Choosing Oranges

I had a fun encounter at the grocery store yesterday. I was in the produce section picking out oranges. I have found that if I choose oranges that smell an orange, they are juicier and taste better. So, there I was handling and smelling the oranges when an elderly gentleman comes over to make his selection. He turns to me and asks if I want to know the best way to choose an orange? Hoping to glean from his wisdom, I nodded. He said, you smell them, feel them, and then put on a blindfold and put a few in your bag! We had a good laugh, I picked out a few and went on my way.

An Impromptu Trip to the Coast

At the last minute, Ben and I decided to take advantage of the warm weather, and some time off from work, and spend a day at the coast. It was delightful!

We had brunch at Camp 18....our favorite stop on the way to the coast. Their breakfasts are delicious! Last time we were there, Ben had their cinnamon roll. It was bigger than his hand and topped with an ice cream scoop of butter. We don't get that every time :) The restaurant is also famous for its flat cars, pancakes the size of a plate! We both got their french toast topped with real maple syrup!

After breakfast, we headed to our destination: The Tillamook Cheese Factory. On the way there, Ben decided to stop off near Rockaway Bay to stretch his legs and walk along the jetty.

After enjoying the warm sun, we headed off to Tillamook.

Here I am ready to sample the many flavors of yummy ice cream!

Before we sampled their wares, we took a little tour of the factory. We went to the second story and looked down through a window overlooking the workers slicing, packaging, and inspecting the cheese. It was fun to watch the process, but I felt kind of bad for the employees who had to be in the spotlight!

While we watched, there was a video playing that narrated the history and day to day operations of the company. It was informative, but it also reminded me of a scene in I Love Trouble, the movie where Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte played rival journalists who are working to solve a crime. Have you seen it? It was one of my favorites when I was younger. I don't know if it has withstood the test of time. The video at the factory reminded me of the scene at Chess laboratories where they show the tour of the company. (I'd say more, but I'd hate to spoil it ;))

I also really loved seeing these early ads!

Before we headed home, we enjoyed some nice ice cream (I love their mountain huckleberry, and Ben loves chocolate chip cookie dough) and picked up some cheese curds and a pepperoni stick to snack on during the drive!

I really enjoyed my day. It was relaxing, with perfect weather, and the best company I could ask for!

Menu Plan Monday April 20th, 2009

I have a lot of really good chicken recipes that Ben loves. Last Saturday, I made the Garlic Lime Chicken and Ben declared it the best ever! It has already gone in the family favorites cookbook! I agreed, it was delicious. Plus, it was incredibly easy to make. I made a couple of changes. I didn't have garlic powder, but I did have garlic salt. I omitted the salt, and just used that. I also didn't have onion powder, or paprika, so I omitted those too. (Just imagine how tasty it will be the next time I make it with all the ingredients). I also pounded the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking. I will use the leftover chicken for Monday's tacos! Yum!

This week is a bit off as I will be working at a two day conference, so I won't be home for dinner Friday night, and I will be much too tired to cook on Saturday!

Monday: Taco night with leftover garlic lime chicken! (I have a picture coming, but my camera battery is charging) :)
Tuesday: Home Group...I'll bring oatmeal raisin and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
Wednesday: Church Group, leftovers, and I'll bring carrot cake (I need to use up the pineapple left over from a carrot cake I made earlier).
Thursday: Trying my hand at a roast in the crockpot. Chuck roast is on sale at Albertson's. The last roast I tried turned out very dry, so I am searching for the best recipes this time around. I'd love any suggestions!
Friday: FFY
Saturday: Eating out....or my Hubby is fixing dinner, which ever is fine with me...(and putting my feet up with a good movie).

For more menu plans, visit Laura at Org. Junkie!!

Maggiano's Little Italy

On a trip out of town a few weeks ago, a friend and I visited Maggiano's Little Italy. I hadn't heard of it before, so I thought the restaurant was local. When I returned home, I researched it online and found that it was a chain and located across the country. If you have one near you, I highly recommend it! First off, the atmosphere was charming. The walls were covered with black and white family portraits, Sinatra and Dean Martin serenaded us, and the table was set beautiful white plates with a light red rose pattern. I was quite impressed and dinner hadn't even been served!

The prices are slightly more expensive than Olive Garden (no complimentary salad with this meal), but it was still affordable for a nice night out. Some meals had the option of a half order, or a few dollars less. I chose their special. The name escapes me, but it consisted of tortellini's stuffed with chicken that had been infused with truffle oil (fancy, I know), served with a white wine sauce, ham, tomatoes, and spinach. It was delicious! I chose the half plate, and for 12.50, it was the perfect amount.

My friend ordered their chicken spinach manicotti in an alfredo sauce and topped with their house cheese. It too was delicious, but quite rich. One or two bites was enough for me!

I was impressed with their selection. Apparently, their chopped salads are also popular.

For dessert, we took the waiter's recommendation and ordered their cheesecake with fresh strawberry sauce. This was one of the best cheesecake's I've ever had. It was not to sweet, nor too strong of a cheese flavor. I savored every bite!

I cannot wait to go back....this time, I'm taking Ben!

Menu Plan Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter dinner went really well. The pork chops were a hit. I also successfully used my new silicone steamer to make some delicious cooked carrots! My mother in law brought over a spice cake with apple pie filling from Living on a Dime. (I cannot find the recipe online, but it was delicious!) It's official name is "Glorified Spice Cake," which we thought was quite appropriate for Easter!

Unfortunately, I haven't given much thought at all to dinner this week! I will post a tentative list below, but I hope to glean more ideas from the other menu's on Laura's Menu Plan Monday at Org. Junkie.com.

Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: We didn't have group last week, so I didn't make the Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup. I'm making it this week instead. I think we'll have one more day of rainy weather tomorrow before it warms up, so soup should be perfect!
Wednesday: Church Group: I have an abundance of lettuce, and not a lot of time to prepare something, so I'll put together a quick salad for tonight.
Thursday: To Be Determined!
Friday: I checked out Leanne Ely's Saving Dinner and I really want to try some of the recipes from it. I think I will try her Garlic Lime Chicken. Have any of you tried it? Is it good?
Saturday: My Ham, Peas and Noodle Dish (We've officially coined this the Noodley Dish) . It's really quick, creamy and yummy. Plus it is a great way to use up leftover ham, and get non pea lovers to eat peas! I'll try and remember to post a pic at the end of the week.

Sunday Morning Praise: He is Risen!

(Photo Courtesy of FreeFoto.com)

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!
Praise Him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

A New Favorite....