Old Maid New

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Who's Afraid of Jigg's Dinner?

I did it. I stared down a fear and kicked it to the curb. For as many St. Patrick's Days that have come and gone, I have wanted to make a Jigg's dinner. Due to fear and possibly ignorance it never happened. I know a boiled dinner doesn't sound daunting, but the mere mention of the meat...corned beef...sent chills! I come from a large family and I don't recall mom ever preparing it. I think I would remember that sealed package of red bloody mystery meat. Let's face it, it doesn't look like something you'd give the dog. But alas, I have had a great Jigg's dinner once in my life...at church, prepared by June Hawkinson. For me, it's all about the cabbage. I love cabbage in all forms, particularly when soaked in brine and called sauerkraut. June's cabbage was delicious and this had to have been 15 years ago at least...quite a lasting impression. I bit the bullet, purchased that package of mystery meat, and headed to allrecipes.com. Armed and dangerous, I prepared it just as a reviewer recommended because I've heard throughout these many years that beer is the key. (Note: Not from June mind you, but from other much braver souls than I.) After rinsing the meat thoroughly! and boiling it in the H2O and beer for 3 hours, I added the carrots, potatoes, and finally cabbage.

The Result:

A little anti-climatic. Everyone had seconds, except James who said, "You don't have to add this one to your recipe box."

This post isn't really about the mediocre Jigg's dinner...it's about facing those stupid, irrational, often times ridiculous fears. The meal was a breeze. What was stopping me all these years, from even trying? I eyed that illusive recipe down and I showed it who's boss.

Next year I will make another Jigg's dinner. Between now and then I will track-down June's recipe to share with all of you.

Saving Grace.

Oh man...I went all-out on the bread. I was in the Sylvania area yesterday and I stopped at this bakery that I've always wanted to visit, but I'm normally too busy. What can I tell you, it was a day of firsts. They have samples. Warning: Once you've sampled you are bound to buy...which is exactly what I did. Garlic Cheese Bread served with the meal and Apple Crumble for dessert and breakfast this morning.

And of course, a beer for the Irish in me.

Not your typical St. Patty's Day ale...but my personal favorite.

A slice of green lime.

Chick-sized for spring and summer.

So, what's holding you back in the kitchen...in life?

Isn't it high time you show it who's boss?

"Nothing is impossible in Him."

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Are You Wearing Your Green?

Can you read right to left?

I wore my "THINK" shirt for St. Patrick's Day...

a hippie kinda thing to do.

Raising awareness and wearing green...get it?

Then it occurred to me...

I'll blog my green day everyday theory.

Here's my compost pile...ain't she pretty.

It will be dark, rich soil...

right in time for

Spring gardening.

Feed the Earth!

Recycling Day...Load-up the Jeep!

Cans, plastics, newspapers, cardboard...

they never land in the landfill around here.

Motorcycle Hubby!

He worked very hard a couple of years ago

trying to convince me that

riding a bike would save us money and would be

good for the environment...

obviously he is quite a salesman!

Look at that smirky smile...

How can a wife say no to that?

Spring Green!

As he was leaving for work on his first bike outing

of the year, I spotted these!

My first crocus of the season.

Don't ya just love green?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Green Day...Everyday!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Cowgirls and Indians

My little cowgirl turned 1 yesterday. She was a Friday the 13th baby. I know what you're thinking...uh-oh...right? Well, she took that old-maid tale and single-handedly tore it to sheds! She is the sweetest little girl on the planet...and I would say that even if I weren't her grandma. Turning one is a BIG deal in these parts. I went all-out with Old Maid New. Here's a sneak preview...Shhh...don't spoil her surprise.

Cowgirl gone groovy.

Check-out those boots. Aren't they adorable! I found them at Savers on a half-price day for...drum roll, please...$1.25! They are light weight and look like the designer brand my sister Mary wears...what's that line??? Hannah Montana...no...Hannah Banana...that's not it...help me out here!

The swirly skirt is a complete re-do from a vintage woman's skirt I purchased in Indy with the aforementioned sister. It's the third project I made from that one skirt!

The shirts are "groovied" up. She's gonna be one cool cowgirl.

Then a little butterfly captured my heart (Same day at Savers), and the read-to-me, dreamland tepee was created.

Bed linens with a new purpose.

Here's a view from the inside looking up.

...and looking out.

Filled with Classic books I found at our local used book store, A Novel Idea. Madeline, Beatrix Potter, Illustrator Eloise Wilkins...and even a lantern to read or dream by.

A first birthday wouldn't be complete without the classic Fisher Price Popcorn Popper. Savers again for $1.50! (Credit goes to Uncle James for finding it...he's a great bargain hunter.)

The only thing missing here is a picture of Kierstin...that will be rectified soon.

Happy Birthday, sweet baby Kierstin!

Grandma Loves You.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Birds and Thank-yous

This morning I woke up to this sweet bird perched on my windowsill...

I love that little bird...I'm seeing him everywhere these days...on fabrics, graphics, and blog spots! I just never tire of his sweet song. None can compare to the one outside my bedroom window however, who gently welcomes the day...announcing that Spring is on the way. Still, as I stood looking out my kitchen window, sipping my first coffee on this cloudy day in March, this birdie greeted me and oh, what a welcome sight he was! He was lovingly stamped and made into a "piece of art"...you didn't have to but I'm glad you did... thank you card.

I crafted cards long enough to know the work involved in making them. So, this is a thank you for the beautiful thank you card! I'm not as good as I should be at sending timely thank-yous which is why I can appreciate those who are. In fact, this is a thank you to all of those who still send the thank you. I for one hope it is a nicety that never goes out of style!

Thanks Lynn, I hope you enjoy the lipstick as much as I am enjoying your card!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Back For Seconds

I could keep this all to myself...or deceptively omit a vital ingredient...or take it to the grave. Can you believe I know women who've done that!? But it just wouldn't be fair to deprive you or your loved ones of this wonderfully easy...delicious...back for seconds/thirds...Vegetarian Tortilla Soup.

The originator claims that those who covet the recipe have offered up their first born.

My family is as thrilled as I am with allrecipes.com. I haven't repeated a meal since I got hooked. This recipe proves it doesn't have to be a long complicated process to attain perfection. I did make quite a few alterations based on reviews...so this is my version of contributor "DSYLVAN" 's original. I think that's one of the reasons this soup is so fantastic...it is very adaptable to what you have on hand in your kitchen. Once again...I found all the ingredients at Aldis's which means it was not only tasty but inexpensive to boot!

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

In a large soup pot combine:

2 T olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves chopped

1 red pepper chopped

1 orange pepper chopped

1 1/2 T Cumin

Saute on medium heat for 5 minutes then add:

2 (14.5oz) cans of Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies

56 oz. chicken broth (1 1/2 cartons of Fit and Active)

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes add:

1 can corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained

Serve in bowl then squeeze juice of a lime wedge over

Top with chopped fresh avocado

Sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese

Serve with Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

I won't lie to you there is a little heat to this soup, but it isn't too spicy...my kids had seconds as well. Fresh veggie flavor...yummy...but it is the lime / avocado topping that gives it a real kick above others I have tried!

Serve with a margarita for a real Mexican fiesta!