Week 13 (??): the Spinach and Feta stuffed Chicken breasts with Herbed Mayonnaise sauce were fantastic! I think they made the top three so far, closely behind the Mediterranean Pitas (still #1) and the Spinach and Feta stuffed Salmon. As sides, we had steamed cauliflower with cheese sauce, corn (canned, but hey, almost everything else was scratch :-)), Garlic Texas Toast and yeast rolls. We have one who has decided to be vegetarian, but I had a frozen Steamer with mac & cheese w/broccoli, so it was all good.

The boys are going to pick the menu next week, so I guess it will be a surprise. We told them they could cook, too, so we'll see how it goes. I enjoy cooking, but I'd enjoy a night off and being served too - being a gracious receiver is sometimes hard, but it's important. As someone special once reminded me, if you refuse to let others give to you, you are depriving them of the joy of giving.

I'm trying to find ways to be more giving in non-monetary ways. It's so easy to give money (even when I can't afford much), but much harder to give of self - especially in meaningful ways. So here's to prayers for guidance and discernment to find opportunities for servanthood.

Happy Tuesday!

I've lost track of the weeks, but I think we're in the teens now. Regardless of the number, we've had some good food, good wine and good fellowship! Tonight was a cooking challenge - scallops, which I have not only never cooked before, but had never eaten. The guy at the store told me be sure not to overcook them. Trouble was, they were still partially frozen - it's hard to 'sear' something that is partially frozen and had ice crystals melt into the pan. They were more 'poached' than 'seared'. Okay, a little on the rubbery side (especially the smaller ones), but still okay. I will NOT, however, attempt them again. (Red Lobster, here I come!)

I really want to try more things with quinoa. It's got the most interesting texture - like a cross between caviar and tapioca. (I'm imagining here - it's been so long since I tried caviar, I don't even remember the occasion.) I keep hearing how healthy it is for you, but it may just be the newest cult grain, if you know what I mean.

Moscata is definitely one of my favorite wines! It may be THE favorite white. I'm still partial to Weathervane Winery's Rooster Red, though. I could drink it like Kool-aid.

Next week, spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken breasts. I'm looking forward to some good soups and stews in cooler weather, too.

We skipped last week - John was getting a tattoo and we wanted to watch! I need to figure out how to attach a picture here. :-)

Tonight, we kinda fell apart again - one left for work early, one's going to Zumba (that's where I ought to be!), another just needed to chill at home. However, since I bought everything LAST week, I figured I'd go ahead and cook, then have leftovers for lunch all week. On the menu for tonight: Chesapeake Chicken (Paula Deen's recipe - chicken and crabmeat with a mushroom/wine/cream cheese sauce) over rice. I thought about some fried okra, but it's too labor intense for just me. I bought a can (I know, goes against my Puritan ideals for Tuesday evenings, but, hey) of Triple Succotash - lima beans, corn, okra and stewed tomatoes. Sounds good to me!

I've been watching "Hell's Kitchen", and they always seem to have Scallops. I've never eaten Scallops, much less cooked them, so that's what's on the menu for next week. "Scallops with Citrus and Quinoa" from "Great Easy Meals". It's published by the Food Network Magazine -awesome recipes! Thanks to Pam at work for hooking me up with this cookbook. I'm not sure what to have with it, though? Suggestions are always welcome!

I find that I am really enjoying these evenings - even though it's a little hectic coming in the door from work and getting started. I enjoy the fellowship, especially - I am not a social being and have to force myself sometimes. The only downside I'm finding is that I end up doing the dishes after two or three days of promises. If I do the planning, cooking and buying, someone ELSE needs to do the dishes immediately after we're done. I don't think that's too much to ask. (Admittedly, my sister-in-law was doing them until her knee starting acting up and she ended up with surgery - she's been excused for several weeks now).

Till next week (or I think of something else I just HAVE to share,

Lisa