QUOTE OF THE WEEK

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Before cooking, soak the clams thoroughly to enhance their sweetness. I place them in a container, cover with water, add a touch of cornmeal, and keep them cool in the fridge for about an hour. This was absolutely delicious and looks like it came from a 5 star restaurant. One of my co-workers had made it and gave me the recipe. I doubled the recipe so we would have left overs. If you like it on the hot side, like we do, just add a little more of the chipotle chilis. Enjoy!!

Shellfish with Chipotle and Tequila

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large)
1/2 cup chopped red bell peppe
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup tequila
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped seeded chipotle chile, canned in adobo sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
24 littleneck clams
1/2 pound sea scallops
1/2 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Preparation
1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add yellow onion, bell pepper, black pepper, and salt to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups water and next 10 ingredients (through chicken broth) to pan. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Arrange clams in a steamer. Cover and steam over boiling water 8 minutes or until shells open. Discard any unopened shells; set aside.
3. Add scallops and shrimp to tomato mixture; cook 7 minutes or just until done. Ladle 2 cups soup into each of 4 large shallow bowls; top each serving with 6 clams, 1 tablespoon cilantro, and 1 tablespoon green onions.

24

I came across this and thought it was pretty funny so I thought I would share it.  Everyone knows how much I love Jack Bauer and he did save my life once!

Here are some Bauerisms for your enjoyment!(Courtesy ofwww.funnyandjokes.com)
1.If you wake up in the morning, it’s because Jack Bauer spared your life.
2.Upon hearing that he was played by KieferSutherland, Jack Bauer killed Sutherland. Jack Bauer gets played by no man.
3.If Jack Bauer was in a room with Hitler, Stalin, and Nina Meyers, and he had a gun with 2 bullets, he’d shoot Nina twice.
4.Jack Bauer killed 93 people in just 4 days time. Wait, that is a real fact.
5.Jack Bauer got Hellen Keller to talk.
6.Jack Bauer was never addicted to heroin. Heroin was addicted to Jack Bauer.
7.Jack Bauer’s favorite color is severe terror alert red. His second favorite color is violet, but just because it sounds like violent.
8.1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight.
9.Jack Bauer doesn't miss. If he didn't’t hit you it's because he was shooting at another terrorist twelve miles away.
10.As a child, Jack Bauer’s first words were “There’s no time!”

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

I decided rather than go out for Valentine's Day I would make dinner for my husband. My menu included king crab legs with drawn butter, sauteed seasoned green beans with fresh parmesan cheese, sweet potatoes and dipped strawberries for dessert. Of course the dinner wouldn't be complete without pomegrante martinis!!

PAJAMA GRAM

                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

     My sweet husband sent me a pajamagram for Valentine's Day and the pajamas are so cute. They send them to you in a mesh hat box with ribbons and a sachet. They have pjs for all ages and for both sexes. I first received one from Jed and Ashlee for my birthday. So if you are ever looking for a gift other than flowers or chocolates check them out.

VALENTINE ARRANGEMENT

A Rose Is a Rose
This rose heart is sure to be a hit, whether you create your own arrangement or order it from a florist. A shaped block of wet floral foam is covered with rosebuds. Green leaves are pinned to the sides to cover the remaining foam.

I just love this arrangement from Better Homes and Gardens.  It is very easy to make and and fairly inexpensive when you buy your roses from Costco. You can get 2 dozen for $15.00.  You can't beat that.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

CHICKEN AND ARTICHOKE CASSEROLE

1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced                1/8 tsp pepper

2 tbsp butter                                                 3/4 cup light cream( half & half)

1 can (14 oz) chicken broth                          1/2 cup parmesan cheese

6 chicken breasts                                           1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour    1/4 tsp salt

Saute mushrooms in 2 tbsp butter until golden brown. Set aside. Put chicken breasts in simmering broth in a single layer. Cover and cook 20 minutes. Remove from broth. (Save 3/4 cup broth). Place chicken in 8x13 casserole. Top with artichoke hearts. Set aside. Melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup broth and light cream. Cook and stir as mixture boils and thickens.  blend in parmesan cheese and rosemary. Pour over artichokes and chicken. Sprinkle with mushrooms. Bake for 35-40 minutes