Growing Cousins

June 27, 2011

September 9,2011

They're growing like weeds!

French Fries

I don't really like Rachael Ray's cooking show on the Food Network, but I sometimes watch her talk show on ABC in the mornings.

Not every morning.

Just like once a week or so.

She taught me a new (and I think better) way to cook fries.

First cut up fries and toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place one of those cooling racks used to cool cookies and cupcakes on a baking sheet. Place the fries on the rack. This allows the fries to bake more evenly, and it makes the fries crispier. In other words, the fries are so soggy. This was a problem I've been having. You may not have this problem.

Place fries in a preheated 400 degree oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

Take the fries out, and turn the oven up to 425 degrees. Don't put fries back in until oven has reached desired temp.

Before you put fries back in oven you could toss them with garlic or herbs for more flavor. Leave fries in 425 oven for 15-20 minutes until your desired crispiness.

Mine look a little burnt, but they weren't. They were crispy on the outside and a little soft on the inside. Just the way I like them.

*cook longer for crispier fries

Her official recipe can be found HERE. She has a few more helpful tips about cutting up fries and such.

Game Day

We're a spirited bunch over here!

Even after the game these cousins remained civil.

And because I've been giving you a lot of baby pictures lately, I'll throw in a recipe.

Smoked Chicken Legs

Click HERE for recipe.
It's the Neely's again.

The recipe uses one whole chicken, but we like to use chicken legs.
We smoked them for about 2 hours.

They are divine!

I hope you had a good game day experience.
Unless you're a STATE fan.

3 MONTHS (yesterday)

Tropical Storm Lee

Tropical Storm Lee can't ruin our good time!

This past weekend we went to Carillon Beach in Florida. It rained most of the time we were there.

One of my best friends was getting married on the beach. This would be my first beach wedding. I was really excited! However, because of Tropical Storm Lee, plans were changed, and the ceremony was in the chapel. We did have a beach rehearsal, and it was a tad bit windy.

These waves are nothing compared to how big they were on Saturday.

Nick was on baby duty. I owe him a big thank you! He was in charge of Millie for the weekend. I feel like I only changed one diaper the entire time. I think they both enjoyed their weekend of bonding.

All the bridesmaids with the bride at the rehearsal dinner.

This bucket of goodies was in our room when we arrived. I have thoroughly enjoyed it!

Wedding day!

Even though it rained, I think everything was wonderful!

Me and Lauren getting ready with the bride!

The Beautiful Bride!

Coming to the floor for their first dance!

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Newman

Millie arrived looking good in her orange stroller. She is not even 3 months old, and she has already been to 2 weddings.

Nick still on duty.

me and my baby

Even though the wedding did not go according to plan, the pictures and ceremony were beautiful! Everyone got teared up watching both dads cry through the whole thing. Being inside meant we didn't have to fight the wind, sound of the waves, and possible rain. I also really enjoyed myself at the reception despite the fact that the groom's cake was Alabama's stadium. I didn't even let out a War Eagle all day in honor of the bride and all the surrounding BAMA fans!

Laura, I loved being part of your wedding! I wish you and Matt a lifetime of happiness. And remember, according to some, rain on your wedding day means you will have good luck and one day become rich!

The weather was not any better when we left FL. I hate driving or riding in the rain. I get real nervous. Just ask Nick. So halfway home I got in the backseat with Millie and the car DVD player. I enjoyed a few Friends episodes. I don't think this was the purpose for purchasing the DVD player, but until Millie is aware of watching DVD's, I will get plenty of use out of it.

At least TSL brought us some cooler weather. Yesterday I actually got cold walking outside!

Sept. 1st

This month always makes me want to sing this song.

Have a good month!

Real Simple Pasta

Have I mentioned that REAL SIMPLE is my favorite magazine?



I read it from cover to cover



I always have mixed feeling about their recipes.



For example, in a special 'party dip' article, the red pepper, walnut, and tahini dip doesn't sound as appealing as the pimiento cheese dip. However, I did try the spinach and white bean dip, and it was not good. Some recipes are good, and others are a disappointment.



I did find a good pasta dish in July's magazine. Click HERE to see the original recipe. I added chicken and garlic, and I used angel hair pasta because it was in my pantry.



Pasta with Goat Cheese and Basil Oil



You will need:

pasta

3 cups of fresh basil

1/2 cup olive oil

4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese

1 garlic clove, minced (more if you like more garlic)

salt and pepper



Directions:

Cook chicken. We cooked ours on the stove. You could grill the chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken from the store. Cook pasta and drain.Combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves with 1/2 cup of olive oil and minced garlic in a blender.

Blend until smooth and pour through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard solids.

Toss the basil oil and pasta together. Add chicken, goat cheese, and fresh basil.Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

This would also make a good side dish if you don't add the chicken.



Next I would like to try their flaky tomato and mozzarella tart using puff pastry. Recipe found HERE. Let's hope this is a good one to try.