Relaxation

This weekend was pretty relaxing!  On Friday, I got off work a bit early and decided to take a book to the park after work to read.  Scott recommended a book called "Hunger Games" I had to read it for myself.  So, since it was an easy read I went for it.  I spent about half an hour reading at the park before having to return home to prepare for the spaghetti dinner at church.  I only planned to make an appearance since I also had to go to Santa Clara for the Battle of the Bands finale.

The spaghetti dinner was nice and I met some people in my new ward so it was successful, even though I had to eat a bit and run.  Every spaghetti sauce in existence that was made with some kind of meat was at that function, so I ate a few noodles and some bread.  Plenty of carbs if you ask me!

Made it in time to hear "Chapstick" by Pacific Lights and the rest of their show and hung around for awhile to hear most of the remaining bands.  Had to bail right before the end because I was so tired and still had to drive back home.  I had a good time though and it was great to see Robin rocking on the stage!  It was PL final show as a group before they all went their separate ways and I am glad I got a chance to see them live!

I decided to watch a movie and read a few more pages of the book.  "Dear John" was a pretty decent movie.  Channing Tatum actually acted and I didn't even see Channing Tatum in the movie much and that was really good to see!  I just saw his character.  He's coming along as an actor and that was enough for me to give it a fairly strong review. =)

Saturday was also very relaxing!  I started off by playing my guitar so long I thought my fingers were really going to bleed!  I have never taken it that far, but I was feeling pretty certain that if I didn't stop soon it just might happen!  Besides, I'm sure my house-mates were probably tired of hearing me sing and play by that point, especially since I only know about a dozen tunes or so and when learning a new tune, it isn't very elegant.  Ha ha!  The positive note (no pun intended) is that I learned two new tunes!  They're still works in progress but I'm getting there.  Took a trip to Trader Joe's, oh yeah!  Carrie needed to do some shopping and I wanted a few things for my lunches so I tagged along.  We enjoyed a nice lunch as well!  There was leftover batter from earlier in the morning (Oh, by the way, Bill makes this awesome pancake dough and I had pancakes for breakfast and lunch on Saturday).  Carrie really enjoyed them, and I enjoyed them...again.

After she left, I took advantage of the time to digest by playing more guitar despite the pain in my fingers, and watching Prince of Persia while reading a bit more and finished off the book!  It's part of a Trilogy, so now I must read the rest of the books!  Ha ha!  After relaxing and doing things around the house I decided to take a drive down to San Jose and return the book.  It was relaxing and felt good to have the wind in my hair!  A great end to the day if you ask me.

Sunday is a day for church and it was nice as always!  A day of rest from the world. =)

ej

Math Test

Just finished taking a math test for school.  It was a practice quiz really, just to get my "feet wet" and to get reintroduced to basic algebraic math.  I bombed it!  I haven't had to do that kind of math since junior high...that was...hmmm...15 years ago at least!  Bring on the Trig, that's the stuff I remember and have used most recently!  Heck, I think my Algebra II skills are even better!  Holy cow, haven't felt this "dumb" in a long while!  I mean, I was really sitting at the computer scratching my head.

It looked familiar to me.  It looked like something I knew how to do once.  But how exactly it went, I don't remember.  I got my score and they encouragingly give you a study guide on topics that need work.  I also omitted about six answers because in all honesty, had no idea where to even begin!  Am I smarter than a 5th grader?  Probably not.  Am I smarter than the average college graduate, you best be believin' I am!  Strange sensation to be so confused by what you know is a fairly basic algebraic expression.  It might take a day or so, but it will all come back to me once I do it through a time or two.

ej

To self:  if you can't do basic math, how will you teach it to school aged children?  oh yeah, thanks for the pep talk!

Update - School, Work, Social Activities

Okay, another update on the life that is mine.

I finished my school term a week or so ago.  My next term starts October 1st and I'm excited and anxious to get started.  I have purchased one book so far (grand total of $6.43 including shipping) and as soon as I can figure out how, will buy the remaining books for the term.  My goal in the coming week or two will be to find a loan that doesn't require a co-signer.  These private school loans all require a co-signer which I think is lame.  Fortunately, for the first two classes e-textbooks are available and won't cost anything, so I am focusing on those classes for now.  In fact, I have already begun studying to get prepared for the October 1st start date.

Since the term is going to be a heavy one, I have had to request a cut in my work hours in order to accommodate the study and homework schedule necessary to do well.  I'm really excited about it!  Sciences and Mathematics!  Woot!  My Science book has been a hoot to read so far.  I enjoy science a great deal.  Mathematics...it's an interesting relationship I have with it.  I get it.  I understand it.  But when it is applied in the sciences, it is so much easier, because it makes sense to me.  Mathematics just for kicks and giggles isn't as motivating, but I get it.  I know it is logical and makes sense to do, but....I just don't find it as fun as when it is mixed with Science, but that is just me.

Work...yeah, that's pretty much it.  I love being at my company, but it is slow...lets hope business picks up!

Social activities have taken a small chunk of time out of my weekly schedule.  I try to keep up with my friends as much as I can without compromising my study time.  Technically, I don't have to be studying, but I choose to stay in the habit of studying and using that alloted time to school tasks.  Last night, I had a good time at Super FHE playing old childhood games; Red Rover, Red Light Green Light, and the newest game into the mix, Lap Tag.  My knees are bruised and my wrist is sore from Red Rover, but I love it! 

I had a dinner party a few weeks ago that I still need to write a post about, it was amazing.  Decent food, and excellent company.  Plan to have another one sometime soon when the budget allows for it.  I am going to Fresno this weekend to watch my friend's band Dislodic play at The Starline.  It should be a good time.  Looking forward to seeing some good friends this weekend!  I haven't seen Sommer in years and have never met her kids!!!!  I am so excited!

ej

Roller Coaster

Today has been fairly slow.  I have determined that being busy for me is very important to my emotional and mental health.  Not my best day so far, but there's still time.

ej

Quick Update

I am house-sitting again.  I know people keep asking about an update from Friday night's big dinner last week and as soon as I have the time, I will make that effort.  Off to walk the dog before passing out fliers to make extra cash tonight.  Look for a more extensive update soon!

ej

School Term Over

Well, it was my first term back as a college student and I survived!  Actually, I finished early!  I have time for another 2 unit class, or take some time off and start up again October 1st!  I need to buy a textbook for the class I would take if I went that route, so perhaps I will just wait until October and hope that I can get some financial aid to cover that cost!

My research paper is finally done and turned in and met the requirements!  That silly bibliography took up way too much time!  I got through it though and that is what is important.  I am now shifting my focus to a more regular and somewhat aggressive workout regiment.  With full time work, full time school, and a 30 mile commute each way, there hasn't been a lot of time for hitting the gym at an appropriate hour. 

I did go on a nice bike ride yesterday with two of my friends from the South Bay.  We took the Almaden trail from Camden all the way to Winfield and Chynoweth then turned around.  I always enjoy a bike ride that takes you along the water.  I admit, sometimes I get distracted looking at the water that I start to veer into oncoming riders and walkers, but no one has been injured yet.  I plan to improve on that.  I even made an effort to ride with no hands...not smart.  It's been way too long and a different life ago that I was able to do that!  I will keep at least one hand on the "wheel."

Here I come, Gym!

ej

Band Showcase: Dislodic

Dr. Morty

My friends and I have had the opportunity to travel down to Fresno recently, despite the hundred degree temperatures, to watch two fantastic up and coming bands perform at The Starline.  It is my great pleasure to showcase them here on my blog.  Today's post:

 DISLODIC, a progressive rock band formed by a great, and very dear friend of mine, affectionately known by all as Dr. Morty (since we have been long time friends, I will refer to my friend simply as Mort, or "D").  We have seen them play a few times and they have been great each time!  The music showcases a solid pair of guitarists, Daryl and Chris, a bassist, Lisa, a vocalist with screams and growls that make the women swoon, and a drummer that is the lifeblood, and driving force, and literal heartbeat of the band, Dr. Morty. 

VOX - Jimmy  Guitar - Daryl  Bass - Lisa

This band is unique, as all band members can share their input equally; they don't technically have a band leader, but work together to draw upon the highest level of creativity from each member.  They make a great effort to have cohesion as a band on the stage, as well as off the stage, by spending time once a month outside of band practices and shows.  They just released their first Demo CD, Ascent and I have enjoyed listening to all four tracks ever since!  Be sure to catch their next show August 21st at The Starline, 833 E. Fern, Fresno, CA.  I'll be there, with lots of friends!

Guitar - Chris

DISLODIC:

dis·so·nance (ˈdi-sə-nən(t)s) 2: a mingling of discordant sounds ; especially : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord

me·lod·ic (mə-ˈlä-dik) 2: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole

Me and Shannon - ASCENT!!!

Heather and Blond Friend

Mort, Me, and Blake in the background left haha!

 ej

School Essay - Just felt like posting it =)

My Hobby

Entertainment Cooking

Erika J. Freeman

Western Governors University

When one considers a hobby, there are many factors involved in why one would choose to engage or participate in a specific activity. These may include a person’s desire or need for emotional fulfillment, mental stimulation, or physical pleasure, in what one may call an “adrenaline rush.” I have many hobbies of my own and wish to share with you one in particular. I will share several reasons why I find it to be of particular value in my life. My favorite hobby is Entertainment Cooking. I receive great joy when cooking for a party of guests, whether the number is great or small. Allow me to share with you the great significance it has played in my life and why I encourage you to consider participating with me.

Ever since I was a young child, I would help my Swedish Great-Grandmother in the kitchen every Christmas. We had Swedish Smorgasbord each year in her home for as long as I can remember. She taught us about table settings, proper table etiquette, the importance of being a good hostess, and always, without fail, she would share stories from her childhood, or courtship with the Great-Grandfather we never knew. I marveled at her ability to move around the kitchen with such comfort, and cheerful disposition. She was so confident with everything she did that she made it seem effortless. My younger sister and I would wear aprons, as she taught us how to make a rose on top of a cube of butter, and we would stand on stools so that we could reach the counter tops as we decorated trays of cold cuts, and a number of traditional and adopted family favorite dishes. It was during my formative years that my love for entertainment cooking began.

When I became an adult, I wanted to continue the traditions of entertaining guests in my home as I had so elegantly seen from my Great-Grandmother’s fine example. I, however, had never truly learned to cook. I always assembled, and prepared for meals with my Grandmother, but rarely had I been able to cook. She passed away before I was able to truly learn to be a Master in my own kitchen. I didn’t want to let opportunities to entertain slip away. On a whim, I invited friends from church over for a midweek dinner. When they accepted, I was overjoyed! This was my opportunity to improve my cooking skills, as well hone my skills as a proper hostess. I began to plan a menu consisting of Macaroni and Cheese out of a box, and garlic bread that was premade from the local market.

Feeling inspired to do more than cook out of a box, the evening before I was to entertain my guests I decided to borrow my roommate’s cook book and peruse the recipes. I happened upon an easy Italian dish and basic bread recipe. It was decided! Cheese filled manicotti and freshly baked bread, with a tossed salad. I walked to the corner market and purchased the ingredients. It was such a fun time for me. I moved through the store with my shopping cart, filled with purpose! I even had the opportunity to use my broken Spanish ability at the deli counter, much to the delight of the workers. It was so exciting to think that I was to cook a meal nearly from scratch all on my own, and to be able to serve it to my guests and friends. I felt like I was emulating my Great-Grandmother in my own way, and this brought such warmth and comfort to me.

I worked late into the night preparing my trial run meal for my guests. It was a great learning experience for me, and that was part of what drove me to want to do well. I love to learn, and I was getting a crash course education on the dos and don’ts of bread making, as well as best practices when working with pasta. I took my experiment to work with me the next morning to use my co-workers as guinea pigs. They loved it! I was so pleased with the feedback that when I was certain no one was looking, I proceeded to leap down the hallway back to my office, and threw in a few bell kicks, just for good measure! It motivated me, and inspired me to repeat the task again and to take my newfound knowledge from the previous night’s adventure and make it better!

When my guests arrived, I was fashionably late in getting dinner on the table. While I was putting the finishing touches on the meal, my guests sat down and offered to help and I put them straight to work. We chatted comfortably, and everyone felt included in the process of the meal. The time we spent prepping the salad and slicing the freshly baked bread proved to be one of the highlights of the evening. Everyone was drawn in by the simple tasks and high quality social interaction. When the meal was finally presented to the dinner table we enjoyed a fine meal, and fell comfortably back into our conversations.

The delight in knowing your guests are leaving satisfied by the meal, as well as your company is tremendous. I have had the opportunity to venture into many cultural cuisines, as well as experiment in what I call “fusion” cuisine. Cooking for company has allowed me to enrich my life both with cooking and in relationships. I have been able to introduce my friends to my culture, as well as the cultures of the world by adding themes to dinner parties, and to encourage the nurturing of new relationships between various circles of friends. I challenge you to invite some friends over for dinner, both old and new, and experience for yourself the great rewards of serving as host or hostess to your friends.

ej

I am an American. I will not compromise.

This is going to be an unusual post with unusually statements coming from me.  I normally tend to avoid talking about politics, especially since I don't keep up with politics enough to be engaged in such conversations.  Does not contain graphic content, but you may share your thoughts as you wish.  I do reserve the right to delete any comments I so choose.

With all the unrest there have been kidnappings in Mexico and ransoms demanded.  Last time I checked, America does not compromise with terrorists.  These recent events have led to some interesting conversation.

I was asked the following question:  Would you pay my ransom if I was kidnapped?

Here was my response:  No.

Here's why...

If I were being held hostage, I would not want my family or country to pay my ransom.  I would rather die than to have those I loved and a country I loved (despite its imperfections) send terrorists money that will be used either against my family and country, or against other innocents. 

I am an American.  I will not compromise.

My friend said she would want someone to pay the ransom, because she does not want to die.  I do not have a death wish, please don't misunderstand me.  It's not about not wanting to live, it's about being true to myself, to my country, and to my belief in good.

ej

Workin' that bibliography

Been working on my research paper for a few weeks now.  Actually, I have spent hours researching and hours working on my bibliography.  It's annotated so it's no joke.  What takes the longest is reading through all the research.  I read very quickly, but of course, I couldn't choose a simple topic, no.  That would be too easy!  I had to choose something complicated, and involved.  It's only 10-15 pages for crying out loud!  What was I thinking?

-----

In other news, local Fresno band Dislodic is heading at the Starline night club in the Tower District of Fresno, Ca.  They are relasing their very first demo cd with four of the crowd favorites and will be distributed tonight as they take the stage with other local bands: Subdue, Saints of Insanity, Synezra, and of course, Mercury Bullet.  Look for them tonight taking the stage at 730pm at The Starline 833 E. Fern, Fresno, CA. 93728.  See you there!

ej

1984ish...

I never realized what an impact turning four meant for me.  Much of the music, movies, and other interests stem from this vital age.  I have recently run into childhood memories, songs, movies and tv shows that came out during that year.  It has been incredible!  I think to myself, I remember watching that movie for the first time and remembering how young I was when I saw it!  Here are a few examples!

Here is a list of a few of my favorite movies and what they inspired in me:

• Footloose - love for dance, and the understanding that as long as you're having fun moving to the music then you're dancing and you're good at it! =)
• The Never Ending Story - imagination is endless, use it or lose it, oh, and it was the first time I thought "I can't tell if that Atreyu is a boy or a girl?"
• Amadeus - my introduction to classical music, and I fell in love.  First CDs I begged my parents to buy me was of Beethoven and Mozart.
• Hard to Hold - I feel in love with Rick Springfield and his bare bum exposed in it.  I have always loved older men!  Haha!
• The Karate Kid - oh, how I wanted to be like Johnny!  I wanted to go to karate class forever!  Didn't actually make it there until I was in my mid 20s, but now I am a black belt so it's all good!  I can take Danny Larusso!  Haha!
• Revenge of the Nerds - one of the funniest movies!  hahaha!  pretty much this movie is just awesome and I have never forgotten it!  And...one of my favorite children's songs is in it, except he sings it is Japanese or something.
• Sixteen Candles - I learned about "interfacing" between the sexes.
• Splash - I was so fascinated by mermaids and thought Madison was the raddest name ever!  I used to sit in the tub and pretend my legs turned into fins.  Once, I grabbed some salt from the kitchen and put it in the bath.  I didn't like it though.  :(  Nothing happened.
• Night of the Comet - first movie that gave me a complex.  I was so worried comet dust was coming in through A/C vents and it totally freaked me out!

There were many other movies out that year, but not all of them made the impact that these movies did!  Although, Gremlins and Ghostbusters almost made the list too!

Music....a lot came out that year that I enjoyed.  Here are my faves though!

1. What's love got to do with it - Tina Turner
2. Footloose - Kenny Loggins
3. Owner of a Lonely Heart - Yes (one of my fave faves)
4. I Just called to say I love you - Stevie Wonder
5. Let's Hear it for the Boy - Deniece Williams
6. Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
7. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springstein
8. Oh Sherry - Steve Perry
9. Drive - The Cars
10. I guess that's why they call it the blues - Elton John
11. The Heart of Rock n Roll - Huey Lewis and the News
12. I want a new Drug - Huey Lewis and the News
13. The Longest time - Billy Joel
14. Some guys have all the luck - Rod Stewart
15. Doctor Doctor - Thompson Twins
16. Cruel Summer - Bananarama
17. Sister Christian - Night Ranger (we had this on LP)
18. Hard habit to break - Chicago
19. Hello - Lionel Richie
20. I wear my sunglasses at night - Corey Hart (this was the first song I can remember singing)

What a year!  I also remember having headaches, singing inspector gadget's theme song sitting on the steps by our apartment and the high school kids laughing at me. LOL!

Shows I was watching during that year:  Gobots, Inspector Gadget, Snorks, A Team, Dukes of Hazards, Airwolf, Knightrider, Magnum P.I., Fat Albert, Charlie Brown, G.I. Joe, Heathcliff, Incredible Hulk, He-Man, Mork and Mindy, and Transformers.  You can check me if I am wrong, but these are the shows I am pretty sure I was watching at this point.  It was a long time ago after all!  Haha!

ej

Another friend Lost...

I didn't know what had happened, except that there was something wrong with him. A few short days later, he was gone. When Brandon passed away I was saddened deeply, but we all saw it coming. He'd been sick and fighting for his life. This time, we lost a dear sweet friend and it was such a shock. The expression "it came out of nowhere" really applies. One minute he was there, the next he was gone.

Isaiah was a beautiful young person who touched a lot of lives. He was married to a very lovely young woman and had a five month old baby. Some of my friends have referred to him as their hero. He was a hero. He was a champion. Isaiah didn't have championship rings, gold medals around his neck, nor did he bear any cheap plastic trophies on his shelves. He was a true champion. He was a champion father, husband, son, brother, and friend.

I have so many fond memories of Isaiah that I have been playing in my head since I heard the news. Teaching him to dance at the Stake Sweetheart dance at Comanche was probably one of my most memorable. He was such a beautiful person to be around and it always warmed my heart to see him anywhere I went. He used to wear a sticker on his lapel at church nearly every week "Modest is Hottest." I can't tell you how often I have used that line since seeing that sticker.

Here's to you Isaiah. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and you will be missed and not forgotten.

ej

Taking a Risk

I have decided to take a big risk. Not a financial risk, but a "I'm gonna put myself out there" kind of risk. Soon, very soon....yes, soon I will officially let you know what it is.

ej

Miss ya, Dearest!

This post is for Dearest.

Night out on the town at the Poor House Bistro

This is a week or so overdue, but here it is!

We went to a blues concert downtown San Jose, at the Poor House Bistro. Food and music were both amazing!!! John Garcia and the other guitarists played really well. I am looking forward to the next trip out! I will have to have a good workout ahead of time to earn a meal like this!!!

Pictured above is a Po Boy Oyster Sandwich, bread pudding, and Cajun seasoned fries.

Susanne said she didn't like oysters, but she liked this sandwich!!!

We enjoyed some good music. Here is a video clip of all three guitarists jamming together for the last set of the night. The guy on the right was my favorite of the night (I think Matt's too)!

ej

Home Brew

My buddy Matt has finally made good on his threat to start brewing his own Root Beer and other flavored sodas.  This was my first time tasting his brew.  Pictured here is his lemon-lime and it was darn tootin' tasty!

We went on a bike ride this day, but before we ventured out we had a nice tall cold glass of brew.  I'm certain this glass of soda was clearly the kick start of our fantastic ride.  Weather was amazing, and so was the trail.

This is his setup inside his garage.

Here is his bucket of roots and other brew making ingredients.  He is still working on perfecting his root beer blend, but promises to be ready for Oktoberfest.  We have talked about doing something grand for Oktoberfest for a few years, and I think we may finally have something this year.

We rode the trail in Almaden south until we hit the wall at the end.  I have a road slick on the back of my bike, so we couldn't take the off road trail.  Next time, we are hitting the off road!  We all had a blast and I am looking forward to the next ride!

Been feeling like cooking...

In case you haven't noticed from my most recent posts, I have been doing a fair amount of cooking lately.  When I am alone, I don't cook often.  I do, however, enjoy very pleasant meals when I am alone (I will post some pictures when I'm not so sleepy).  This morning, I had a nice bowl of organic Vanilla yogurt, layered with Fresh Raspberries and Blueberries, and two small slices of Garlic Battard bread and a small chunk of Brie and a bit of Herbed Goat Cheese.  I washed it all down with a nice glass of cold Chocolate Soy milk.   Holy moly, it was fantastic!

At any rate, it's nice to cook in a nice sized kitchen and a gas stove top, and....an upper and lower oven!  Getting things together is a breeze!  This evening, I had two unexpected guests and we ate just fine.  I decided I wanted to make calzones.  We made wheat calzones, and garlic and herbs with a few combination of fillings:  chicken, spinach, and garlic sausage, and thickly sliced mushrooms, salami, marinated artichokes, and mozarella cheese.

As appetizers, we enjoyed some leftover Bruschetta with Folded bread and goat cheese and brie.  I finished what was left of my chocolate soy milk to wash down my appetizer.  Delightful!  As I was preparing the calzones, an idea came to me like it came from heaven.  What was left of the sausage and artichoke from the filling I decided to cook up with some red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, and whole garlic.  I put it all together in a medium saute pan and poured over some of the leftover marinade from the artichoke jar.  When it was all about done, I added some mushrooms and added coarse ground pepper.  It smelled amazing, and tasted even better!

I enjoy cooking for others.  I really do!  I am tired by the end of it but it's very satisfying.  I eat very simply when I am by myself, but sure as heck don't mind getting into the kitchen for the long haul!

ej

Saturday of Fun

I had a very full day on Saturday.

0730:  Rode my bike over to my Ninja's parent's house.  We jumped on the bikes and went on a nice bike ride.  It was great to ride and chat with my Ninja.  Our destination...Starbucks!  Yay!  I enjoyed some hot chocolate, and she her coffee, and we even stopped in at the ol' karate school to say "hello!"

0945:  Arrived at the YB building for some basketball!  I hadn't really played ball like that in a long time.  We played full court and we ran 5s till about noon.  It felt good to get out there and run around.  Made some silly mistakes, but that's okay.  I felt good being out there moving the ball around and getting some exercise in.  I met a lot of new people, and I had fun playing with this group.  Everyone was chill and we had fun playing.  We played a really fun few games and never kept score.  It was excellent!  I wasn't even the only girl out there!!! =)

Noon-thirty:  I had lunch.  I was starvin'.

1400:  Showered and rode over to my Ninja's parent's house for her dad, Phil's, birthday bash.  The food laid out there was incredible!  The appetizers alone were amazing.  It took everything in me not to take pictures of everything.  I had some of the most amazing roasted bell peppers, with garlic and capers I had ever imagined possible.  We also got a visit from "Marilyn Monroe."  Haha!  Phil's brother and sister in-law, got him a singing-gram for his birthday!  I will have to post that video later!  We all laughed and enjoyed her singing!  Good times...

1630:  Carrie and Taunya showed up to hang out and have dinner.  We went shopping for ingredients and they ended up doing all the work.  Jessie came too!  I had a terrible migraine by this point that I didn't even get to eat much when it was all done later in the evening.  Jessie saved me from what felt almost like utter destruction.  She gave me a nice shoulder and neck rub that helped me a ton!  Thanks, Jess!!!

Somehow, I managed to go to bed fairly late, despite my best efforts to go to bed early.  We did watch "When in Rome" and I enjoyed that Josh guy a lot!  He is a super hottie!  On that note, I'm going to bed!  Hahaha!

ej

Last but not least, Dessert

Yes, there was also a fruit salad, but I felt that that was pretty self explanatory.  But just in case, here is the basic rundown.

Fruit Salad:  4 small white nectarines sliced fairly small, one small package of fresh blueberries, one large banana, a splash of lemon juice, and if the nectarines are too tart, a quick sprinkle of powdered sugar will bring it all together.

Now, Dessert.  Banana splits are easy, but this is better.  Pick your favorite toppings, I did!  While assembling your banana split bar for your guests to "Do It Yourself" while they are enjoying dinner, here's what how you prep!

Slice the inside curve of each banana peel.  Throw some white granulated sugar inside and spread it around a bit.  Shove some semi sweet chocolate chips into the banana itself.  I just pushed them in until it was flush again.  Put about a teaspoon or so of butter on the inside as well.  I broke it up into pieces so it would be even and melt nicely.  Wrap each banana in foil and place on a cookie sheet that will prevent dripping.  Bake at 350 until soft!  It took about 20 minutes or so.  While baking, I prepped the DIY Banana Split Bar.  I laid out a jar of Butterscotch topping, Freshly cut Strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar to make them gooey, and hot fudge prepped in the micro for it's 25 second warm up.  We had a container of cool whip and cool whip in a can, maraschino cherries, and rainbow sprinkles ready to on top!  I took the French Vanilla and Chocolate Dreyers Rich and Creamy Ice Cream out of the freezer a few minutes ahead of time so it was soft enough to serve.  Carrie made some large chocolate chocolate chip cookie thingies with almond that we broke into pieces.

We took the bananas and opened them up steaming!  Add three of any combination scoops of ice cream on the banana with a few pieces of cookies on the bottom and let each person put their toppings on to their liking!  They looked and smelled great!

ej

Lightly Fried Sliced New Potatoes with Thyme

Lightly Pan fried and sliced New potatoes with Thyme

Simple dish and absolutely wonderful! Have fun with this one! I kept it really simple, because the flavor of the potatoes is really enhanced by the few ingredients.

Ingredients:

•  New Potatoes (or Red potatoes)
• Fresh Thyme Leaves
• Black Peppercorns
• Kosher Salt
• Shallots
• Grape seed oil

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly pan fry largely chopped shallots in oil and add sliced new potatoes. Lightly salt at the beginning stage. When they start to get close to being done add coarsely ground peppercorns. Just before they are done pat away some of the excess oil and place in a baking pan, or baking sheet. I laid them in rows across the bottom of the pan, fanning them out so that while baking they would turn golden brown. Place them in a preheated oven for a about five to seven minutes, then sprinkle across the top with Thyme leaves and bake for another 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven and plate.

The potatoes tasted and looked great! The pepper and thyme potatoes looked beautiful on the plate, next to the asparagus and chicken!

ej