Looking To The Weekend

I know it's only Thursday, but I can't help but look to the upcoming weekend. I ran my errands this morning, and only have to go to the grocery tomorrow. There have been talks of perhaps some smoked ribs, which you know is perfect with a cold Shiner. The kids are begging for a sleepover with friends, hmmm.....how crazy do I feel? My Mom is having another surgery that I will be providing chauffer services for tomorrow, do I really want 3 additional children at my house? Though if I do agree to tomorrow it would be over an done in time for a long weekend.

I got a new book at the liabrary. "The Story of a Marriage" by Andrew Sean Greer. We'll see how that works out. I'm kinda diggin this liabrary thing. I've been going to Barnes and Noble for so many years I forgot what it was like to go pick out a few books and walk away without spending a dime.....

I think I'm going to perform a culinary experiement. It's so hard to get a yummy, warm breakfast with no effort. I don't exactly like to cook breakfast, but my kids love to eat it, as do I. So, I'm going to make a batch of muffin batter, leave in the fridge overnight, and bake the next morning. I'm thinking it will be okay as long as I use the double acting baking powder. I saw Ina Garten do this with a batch she made, I wonder if it works for all. If so, wouldn't that be a great trick to use? What's better than a warm muffin with your coffee? Maybe a warm croissant....

Back In The Saddle Again

Since Megan started school on Monday (4th grade!), I figured it was time to get back to being "organized, and on top of things Mom". I have been a bit lazy with my cooking over the summer, it's just been too hot.

I asked Meg what she wanted for dinner on her first day, and of course she chose her favorite Shrimp Scampi Pasta dinner. We had that Monday night, but last night I was in the mood for something homey. We had brown sugar glazed pork chops, haricot verts (fancy green beans) with EVOO and walnuts, and the greatest mashed potatoes ever! I tried something different with them. I cut my yukon golds into six pieces, and steamed them. Meanwhile, I softened some sliced shallots in butter, and then added milk to warm. Once the potatoes were done, I put them into a bowl to mash and gradually added the milk mixture with S&P. I also used a new glaze on the pork chops. About a 1/4c of b. sugar mixed with 1T of dijon. Yummy! BTW-I got that from Martha's Everyday Food mag-I love that little magazine, what a gem...

Just in case you're wondering, we're having soft tacos tonight....It's hatch chile season.....

It's funny how no matter how old you get, the start of school feels like a new beginning. I can't help but get the house in order, and tweak my routine to try to be even more efficient. I guess those formative years really do stay with us.