her feet. Soo cutteeee.

Right now, I'm reading Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell on my IPhone. Did I mention I read stuff on my iPhone that i would be embarrassed to buy in person? Like Lauren Conrad's books. I am actually debating whether or not I want an eReader. I love having books on my bookshelf though... I'm really torn about this. Anyway, the book is good so far! It's about Carrier, fresh into her first days in NYC and meeting all her girlfriends. So far, she's met Samantha and Miranda.

New Template Woe

I like this new template but I don't know how to get rid of the Call of Duty link and the "Designed for Knuffels" thing at the very bottom. IDK how to edit the HTML.

Help?

Japanese Curry

Tonight I made Japanese Curry. It's pretty easy but takes a bit of time because you have to stir fry all the ingredients. The directions are on the side of the curry package. I use this brand:



It also comes in a spicier version which is pretty good too. We have that in our pantry but I wanted to make something that Olivia could have a taste of. I didn't give her too much since it's a little salty and I didn't know how her stomach would react to such strong flavors.

I bought stew beef and just cut it up with scissors but Korean grocery stores actually sell packaged "curry meat." Just beef chopped up nicely for curry. I like to use 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 1 potato.



I enjoy this. It would have been SUPER ace with a side of kimchi. I was too lazy to go buy some.

McQueen Clutches

Gorgeous. I love all the girly sparkle and then the edgy skull.

McQueen Skull Scarf

I still really want this Mcqueen Skull Scarf. It's $295. One day I'm just going to get it.

Loubie Wants

Want

Sometimes, I still want this. The Goyard Saint Louis Tote in white.

WHO

I Want to Go to There

This is where my SIL and BIL and future N is. Not this exact location but where things like this happen. Bali. Who can name the source of the title of this post, btw?

Style Blogs

Really into these blogs right now.

http://monicarosestylist.blogspot.com/
http://catalinasumakeup.blogspot.com/

Thursday Night

Mr. Ho is out celebrating a co-worker's birthday and I just polished off a half bottle of wine. I am so sleepy now and would love to just pass out face-down on the bed. But dammit. I just washed the sheets and have to make the bed first. #germophabeproblems

Tina Fey's Prayer for her Daughter

If at all possible, I love Tina Fey even more!!!! I am totally going to read her new book Bossypants while I'm on vacation!


First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

Woot!

A reader used one of my recipes. This is very exciting for me. Mrs. OGDM writes:

i made this tonight in the slow cooker! OGDM loved it, he said "tastes just like diana's!!" thanks for the recipe :)

I've been thinking about making this in the slow cooker. Please share what setting you put it on? Low? High? For how long? I'm glad you guys enjoyed! OGDM always enjoyed this soup!

Sexy Sax Man

No one commented on this when I posted this on FB. But I just think this is so effing hilarious!

Tilapia Edit

I made tilapia again today. But today, I went "asian." I seasoned the filets with salt and pepper. I poured a bit of seasame oil in one bowl and oyster sauce in another bowl. I used this brush thing and brushed both sides of the fish with both the oil and the sauce. And then I topped it off with chopped garlic and green onions. I was skeptical because I like to follow recipes. But it turned out really good.

And now I'm eating tater tots. This girl is no way near beach ready. But these tots are SOOO yum!

Our Vacation Rental

I forgot to let you all know we found a vacation rental! YAY!!! I LOVE it!! It's very shabby chic. It's in a very family-friendly neighborhood so I'm happy about that. I can't wait to sleep with the windows open and hear the ocean waves!

http://web.me.com/beachgirls4/Site/Welcome.html

I thought we only had 2 weeks left till vaca but I counted wrong. 3 more to go...

Sunday Night

Sunday nights are all the same. Unwinding from the weekend, getting ready for another week. I'm just sitting here at my desk in the kitchen, drinking wine, listening to Adele, and jotting down things-to-do in my planner. It's nice and quiet in the house. Mr. Ho's at football and Miss Olive is off in dreamland.

We had a good weekend. Yesterday was a rainy, miserable day. We went to the grocery store at 8 AM and then I did laundry and cleaned the house throughout the day. Mr. Ho made homemade ramen. It was Momofuku style. UNBELIEVABLY delicious!!!! It is an all-day affair but so worth the deliciousness! Today, I had lunch with Kim and Michelle at Wildfire. It was great to catch up with the ladies. Then we went to dinner with the in-laws and Olive's great-grandmother and Uncle Steve/Bong!

I had all these things I wanted to write and now I can't remember a damn thing.

Oh, here's one. While I'm sleeping and I have to pee in real life, I always dream about peeing. I search for a bathroom and it's always I either can't find one, the bathroom is filthy and I don't want to pee, or I sit on a toilet and no matter how hard I try, I just can't pee. Thank goodness I've never wet the bed. Haha.

So people keep asking me when I'm having another bebe. It's inevitable. Listen, I just want to enjoy Olivia. I want to relish in our little unit of 3. I want to feel normal for a little bit. And then we'll try again. Give me at least a year. Let me celebrate my 30th birthday in a drunken stupor and then we'll talk.

I have a picture of Miranda Kerr as my wallpaper on my iPhone as thinspiration but it's not working. I think I need to tattoo her hot body onto my hand or something. There is only one picture of her that really pisses me off though.


I hate it for 2 reasons.
1. She looks effing unbelievable after having a child! I looked a hot swollen mess.
2. I am super jealous of her beautiful baby at the boob. I still get really sad about that.

Anyway.

I took Oli to my grandparents on Friday. I always hate myself afterwards because I don't go there enough. They get such joy from seeing their great-granddaughter. What is wrong with me? We walked around Montgomery Mall afterwards. Zara has an AMAZING collection right now. It took SO MUCH self-control not to buy out the store. I just bought a couple of items because I have to remember I'll get to do some damage in California. I purchased a pair of pants, a navy blazer, a t-shirt dress, and a poofy skirt. I reluctantly put down a tank, shorts, and the CUTEST green dress. I was SO close to keeping the dress but I saw that the stitching was off and it was the last in my size so... *sigh*

I cleaned my closet yesterday. I got rid of 2 trashbags full of stuff and it didn't really make a dent. I really wish I had a personal stylist to bring me tons of options.

Ok. I think I'm going to take a shower. Nitey Nite Party People!

Pig

The remnants of my dinner. Sushi and tacos. What's wrong with me?



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 4 Hrs 10 Min

Original Recipe Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips
garlic powder to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
I actually soaked the beef in cold water while I did step 2 and 3 to drain all of the blood. Then I paper-toweled the pieces very well, seasoned, and then browned them.
2. Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
I used a green pepper and a red pepper just for aesthetics. I did not use the salt and it was fine. The soy sauce makes up for it. I also cut 5 pieces of garlic and stuck them in there.
3. Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

Jealousy Overload

No. THIS is Incredible.

Khloe K's shoe closet.

Incredible!

Kanye's in my Head

I woke up this morning. Went downstairs with the baby monitor to make Olivia's morning bottle. I'm sitting at the computer waiting for it to warm up and listening to her cute babbles. And I think I need a new monitor because her voice sounds like its been autotuned.

I go upstairs to get the little bebe and she starts babbling to me and her voice is STILL autotuned.

Uhhh... What is going on with my hearing?! I'm thinking it's allergies or a cold? I hate Dr. Internet. That bitch told me it might be a tumor.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This was tonight's dinner and one of my favs. It's a great comfort dish. Not the best picture but I haven't made anything out of the slow cooker that looked picture-worthy. Anyway, I've italicized my adjustments to the original recipe I found on allrecipes.com. I just used some of the suggestions people posted underneath.

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 6 Hrs

Original Recipe Yield 8 servings

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
Directions

1. Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
I season the chicken with poultry season, salt and pepper. I also use a can of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom or celery. I also chop up some celery (2-3), carrots (2), potatoes (1), frozen peas (1/2 a bag), frozen corn (1/2 a bag). And instead of water, I use low sodium, organic chicken broth.
2. Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.
First, rip up the chicken with a fork so the insides get a bit of the sauce too. I usually add the dough about an hour or so before the end. I just tear it and push them under the broth.

Friends!

Sometimes I forget that people actually read this. So I wanted to respond to someone's comment!

yum! do you think you can get by without okra? i dont even know what okra is. haha. keep the recipes coming! i think i want to try the talapia one too.

Hi friend! Okra is delicious! Especially fried okra! I think you could omit the okra but maybe throw in another bell pepper to make up for it? If you can find crab meat, definitely use that instead of the scallops. I couldnt find fresh crabmeat at the store so that's why i used the scallops. And we THINK Mr. Ho is allergic to crabmeat (seriously, what a shame!) so it was a good thing. Enjoy!

Slow-Cooker Seafood Gumbo

Makes 6 servings
Hands-on Time: 0hr 25m
Total Time: 5hr 55m

Ingredients
1/2 pound sliced bacon, diced
2 stalks celery, sliced (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium onion, sliced (1 cup)
1 green pepper, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 pound large raw shrimp, cleaned
1 pound fresh or frozen crabmeat
1 10-ounce box frozen okra, thawed and sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

Directions
1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.

2. Discard all but a thin coating of fat from the skillet. Add the celery, onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Spoon the vegetables into the cooker and add the broth, tomatoes (with their liquid), Worcestershire, salt, and thyme.

3. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours. Add the shrimp, crabmeat, and okra, and cook 1 hour longer on low heat or 1/2 hour longer on high.

I substituted a lb of frozen scallops for the crab and it was just as good. I also bought easy-peel frozen shrimp and it was fine too. Yummy broth!

Bad Manners

Whenever Olivia farts, I laugh. I can't help it. It's so cute when she pauses, strains and this adult noise comes out her behind. But now she has caught on and laughs after her every fart!

One time, I let out a toot and she laughed at me, paused, strained, let one out herself and cracked up again! Idk if it was coincidence or intentional, but it sure was funny!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Gaga

I would love to see Gaga in jeans, t-shirt, converse, and just regular ol' hair and makeup.

Easy Baked Tilapia

This is such an easy recipe! I only took a before picture. I was too busy feeding the family to think of taking an after photo.



Here's the recipe from allrecipes.com
Prep Time: 5 Min
Cook Time: 30
Min Ready In: 35 Min

Ingredients
4 (4 ounce) fillets tilapia
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning TM, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
1 lemon, sliced
1 (16 ounce) package frozen cauliflower with broccoli and red pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Place the tilapia fillets in the bottom of the baking dish and dot with butter. Season with Old Bay seasoning and garlic salt. Top each one with a slice or two of lemon. Arrange the frozen mixed vegetables around the fish, and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cover the dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until vegetables are tender and fish flakes easily with a fork.

The beauty of this dish is that you can totally play with it. I seasoned today's fish with olive oil, delicious greek seasoning (pre-made), and panko bread crumbs. The veggies some Wegman's Harvest blend. I could have used two bags actually. The possibilities are endless!

Slow Cooker Spinach Lasagna

Just made this last night and it was DELISH! I should have taken a picture. The only thing is, it's hard to get out of the slow cooker without it looking like a total mess. That doesn't matter though but don't make it if you're looking for something pretty to eat.

Ingredients

* 1 lb ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
* 8 lasagna noodles, uncooked
* 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce, any flavor (Prego is my fav)
* 1 teaspoon oregano or italian seasoning
* 1/3 cup water (I just pour a little water into the sauce jar and swish it around and then add it)
* 10 oz package chopped frozen spinach, microwaved and then squeezed very dry
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

1.Break 4 noodles into pieces and place in bottom of greased crock pot.
2.Stir Italian seasoning into browned meat add spaghetti sauce and water. Layer half the tomato sauce/meat mixture on top of the noodles in the crockpot.
3. Combine spinach with ricotta cheese. Spoon all of this mixture on top of meat mixture in crock pot. Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Add the remaining 4 noodles to the crockpot, then layer with remaining sauce and then finally the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.

Korean Chicken Soup

This is such an easy dinner and SOOOOO yummy and healthy! I'll bold the ingredients.

1. Get a whole chicken and strip off all the skin and take out all its innerds. Rinse chicken and place in a big pot.

2. Chop onion in half and put in pot.

3. Put in peeled garlic. I overdo it - maybe 10-15 pieces? Love garlic!

4. Fill pot with water. Cover with lid. Boil on high. Once it boils, turn it all the way down to low and let it simmer for 2.5-3 hours.

When it's ready, the chicken should break apart easily with a ladle. I usually skim the fat on top before serving. Eat with rice and both the soup and the meat. I don't eat the onions or garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with some chopped green onions!

Trading up

I've traded in my cute clothes for prune juice stained sweatpants.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Baked Ziti

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Yield Serves 4

Ingredients

Coarse salt and ground pepper
8 ounces ziti rigate (ridged) or other short pasta
1 cup part-skim ricotta
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) best-quality tomato sauce (about 3 1/2 cups)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions; drain and reserve.

In a small bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and half the mozzarella; season with salt and pepper.

In the bottom of a shallow 2-quart casserole dish, spread half the tomato sauce. Top with ziti, then ricotta mixture and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and remaining mozzarella. Place casserole on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until top is browned and sauce is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.

Soy-Ginger Chicken

Gotta love the slow-cooker!


Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield Serves 4

1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark-brown sugar
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
1 piece fresh ginger (about 2 inches long), peeled and cut into thin strips
5 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal (1 cup packed)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
4 chicken drumsticks and 4 thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds total), skin removed
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced crosswise
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Serving cooked white rice

Directions

In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, cilantro, ginger, 1/2 cup scallions, vinegar, coriander, and pepper. Add chicken and carrots; toss to coat. Cover, and cook on low until chicken is tender, about 6 hours. Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from surface of cooking liquid.

In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Ladle 1 cup cooking liquid into measuring cup; whisk to combine. Pour into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 1 minute. With slow cooker turned off, stir in cornstarch mixture. Serve chicken with white rice, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 1/2 cup scallions.

Sauteed Cajun Shrimp

I will share some more recipes since I know several of us are always wondering WTH we should make for dinner! Most of the recipes are very quick and easy. It's not easy to cook with a baby holding onto your legs!


For the Cajun Shrimp, I skip the first step. I just use rice in our rice cooker. I do step 2 and then add some chicken stock and let it simmer for a bit and serve with the rice. It's more soupy that way but it's still delicious! Oh, I also add some cajun spices in step 2 to kick it up a notch.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Yield Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup long-grain white rice
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 red bell peppers (ribs and seeds removed), sliced lengthwise into thin strips
8 ounces precooked andouille or kielbasa sausage, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1 pound frozen large shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined

Directions

In a medium saucepan with a lid, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over medium. Add onion; cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth, and bring to a boil. Add rice; season with salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil over medium. Add bell peppers and cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add sausage and shrimp; cook until shrimp is opaque, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide rice among four bowls; top with shrimp mixture, and drizzle with any pan juices. Serve.

Martha Stewart Roasted Cod

I made this for dinner last night and I LOVEEDDD it!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Yield Serves 4

2 pounds red new potatoes scrubbed and quartered
4 cloves garlic halved lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 cod fillets (6 to 8 ounces each)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes whole or halved
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss potatoes with garlic, rosemary, and 1 tablespoon oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Arrange potatoes in a single layer, cut side down. Bake, tossing potatoes once, until beginning to brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, rub fillets with remaining teaspoon oil; season all sides with salt and pepper.

Remove baking sheet from oven. Add tomatoes and olives to potatoes; stir to combine. Push vegetable mixture to one side; place fillets flat on baking sheet, next to vegetables. Return to oven, and roast until fish is cooked through and potatoes are brown and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer fish and vegetables to serving platter. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges if desired.