Recently in food Category

It seems that I hardly ever post anymore. Family life consumes all my time, which is good I guess. I just don't know how those super Catholic moms do it all - raise 10 kids, homeschool, write books, run the household...I get stressed just thinking about it! LOL! Right now if I can get through the day and care for the kids and get dinner on the table and maybe even get some laundry done and still keep a relative smile on my face, then I call that a heck of a day!

My sister EL (who sometimes contributes to RoL) is expecting Baby #2. She's in VA and we were worried that the baby would arrive during the blizzard but it's past her due date and still no bambino. Say a prayer that all goes well!

As I type I am listening to the new album from Fair - Disappearing World. Perfect mellow music. Love it. (Now I'm just waiting for the new Lifehouse. Hurry!)

Tonight Bella and I will attend her Little Flowers Catholic Girls' club. We haven't been in a couple months because there was so much going at home with the new baby and the holidays etc. Things are still busy but JP is much easier to care for and Bella misses her friends. I have to admit I am just as excited to go because I miss talking with the other Catholic moms. It's easy for a busy mom to fall into a duties-only rut and forget the importance of some female companionship!

And for the LF Valentine's party we needed to make a home-made item to share. I saw these Double Chocolate Cookies on Barefoot Contessa this week so Bella and I tried out the recipe. They are sooo yum! Make a quick batch before lent starts!

Okay, what other random thing can I talk about? Oh wait. Big news. We're adding on! No not to the family (give the body some time to heal!) but to the house. We're going to convert the garage into another bedroom. (Right now we only have two.) It took months to get through all the red tape and now we were given the go sign. The contractor told me that as soon as we clear out all the STUFF from our garage and the storage cabinets, they can start building. So guess what I'll be doing this weekend?? I think I better sign up for Danielle's 40 bags in 40 days for Lent!!

Lastly, here's a recent pic of John-Paul, now 5 ½ months.

I just placed my Christmas order for Mystic Monk coffee. It's a perfect gift! (Make sure to try their Christmas specialties: Christmas Blend and Jingle Bell Java!)

Mystic Monk Coffee

Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks' great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

Now that the weather is cooling down, it is the perfect time to dust off the slow cooker and whip up some tasty meals. I asked my sis EML to send me her fave recipes and she did. So now I'm sharing them with you! The charizo one looks really yummy although I have to tone down any spiciness right now or else JP will let his disapproval be known loud and clear. ;-)

Slow Cooker Lentil and Ham Soup (Bobbi's note: I think I'll try this one first.)

Slow-cooker Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
I added some cooked chicken and cheese to each bowl when I served it.

Peppered Beef Soup

These three aren't slow cooker, but they are good and I assume you could throw everything in the slow cooker and cook it that way.

Devilish Chorizo Chili with Hominy

Minestrone
Edith LOVES this soup. (Bobbi's note: Edith is my adorable niece.)

Potato Broccoli and Cheese Soup

www.southernliving.com has a slower cooker section that has some good recipes.

This site ( crockpot365.blogspot.com) also has some good recipes.

Enjoy!

Here's a cool site to check out when you want to combine your love of cooking with your love of the Catholic faith - Catholic Cuisine Blog.

When you are done there, head over to Fr. Leo's Grace Before Meals.com.

If you are a fan of Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" be sure to catch the Sept 9th episode. Bobby Flay challenges Fr. Leo (from Grace Before Meals) to a Steak Fajita matchup.

Mystic Monk coffee is a regular item in our household and tonight on EWTN Live, Prior Fr. Daniel Mary and Br. Simon Mary talk to Fr. Mitch Pacwa about their monastic life and more. (See if you can spot Fr. Mitch Pacwa's Mystic Monk Coffee® mug! - Brian just ordered two. One for home and one for work!)

Bob Tuschman's blog announced the following about that runner up NFNS Jeffrey Saad:

OK, OK, we heard you! Despite Melissa's win, there are still a lot of Jeffrey fans out there. As I've always said, Jeffrey is bursting with knowledge he wants to share. You wanted more and Jeffery was game, so we produced a mini-series of videos based on Jeffrey's pilot episode. Presenting: The Spice Smuggler.

Jeffrey Saad takes you on a journey with Anise seed spice, Paprika, Garam Masala and Five Spice powder. He takes spices off the rack and brings them center stage. And as always, Jeffrey makes you need to taste the food.

Perhaps if it gets enough positive feedback we can get Jeffery on FN too!

Well, the finale finally came and Brian and I were so proud of both Melissa and Jeffrey. They did great! But when the final announcement was made I couldn't have been happier - unless they gave both of them their own show! :-) I can't wait to watch Melissa's new show next week. Be sure to check it out on Sunday at 12:30pm/11:30c. It'll be called "Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian." Watch the trailer here. Sounds promising! :-)

Wow, I am barely getting a chance to comment on Sunday's show right now, but what a show it was! Brian insists that the current FN stars would never make it through the challenges these new guys have to go through! It was funny but online Bobby Flay was asked how he'd do on the NFNS and he laughed that he'd be the first or second person kicked off for having a bad attitude (or something to that effect.)

Anyway, the previews were deceiving and I was worried for Melissa but she actually pulled her own and did well. Debbie was bright and bubbly but she got the same "Korean/taste" criticism. Jeffrey was painful to watch because he was going so strong but got killed with the risotto. When it was time for the elimination I literally did not know who was going home and am still shocked that Debbie was sent home. (I think all the negative feedback FN received about her played a part in the decision.) However it happened, I am excited about the final two and would watch either show. As to who will actually win? My vote is on Melissa. Brian thinks it'll be Jeffrey. We'll have to wait and see!

Okay, last night I finally had a chance to catch up on the last two episodes of the Next Food Network Star. (Have I ever admitted out loud that I love my DVR??)

Episode 6: Bye-Bye Michael - Brian and I were going crazy with this episode! First of all I was literally stressing out for the contestants because my major weakness in the kitchen is getting all the food cooked and on the table in a timely manner. I always underestimate how long it will take me, then stress out when things aren't done. So I was in a tizzy just watching them!

Second, my amusement with Michael reached it's limit. One more, "Who loves you?" and "Mama's working it!" and I was going to scream. (Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones.)

Third, Debbie, Debbie, Debbie. What were you thinking? I remember after the very first episode I was miffed when Debbie said she stayed in budget but never explained that it was only because she didn't buy so many of the other contestant's needed ingredients. But that was nothing compared to the martyr role she played at the elimination when she actually left her team out in the cold. I didn't think she'd be voted off for it (assuming Michael would be next) but it certainly didn't win her any popularity points. (Brian is still lamenting she was not let go.)

Episode 7: Jamika's Crash and Burn - I feel so bad for Jamika. She has such a warm way and contagious smile and seemed to be doing so well at the beginning but this week she spent most of her time frowning and being ticked off. She was not my favorite but I wanted so badly for her to do well and really shine. Oh, well.

So who will actually win it in the end? Melissa is still my favorite (and Jeffery my second choice) but I think it'll come down to Melissa and Debbie. However, I'm not sure if Melissa could win it all. It just seems like Debbie has a greater uniqueness and won't seem like another Robin Miller or Sandra Lee. I hope I'm wrong.

Since I was gone last weekend, I had two episodes to watch of The Next Food Network Star. (And I had to avoid all news of the show since I hate knowing the outcome before I watch the show! I like to savor the as-it-happens drama. LOL!) But it was no surprise when Teddy went home. The guy was so annoying on camera, you felt bad for him. This week's dismissal of Katie was sad but I think it was obvious she was next in line. (Bella is still upset since she was her favorite.)

As for the rest of the bunch, my favorite is still Melissa even though she can be so hyper and spastic at times. If she could calm down and take a deep breath, she is enjoyable and I'd be most likely to cook her food and relate to her. I also really love Jeffery and don't think he is "too zen," but then again, I am used to the California vibe. However, it seems that lately there is something missing with him and I hope he can pull it together and at least get to the top two.

Debbie is funny and friendly and seems to be a fave of the judges but I don't think I'd ever cook her food. Jamika seems so sweet and has a nice personality but she is definitely next if she doesn't snap out of the funk she is in. Again, I'm not sure if I'd cook her food but she is enjoyable to watch, or at least she used to be. Lastly, Michael is a character and he cracks me up with his weirdness. I don't think I'd watch a cooking show with him but he'd be fun to watch (at last for a while) on one of those "educational" cooking shows that interacts with different people and places, sort of like Adam Gertler does.

Speaking of Adam, do you watch his Armchair Judge videos. He is hilarious. Love it! Well, we'll see what happens next week! ;-)

I love to make enchiladas but I didn't like the fact that it was a bit time consuming. Now when I want the taste without all the frying and rolling, I make this enchilada casserole instead. (Note: I don't care for the taste of canned sauce so I use a sauce recipe my dad put together. If you like the canned stuff, you can sub with that instead.)

Ingredients for Sauce

1 28oz can of tomato sauce
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
1-3 tsp of chili powder (For flavor but mild heat, use only 1 tsp. You can add more after if you'd like.)
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Casserole/Lasagna

2 dozen tortillas (estimate)
Cheese - Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or a Mexican Blend (I usually make sure I have at least a small block of cheese. You can use more if you want it extra cheesy.)
Filling - You can pretty much use anything you like: beef, carnitas, turkey, chicken, fish or just cheese. You can get as fancy or as simple as you'd like. My family especially likes when I use 1 lb of ground lean turkey, 1 sautéed chopped onion, 3 sautéed minced garlic cloves, 1 can chopped olives and salt & pepper.

To Assemble

Mix the sauce ingredients together. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Let cool. (Note: This is enough sauce for a 13x9 baking dish.)

Warm about 2 dozen corn tortillas. (You can substitute with flour also.) You can use a grill to warm them and place them in a folded dish to keep them soft. You can also warm them in the oven wrapped in tin foil.

Cut the tortillas in half. Spread sauce on the bottom of you pan. Make a layer the tortillas. Spread sauce to cover tortillas. Make a layer of your filling. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with sauce. Make another layer of tortillas. Repeat the process 2-3 more times, depending on how thick you want it.

Cover the dish with tin foil. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Take out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Brian and I watched the first episode of this season's Next Food Network Star. Brian knew who was going home before the (difficult!) challenge was over. It took me longer to guess. It looks like it'll be an interesting season, although I don't have an immediate favorite. If you want to find out a little bit more about the contestants, the Food Network Addict has mini-interviews with each. Plus, Bob Tuschman's blog is always a favorite for behind the scenes insight and humor. Enjoy (and let me know who you are rooting for!)

I remember when Brian and I were engaged and we were doing our wedding registry, I added a crockpot to the list. I envisioned all the meals I'd prep before going to work and the ease I'd have serving dinner later in the evening. Well, years later I found my crockpot hidden in the back of the cupboard with the price tag still attached. I decided to dust it off and give it a try and I've been having fun doing it!

I came across this link on a friend's facebook page (thanks, Christina) and have already found a few recipes I want to try. Check it out at http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ .

Speaking of the holidays, if you are looking for an edible Christmas gift, we heartily recommend two gifts that we have received and truly enjoyed.

Mystic Monk Coffee

Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks' great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

(Note: My sis bought Brian the Mystic Monk Coffee for his birthday and he LOVED it! Personally, I am not a coffee drinker but the smell of their hazelnut coffee makes you seriously consider converting!)

Gethsemani Farms

Since 1848, when 44 Trappist monks from the Abbey of Melleray in western France made themselves a new home in the hills of central Kentucky, Gethsemani has been a hardworking community. Supporting themselves at first by farming, the monks now depend on their mail-order sales of homemade fruitcake, cheese and bourbon fudge.

To a Trappist, work is a form of prayer. In fact, the cycle of public prayers the monks chant seven times daily is known as the Work of God, or Opus Dei in Latin. Trappists also pray privately at intervals throughout the day, encountering God through the ancient monastic discipline known as lectio divina, or sacred reading.

(Note: We have only tasted their cheese so far, but it was superb. Make sure to try the "smoked" one. Yum!)