Easy Spanish/Salsa Rice

We have Mexican food for dinner at least 3-4 times a month around here.  Whether I make fajitas, soft or hard tacos, or my girlfriend's blond enchiladas, I positively love having Spanish rice with said meals.  I once made a fairly time-consuming but super delicious recipe of the stuff from scratch (thanks for sharing, C!) but considering my usual dinner time constraints (i.e. I often don't decide what we're having until an hour before), I decided to try and find something simpler.  I know that a lot of people out there probably have this exact recipe or something very similar but I figured I'd share it anyway.  I found  it on one of my favorite recipe sites:

EASY SALSA RICE

3/4 c. water

3/4 c. salsa (preferrably chunky...not super watery/liquidy)

1 c. uncooked instant rice

Combine water and salsa in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat, stir in rice, and cover.  Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.  Stir and serve.

NOTES:

• I really love making this with medium (or hotter) salsa and then I get the kick I want without actually putting salsa in my fajita or taco.
• The ingredient amounts above are actually for a 1/2 recipe - perfect for 3-4 people.  If making a full batch, use 1 1/2 cups each water and salsa and 2 cups rice.

I seriously just LOVE this rice.  It's SO easy to make and can be thrown together in just a few minutes right before serving.  My favorite ways to eat it are in fajitas/tacos, on the side with enchiladas (some with each bite), and as a base with cheese, avocado, cilantro, tomato, etc. on top to each with tortilla chips.

Little Pumpkins

A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend of ours called me on a Friday afternoon and asked if my kiddies would like to come over and each pick a little pumpkin from the patch/vine they grew in their backyard.  She had already picked the big and medium ones off the vine and thought the kids would get a kick out of coming over and literally picking their own.  Boy, was she ever right!  We happened to have my nephew over to play with Claire and a friend over to play with Hudson so they got to come and join in the fun as well.  Our friend was so cute and had gloves for each of the kids to wear for protection from the thorns.

 

There were a few little ones to choose from and each child was very intent on looking them over before making their decision.  Amazingly enough, none of them had their sights on one that another was looking at.  They each bent, twisted and pulled on their pumpkins until they came loose.  Such proud and happy faces when the job was done!

One funny thing that happened is after we got the pumpkins back to our place and cleaned up, I noticed the amazing curly vine/tendrils hanging off the stem of the pumpkin picked by Hudson's friend (in one of the pics above).  I showed the friend my cool find and you know what he did?  He immediately ripped it off and threw it in the trash.  The best part of his pumpkin tossed aside.  I don't know...maybe it looked too girly or something.

Homemade Peach Jam

I just checked and in terms of posts per month, I'm still a few away from beating my record so far this year (a mind-boggling 8 posts).  That means that after this one, I still have 2 more to knock out in the next week and by golly, I am doing to do it...

Now back to business.

At the end of September and the beginning of this month, I decided to venture into unknown territory in my kitchen.  I made peach jam.  I've made strawberry freezer jam (and strawberry-raspberry...yum) and I've canned peaches and applesauce, too.  I just hadn't done cooked jam of any sort since Mrs. Cosgrove's cooking/home-ec class in high school.  And that was a while ago.

This year my awesome in-laws gave me more peaches than I could have asked for.  Bags upon bags of fresh peaches from their backyard tree.  I would normally can them all but for whatever reason, this year's crop was filled with cute little miniature fruit about the size of large plums - not exactly prime for regular canning.  And so, not wanting to waste all that glorious fruit...

I made a batch of freezer jam.  I searched for recipes on the websites of canning/pectin companies like Ball and Cert-O but could not find a recipe for peach freezer jam for the life of me.  So off I went to various recipe websites and found one that had good reviews.  I had no reason to think that it wouldn't turn out well.  Wrong.  I made an enormous mistake and followed the directions and - please don't scold me for breaking one of my own cardinal cooking/baking rules - I actually purchased (complete waste of money) and used (complete loss of brain power) bottled lemon juice.  I cringe just thinking about it...  The mixture smelled good enough and seemed just fine but a while after spooning it into the little jars, I noticed sugar settling at the bottom of each one.  I knew I had made it correctly.  I had allowed it to sit long enough and stirred the living daylights out of it.  Not cool.  So I furiously dumped every last drop of the stuff back into my ginormous mixing bowl to give it what-for.  In the process, I allowed myself a little taste of the jam.  What I tasted could not be fixed by freezing, by adding sugar, or by some jam-making master of the culinary arts.  There was barely even a hint of peach flavor...it was all sour bottled lemon nastiness in my mouth.  Cringing again.  Yuck.  I seriously just got the heebie jeebies thinking about it again.

Down the drain with that batch.

Next I grew back a few of the brain cells that were lost when I purchased the you-know-what and went back to the store and read every last word on the jars of powdered pectin and boxes of liquid pectin in the store.  Guess what I found in the process.  A recipe for peach freezer jam.  Right there on Ball's jar of powdered pectin.  WHY they couldn't have the same recipe on their website is beyond me but I was happy to find it, purchase the pectin, and get the heck out of there.

Attempt number two at freezer jam was approximately one billion times more successful and tasty than the first time around.  No explanation needed.  I followed these directions and used the fresh lemons that were sitting in my fridge the whole time and it turned out beautifully.  Wonderful taste and gorgeous color...much more like it.

In addition to the batch of freezer jam, I also made 4 separate batches of cooked peach jam.  These are my pride and joy (after my children, of course, but it's a close call).  I lovingly peeled the fruit and finely chopped it by hand before taking my beloved KitchenAid immersion blender and giving it a quick pulverizing.  I think that was my favorite part.  That and using a trick from my canning genius paternal grandma.  It's a trick which many of you probably already know (stainless steel knife in the cold jar absorbs the heat from the boiling jam and the glass doesn't shatter) but I find completely amazing nonetheless.  I also loved that every single jar of the stuff sealed within moments of my turning off and removing the lid from my steam canner.

Proof of my hours in the kitchen (and some time contributed by my awesome mom while she was here...thanks, Mom!) and proof that in spite of having made that unforgivable sin of purchasing bottled lemon juice, I can make real peach jam:

The jar with the white lid is freezer jam, the others are all cooked jam. 

My only problems with the cooked batches are as follows:

a) One batch of 10 or 11 jars didn't set up for whatever lame reason.  It's fairly runny and would probably be good on rolls or pancakes but just didn't turn out like I wanted it to.

b) They are so pretty that I hate to think of giving them all away at Christmas.  So I'm not...I've stockpiled a number of jars for us to use over the coming year.

c) It really tastes so very good.  This isn't really a problem but like my issue with it being pretty - and even though there is absolutely no way that I'd ever be able to eat all of that jam - I am selfish and once again hate to think of giving them all away at Christmas.  So I'm not...

Yes, I am giving away most of the jars.  My question is this: what do I do about the jars of runny jam?  I've already given away a couple of them to understanding friends that didn't mind partaking of my kitchen failure (still don't get why they didn't set...ugh!) but I don't know about the rest.  Do I give them away at Christmas and hope that people aren't offended?  Do I dump them down the drain?  Do you want one?  Help me!

GOOD NEWS...and Two Down, One To Go

Yesterday was a really good day.  Everything went just swimmingly at my appointments yesterday.

Okay - almost swimmingly.  At my 1st appointment of the day with my Neuro, we had the one hiccup of the day when we discovered that the scheduling gal at his office had failed to order a scan of my neck.  Which the doctor had specifically stated.  In his written instructions in my chart.  On a separate line so it wouldn't be missed.  Nice.  Anyway, as for the tumor at the base of my spine, it hasn't grown since we last checked on it two years ago.  Good tumor!  The gal who mixed up my MRI order called me within an hour or so with a time to go in on Monday for the MRI on my neck.  In spite of the stinky-ness of having to have another scan, it'll be good to finally have it done and my Neuro is just going to call me that afternoon with the results so I don't have to go in for another appointment.

We had enough time after meeting with my Neuro to run a quick errand and then get a very yummy lunch at The Dodo.  It was so nice to have a break between appointments...especially considering that we got to go out to lunch without kids and actually enjoy the meal without interruptions.  Ahhhhh!  Oh - and I finished off my meal with a Valium in preparation for the next part of the day.

Next it was up to the university for the MRI on my brain.  I had been informed beforehand by a couple of people (at my ENT's and at the imaging place) that the MRI would be about 45 minutes long...just right to finish up and hurry up to the hospital for my hearing test and meeting with my ENT.  I finished up my paperwork and got changed right as the tech came to get me.  On the way back he informed me that I'd be done within 10-15 minutes.  What?!  Turns out that my ENT ordered a fairly basic scan without the usual 2nd part with an injection of contrast.  True to the tech's word, I was done in less than 15 minutes.  I totally could have done that fast of a scan without Valium.  What a waste of a perfectly good pill.

Up at the hospital my hearing test went well.  No change since last year - I have very good hearing in my right ear and I couldn't be more grateful.  As for my ENT, he was happy to tell us that the tumor in my brain/inner ear hasn't grown since last year.  Additionally, since it hasn't grown since I was diagnosed 4 years ago, he is now comfortable with extending my checkups to 18 months apart rather than a year.  I can certainly handle that!  This means that I won't have to have another MRI or appointment (besides the scan on Monday) until April 2013 and Fall 2013 unless I have problems.  Hurrah!

I am so grateful for how everything went yesterday.  Even though there was a mix-up with my scans and I have to go in for an MRI Monday, the doctor (and therefore we) are assuming that since my other tumors haven't grown, the one in my neck is likely to have stayed the same was well.  I'll definitely be posting the results once I have them.

Blessings from heaven...

Yearly Pins & Needles...Or Not

It's that time of year again.  Unfortunately I'm not referring to fall (one of my 2 favorite seasons), baking and soup season, nights wearing slippers and sweaters, or anything else that gives me the warm fuzzies.  It's time for my annual check-ups on my three remaining tumors (right side of brain/inner ear, neck, and back...all benign but can be do a lot of damage considering where they've taken up residence in my central nervous system).  While this has been part of normal for me for the past three years, the week or two before my MRI's and doctors appointments have always found me a nervous basket-case of a stressed out wreck running around on emotional pins and needles.  However, for whatever reason, I've been blessed this year and have felt totally normal and at east about the whole situation.  I still don't enjoy the MRI's (Valium and I are very dear chums) and I'm still a bit nervous about the results but I'm just not thinking about it much or finding it to be that big of a deal.  Thank the heavens above because this is way more preferable than my usual!

I had one MRI Tuesday morning that was about 90 minutes.  I was so relaxed that I actually fell asleep...and woke myself up with my snoring.  Awesome.  However, it ended up turning into two MRI's as I had to go back in the afternoon for a quick 30 minute re-do on a spot as the radiologist wanted clearer thins of the area.  I was a little worried at first when they called me back because the area they wanted re-scanned is close to where the pesky little tumor in my lower back is.  I asked the question flat out and the tech said that it was actually the area where my 2007 surgery was that they needed a better shot of.  So long as it doesn't mean that the tumor they removed is back, I'm totally fine with it.

Today is a bigger day than Tuesday way.  This morning I'll meet with my Neurosurgeon who handles my back and neck to see what the results of the other day's MRI's are.  A couple of hours later it's another Valium for me and an MRI of my brain (only supposed to be 45 minutes but I still need some help to relax) before a hearing test and an appointment with my ENT Neuro about the one in my brain/inner ear.  That one always scares me a little more since the hearing in my only good ear is threatened should that little bugger grow (for those of you who don't know, I'm stone deaf in the left ear with no cochlear life so no hearing aid, implant, etc. can help).  Even with that knowledge and fear in the back of my head, I'm still feeling okay about the day ahead of me.  Here's crossing my fingers, saying my prayers, and hoping with all the hope I have in me that none of my tumors has grown and that I get to go another year before checking again.

Wish me luck!  I'll post results tonight or tomorrow...

Tillamook Everyday Macaroni & Cheese

Back when the weather was hotter and I didn't want anything to do with a stove or oven, I made homemade macaroni and cheese one day.  This involved both my stove and my oven.  Fabulous.  But heating up my kitchen was entirely worth it because this stuff was quite tasty!  Helping increase the tasty factor was the fact that the recipe was from Tillamook, almighty creator of amazing cheese and ice cream (and other stuff, too, but those are most important around here).  I found the recipe in my beloved Sunset magazine some time ago and having always been a fan of real mac n' cheese, I decided that it was a must-try.

THE EVERYDAY MACARONI AND CHEESE

8 oz. dry elbow macaroni

2 1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. Tillamook Unsalted Butter

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 c. whole milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 1/2 c. (about 10 oz.) Tillamook Medium Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided

In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil.  Add 2 1/2 tsp. salt and macaroni.  Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally.  Pasta is done when it is slightly chewy to the bite or al dente.  Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Prepare sauce while pasta is cooking.  In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter.  Whisk in flour and cook 3 minutes, whisking constantly.  Gradually add milk and bring just to a boil, whisking constantly.  Reduce heat and simmer, whisking often (tired of that word yet?), until sauce slightly thickens, 4 to 5 minutes.  Add salt, pepper and 2 cups of cheese.  Stir until cheese is melted.  Remove pan from heat and fold in pasta.  Pour into prepared baking dish then sprinkle top with remaining cheese.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes (they didn't give a temp so I did 350) or until cheese is bubbly and top begins to brown.  Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

NOTES:

• I used more like 12 oz. pasta and liked the consistency...not too creamy or overbearing.
• I used 2% milk instead of whole and it turned out swell.  I'm sure it'd be a bit richer/creamier with the whole milk but it really didn't seem to be a problem.
• If you like a good, strong cheese flavor, go with Tillamook's SHARP cheese instead. While we're normally sharp cheese eaters, all we had in the fridge that day was the medium that the recipe called for....it was a little on the mild side for me. I really wish I had made it with sharp and will definitely be doing so next time.
• Lastly - sit down for this one 'cause it's a real shocker - I shredded more cheese than the recipe called for.  1/2 cup of the good stuff just wasn't enough for the top.  If you like it cheesy, don't be shy!

This recipe was a definite hit for both me and my kiddies.  Both kids were apprehensive about trying homemade macaroni and cheese but both wolfed down what I gave them (and I think Hudson had seconds).  Nothing like the real thing!

P.S.  The  weather is now PERFECT for heating up your kitchen...great recipe for the fall and winter months.

My Birthday Cake (from back in August...)

At the end of August, I commented on FB how excited I was for the birthday cake I was making for myself.  I had a few people comment that one shouldn't have to bake his/her own birthday cake but I really was beyond fine with it.  I wanted to make this cake.

This cake just so happens to be one of my all-time favorites.  It's right up there with Princess Cake from Gayle's in Capitola and Banana Cake from Icing on the Cake in Los Gatos (both in my native California).  It's my Grandma B's recipe and it is the cake that I wanted for my birthday every year growing up.  It is also my dad's favorite and I do believe my other siblings requested it frequently as well.  Up unti my birthday this year, I hadn't had it since my Grandma's funeral back in 2004.  That's a long time to go without.

Now I'm not currently willing to give up the recipe...but I'm more than happy to tell you about it...

In preparing to make this cake, I called my mom.  Being sure that she had always made this deliciousness from scratch, I asked for her Angel Food Cake recipe.  She told me to go and buy whatever boxed mix was at the store.  Now I know her secret...bwa ha ha ha!  Now don't go thinking that this is just a receipe for basic Angel Food Cake.  This treat is all about the filling/frosting which -  if no Angel Food Cake is available - can easily be consumed by the spoonful.  It's a glorious combination of heavy whipping cream, crushed pineapple, gelatin, and a few other ingredients.  Did you think I was actually going to list everything needed?  I think not.

The cake itself wasn't a big deal to make.  I actually whipped it up the night before and made sure it cooled completely before I hit the sack.  In the morning I went to work on the filling.  It's not a difficult process...just a bit on the time-consuming side.  Once the filling is made, the cake is sliced in half horizontally and the filling is spread in between the layers and then over the whole thing.  Then, in order to keep it from getting melty or sliding around, it has to be kept in the fridge until serving (really should be chilled for a few hours or overnight).  I was especially thankful for my second fridge downstairs that day because between the cake pedestal and the dome, it took up a whole lotta space!

Now, before I stick the pictures in here, I must offer an apology to my friend Katie.  I had promised her a) a photo of this fabulous cake in all its glory and b) to post said picture right away.  Neither of these promises were kept.  We cut into the cake and had 2nds before thinking to take a picture and I'm just now sharing pictures of the half-eaten cake now that it's been well over a month since my birthday.  I'm really sorry, Katie...maybe next time I'll be able to keep my hand from shoveling something into my mouth before I can grab the camera.

This is a side view that almost looks like a complete cake without any damage or consumption having taken place.

What the cake really looked like once I decided to take a picture.  Those squiggly and swiped lines on the pedestal may or may not be spots where one or more people helped clean off any extra filling from where the rest of the cake once stood.

The cake was positively dee-lish-us and while the three weirdies that I live with don't love the cake as much as I do, I think I'll be making this puppy for my birthday just about every year from here on out.  Yum.  Oh - and speaking of yum, the leftovers are positively wonderful.  Every bit as good on days 2 and 3 as the original was on day 1.  Mmmmmmm.

The Scariest Thing...

I can't believe that October is already here.  Halloween is dead ahead, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Santa will be here before we know it (and is already in stores!).

I haven't always been a big fan of Halloween.  Of course my love for candy has been there since time began...Reese's PB Cups, 3 Musketeers, Butterfingers, M&M's, etc. (chocolate, anyone?) and as I've gotten older, I've grown to enjoy some of the cuter, less frightening or eerie decor.  I think the most frightening thing I have in my Halloween collection is a darling vintage-looking mounted ghost cut-out that sits on our piano.

Now, all the skeletons, bats, ghouls, and other creepy things aside, there is one thing about this October in particular that really gives me a fright: how little blogging I've done this year and how much I have to catch up on.  As of today, I have barely passed 1/3 of how much I posted last year.  And I thought last year was bad (less than 1/2 of the year before).  Will someone please send the blogging bug my way again so it can give me a good bite?  Or two or three...