And the Winner is…

.Best Oscar MomentsThe Oscars are this Sunday. They used to be in late March every year, but now they move around. One thing that never changes – they are always on a school night. For many years I would record them so my daughter and I could watch them together at a more convenient time. The element of surprise was ruined by newspapers and radio of course, but the winners were only a small part of the fun anyway.

It takes 3 VHS tapes to capture all the magic. The Oscar Pre-Shows and Red Carpet walks are a big part of our Oscar watching tradition. We became the self-appointed fashion police (as we curled up on the couch in our pajamas, munching popcorn). No designer gown or hair-do would pass without our critique.

Many hours Ooh-ing, Ahh-ing and giggling like loonies (thank you, Bjork!) were had. I began to treasure our annual tradition as my daughter grew up. Even in the most gloomy throes of our mother-daughter relationship, the Oscars transcended it all and became a “quality time” shared between us.

This year will be tough. I am down here (Southern CA) and she is up there (Northern CA), so the Oscars will have to be aired in late March, compliments of my DVR. I’m OK with that. I already know who the winner is. Me!!

Blogging Under the Influence

Articulation of the mandible. Medial aspect.
Image via Wikipedia

Not recommended.

Doing anything related to the Internet while under the influence of something (other than muse) is a VERY BAD IDEA.

So, why the heck am I writing this today? I should go to bed and read a book, or watch HBO. But no, I am here writing a new post, telling YOU not to do what I am doing now. How hypocritical of me.  I have a feeling I’m going to regret this tonight.

For the past month I have dealt with some very serious pain. Temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) issues. My physical therapist suggested I ask my doctor to prescribe a pain-killer & muscle relaxant. I picked them up this afternoon. To be nearly pain-free for the first time in weeks is exhilarating. I want to write. I want to crochet. I even want to write-up documentation for work.

But I can’t. Because my brain is fuzzy. Yes, I know, but even more than usual. I have to squint my eyes around bright lights, so I have my laptop actually in my lap, sitting on the couch because the light over the kitchen table was too bright and the glare was starting to piss me off..

I catch myself staring at nothing. My eyelids are heavy. I think I need another nap. I have fallen asleep three times since starting this post.

I can only imagine how bored YOU must be….

Main Dishes

Future Cookbook

The Cookbook Saga continues….

I did not realize the vast collection of recipes crammed into my Main Dish file. I was getting tired of this section, when to my delight I came across recipes that I had originated in the early 90’s. I used to be so creative in the kitchen! Creativity can work against you with some dishes. For example, if you modify a crock pot recipe it can go very, very wrong.

Usually I get new recipes from Taste of Home magazine, or the food section of the local newspaper.  Friends and relatives are a good source, and I am not too shy to ask a waitress for “take out” recipes. I proudly have in my possession the Cheddar Bay Biscuit recipe from Red Lobster Logo

Just because I have a recipe for a wonderful dish, doesn’t mean I won’t tamper with it.  I can’t help myself. A little of this, some of that, disregard those things, etc.  Always looking for the Perfect Meal.

However, lately I am looking for the Easy Meal. I have spent over 1/2 my life in the kitchen and I want to explore the other rooms now. Most “easy” meals seem to have common ingredients. Condensed Cream of Something and Bisquick. Oh well. An example of:  You Can’t Have Your Easy and Like it Too.

I will share with you one of the tastiest “easy” entreés I conjured up.

Pasta with Asparagus & Mushrooms
1 small package of Vermicelli or Spaghetti
1 bunch of fresh Asparagus
6-10 fresh large white Mushrooms
1-2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 Tbls Butter
2 Tbls Olive Oil

Break pasta in half and cook according to package directions. Rinse in warm water and drain.
Clean veggies. Cut asparagus into 2 inch pieces, slice mushrooms.
In a large non-stick pan, sauté the garlic in butter & oil for a minute on medium heat. Add the asparagus and mushrooms. Cook on medium-low heat until asparagus is tender. Add pasta and toss until evenly coated. Salt and Pepper to taste. (May need to sprinkle more olive oil if pasta not coated well.)  Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

That’s All Folks. To make it a complete meal toss in some cooked chicken, fish, ham or steak.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~