Tony and I tried out a couple of new recipes for the holiday season and we were asked to pass them on so that must mean they were a success! We even got to use one of our wedding presents - Duo Crock Pot Cooker - VERY happy Tony did not talk me out of including that item on our registry.
Corn and Bean Salad
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (8.75 ounce) can sweet corn, drained ( or use 10 oz of mexican corn)
• Optional: 1 chopped avocado, used as garnish
Directions
1. In a small bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, oil, salt, sugar, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
2.In a medium bowl, stir together black beans and corn. Toss with vinegar and oil dressing, and garnish with cilantro. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 214 | Total Fat: 8.4g | Cholesterol: 0mg
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/corn-and-black-bean-salad/
Beer Meatballs
Note: Instead of making the meatballs, Tony and I used home-style frozen meatballs. Works just as well and much easier!!
What You Need
• 1 can of beer
• 1 6-oz. can spicy V-8 juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 cup chopped onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large bottle ketchup
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 to 3 pounds ground beef
• 2 to 3 eggs
What To Do
1. Combine ground beef, 1/2 cup onions, Italian bread crumbs and eggs.
2. Make the mixture into small meatballs and bake until browned.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Put meatballs and sauce into crockpot (sauce should cover the meat).
5. Cook on low 6-10 hours, stirring occasionally.
http://www.allcrockpotrecipes.com/appetizers/beermeatballs.shtml
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Ultimate Date
The other weekend Tony and I had, what I would like to refer to as, the Ultimate Date Weekend. We drove up to Madison to do a few of my favorite things. First, we did a little crafting by making homemade cards - Tony was a VERY good helper. Next, we went shopping. Now granted, I am not a big fan of shopping but when it involves Tony buying we jewelry, there is not much to hate. We have this little game we play where I point out several items I like, then I leave Tony alone to choose one I liked so I can be surprised on Christmas. This year, however, Tony texted me while I was waiting in the car - "I am failing you, I didn't pay as close attention as I thought" - so I guess we will BOTH be surprised when I open the box :-)
Here is a picture of me looking happy at the mall. But sorry girls, we didn't find a hat box for me to carry over my shoulder like Julia Roberts!
After shopping, we checked into our hotel to relax a bit. Being the premium customer that I am, they showered us with free bottled water and fresh cookies. Next we dressed up to go out for a nice dinner. Unfortunately, our restaurant of choice was full - don't they know who we are!! :-) - so we went to our second choice, the Essen Haus. Lots of great beers and beer decor for Tony to check out.
Then, for the grand finale of the evening, we went to Beauty and the Beast at the Overture Center. It was nice to be in downtown Madison again, even though it was too cold to enjoy the short walk, we enjoyed the beautiful views! (And check out my new, free coat from our neighbor Ginny!)
The show was very good. My favorite parts were the choreographed townspeople dances and the wolf battles (gigantic "puppets" like they use in the Lion King). Next time, however, I think we will splurge for something better than the nose bleed seats.
All in all, it was a great little weekend trip. And I almost forgot my favorite part - we got to eat at Chipotle!!! :-)
Here is a picture of me looking happy at the mall. But sorry girls, we didn't find a hat box for me to carry over my shoulder like Julia Roberts!
After shopping, we checked into our hotel to relax a bit. Being the premium customer that I am, they showered us with free bottled water and fresh cookies. Next we dressed up to go out for a nice dinner. Unfortunately, our restaurant of choice was full - don't they know who we are!! :-) - so we went to our second choice, the Essen Haus. Lots of great beers and beer decor for Tony to check out.
Then, for the grand finale of the evening, we went to Beauty and the Beast at the Overture Center. It was nice to be in downtown Madison again, even though it was too cold to enjoy the short walk, we enjoyed the beautiful views! (And check out my new, free coat from our neighbor Ginny!)
The show was very good. My favorite parts were the choreographed townspeople dances and the wolf battles (gigantic "puppets" like they use in the Lion King). Next time, however, I think we will splurge for something better than the nose bleed seats.
All in all, it was a great little weekend trip. And I almost forgot my favorite part - we got to eat at Chipotle!!! :-)
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