Friday, March 30, 2012

My attempt at Olive Garden's Chicken Marsala

When I initially saw this recipe on Pinterest I knew I had to try it out. Olive Garden Chicken Marsala at home? Yes please! You can find the recipe as it is on their website here. As usual, I changed it up a bit. Here's my take on their recipe:


Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala
Picture courtesy of Olive Garden
Brandon asked if I was going to take a
picture of mine, but my mouth was
already full!

Ingredients
  1. 4 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
  2. 1/2 cup flour
  3. 1 tsp. salt
  4. 1/4 tsp. pepper
  5. 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  6. 2 Tbsp. dried oregano
  7. 5 Tbsp oil
  8. 5 Tbsp butter or margarine
  9. 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
  10. 2 cups Marsala wine
  11. 1/2 c. Wondra

 

  1. Cut chicken breasts in half so that you have eight thin chicken breasts
  2. Stir together flour, salt, pepper and oregano in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. While chicken is cooking, in a separate saucepan heat the other 2 tbsp. oil and 3 tbsp. butter over medium-high heat. Once butter has melted add mushrooms. Cook mushrooms until just tender. Add Marsala wine and simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp. oil and 2 tbsp. butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts on medium heat until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Turn breasts over and cook approximately about 4 more minutes, until both sides are lightly browned and chicken is cooked through.
  5. When sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes, whisk in Wondra, a little at a time, until sauce thickens.
  6. Put chicken breasts on the plate and cover with sauce and mushroom mixture.

Why do I like my take better? I like my chicken a bit crispy. If you follow their instructions exactly the taste will be wonderful, however the coating on the chicken will be quite soggy. I prefer to have the sauce cover the chicken just before serving to prevent that.

Along with this dish I tried a recipe I found for Olive Garden Tuscan potatoes too. It was not akin to Olive Garden's potatoes at all in my opinion. They tasted just fine, but I thoroughly enjoy those encrusted potatoes on the side of my Marsala. I will continue my search on that one.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Take a Chance on Me

Yesterday my Mom scored free tickets to Mamma Mia! and asked if I wanted to go. Although I can't deny that I am a fan of many ABBA songs, I wasn't going to spend the dough to go see the musical. I did see the movie a few years ago and I liked it, but I'm not one to turn down an opportunity to see a musical in person - especially for free!


If you haven't seen it, or are debating, I'd highly recommend it. It's in Seattle at the The Paramount for a very short time. While the music was on the loud side, the musical was comical and the talent was profound. Even sitting up with the birds in the last row on the very end, we didn't miss a thing. With the exception of not being able to see the facial expressions of the talent on stage, it was a most enjoyable experience. I think Lilly would've loved it. Maybe I will take her next year.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Men's T-shirts are NOT meant for girls!

When I was little I was a gymnast. I was on the team and we went to a lot of gymnastic meets. At every one my parents would buy me a t-shirt. And they were great for the gym. I wore them all the time to gymnastics practice (which was a substantial amount of time: 4 nights a week for 3 hours). When I got to be a teenager big, baggy t-shirts were no longer my thing. And they still aren't. I like a fitted t-shirt - a girl's t-shirt.

Unfortunately, I still have some regular t-shirts. I've gotten them from conferences, from friends or family from vacations, or I've picked them up because they were the only kind of t-shirt available where I was and wanted a souvenir. With my addiction to Pinterest I've seen lots of ideas of how to transform those baggy men's t-shirts into something I might actually wear.

Since I happen to have 2 of these t-shirts I decided to try out the method I found here by Mrs. Dotson. It's a no-sew so I didn't have to fish my sewing machine out of the mess that is my den right now.

Here's the t-shirt I decided to experiment with
I turned the red t-shirt inside out. Then I brought out one of my favorite shirts and laid it on top of the t-shirt I was modifying. Since I was going to be tying knots with the fabric I drew chalk lines about an inch and a half larger than my favorite shirt.


Then I cut along the chalk lines, as well as along the bottom of the red t-shirt to make it shorter.


I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with the sleeves. They are kind of long and way too wide but I really didn't want to hem them so I didn't want to cut them. I decided to continue the cut of the curve into the sleeve and just make the shirt have sleeves that reached my elbows.

Here's what it looks like after it's all cut up:


At this point you could just sew a hem all along the cuts. That's what I'm planning to do with the other shirt I have like this. For the no-sew method though out come the scissors.


Make small cuts all the way up the cut sides continuing on to the sleeves as well. Once all of the cuts are made comes the tedious task of knotting each pair of cut fringe.


I suppose you could put the fringe on the outside of the shirt but I liked the way Mrs. Dotson's looked being on the inside. I don't quite think I could pull off the exposed fringe. :)

In the end, I'm pretty happy. I definitely would like to use the sewing machine next time but for now this works. I like to wear a tank under my t-shirts anyway so the little holes are not a problem. I also really like the length of the sleeves.


Now it almost looks like a girls shirt on the hangar too!


Finally a Local 77 t-shirt that looks like it was made for a girl! Think I'll wear it to the Hall on Friday.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Menu #5 of 2012

I struggled with the menu this time. I guess I just really wasn't feeling much inspiration from the recipes I had laying around. I tried scouring some magazines looking for more but they also left me wanting more. Finally I went to my "Yummo" board and the "Food and Drink" section on Pinterest and my interested was piqued.

To prove that I'm actually using the system I put in place here is a picture of my Menu chalkboard for the upcoming two weeks:

I'm still perfecting my chalkboard handwriting...

In case you'd like a more readable copy:
  • Ribeye & Prawns - baked potato - green beans
  • Egg Bake
  • Steak Fajitas
  • Lasagna
  • Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Shrimp Coconut Curry
  • Chicken Chili
  • Olive Garden Chicken Marsala
  • Veggie Tacos
  • Artichoke sausage & Veggie Patties
  • Honey Mustard Pork Roast & Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
  • Veggie Alfredo
  • Make-your-own-pizza Night
  • Birthday outing - Owl & Thistle Irish Pub. Kids: Spaghetti (?)
Three dinners are carried over from last week because my folks took us out to dinner one night for my birthday, we went to birthday dinner for our friend's son and I had forgotten St. Patty's Day Dinner when I wrote the last menu. The new recipes we are trying this time: Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, a new Shrimp Coconut Curry recipe, Veggie Tacos, and Veggie Patties.

Last menu's new recipes went over well. Here are our reviews of the new recipes we tried:

  • BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

  • This recipe is made with the meat leftover from the Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sammies. It combines the chicken with crushed white beans, cheese, onion and bell pepper and cook in fresh flour tortillas. They were delightful. The kids were thrilled with them. This recipe will definitely be moving into the family recipe book.

  • Tortellini Meatball Soup 

  • This recipe was pulled from a magazine and I really can't say enough about it. Homemade mini-meatballs, cheese tortellini and fresh vegetables combine for a delicious (and fast) meal. Paired with a loaf of toasted garlic bread? MMMmmmm is all I can say. The hubs and kiddos instantly wanted it added to repertoire and I couldn't agree more.

  • Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sammies
    This chicken was pretty good. In my opinion  it needed a bit more flavor and could've been cooked a little bit less. Overall because it lends itself to the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas I would try it again. It won't make it into the ol' recipe book yet though.


  • Beef Wasabi Tacos
    I've already posted the recipe for these. They were outstanding and I can't wait to try them in Bahn Mi form. The hubs really enjoyed them even though food with Thai flair is not really his favorite. This kiddos gave them a thumbs up too, even with the Wasabi Sauce, though Lilly thought they were a little messy (she does not like her hands dirty).


  • As always, if you'd like a recipe post and let me know!

    Saturday, March 17, 2012

    Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

    St. Patrick's Day has always been an awesome day for me because it is the day before my birthday. In fact, my Mom was in labor with me all day on St. Patty's Day and I finally decided to make my appearance 49 minutes late. Oh well, we're only a little bit Irish anyway. :)

    Every year for as long as I can remember I have had corned beef & cabbage on St. Pat's. There's just no other alternative. (OK, possibly in college, when I was poor and was at the bar by 4pm I may have skipped on the traditional Irish fare.) This year I was late picking up my corned beef brisket. I even forgot to put it on the last menu. So when I got home today at 3pm I had to cook our meal in a new way instead of my usual crockpot method.

    I will try a recipe from anywhere - magazine, friend's referral, or a newspaper ad. That is where I found the recipe I used (and modified, of course) tonight. It turned out delicious and so I wanted to share.


    Mustard Glazed Corned Beef with Roasted Cabbage, Potatoes and Carrots

    Ingredients:
    1 boneless corned beef brisket (2-3 lbs) with seasoning packet
    8 cloves of peeled and crushed garlic
    1 tsp. whole peppercorns
    2 c. water
    8 tbsp. butter
    1 c. green onions, thinly sliced
    1/2 c. horseradish or horseradish sauce
    1/2 tsp ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp salt
    1 head of green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
    6 red potatoes, washed and cut into quarters
    1-2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut in half
    1/3 c. dijon mustard
    1/4 c. brown sugar

    1. Place oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place brisket in roasting pan; add garlic, contents of seasoning packet, peppercorns and water. Cover with aluminum foil making sure to fold the edges in tight. Put on upper rack of oven and braise for approximately 2 1/2 hours (50 minutes per pound).

    2. Place potatoes in a plastic Ziploc bag. Place butter, green onions, horseradish sauce, pepper, and salt into microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high 1-2 minutes or until melted. Pour a 1/4 of the butter mixture into the bag and shake to coat. Put potatoes on aluminum lined baking sheet. Put carrots in the same bag, add another 1/4 of the butter mixture and shake to coat. Put carrots onto the same baking sheet with the potatoes. Place cabbage on the baking sheet and carefully pour the remaining butter mixture over the cabbage making sure to coat all sides with a pastry brush. Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil and place on the oven rack in the lower part of the oven. Roast for 55 minutes. After 55 minutes, remove the foil and leave in oven for additional 15-20 minutes.

    3. Combine the mustard and the brown sugar in a bowl and stir to combine. When the corned beef is done cooking pull it out of the oven, place the brisket on a baking rack over an aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Set the oven to broil (leave the veggies in the oven) Spread the mustard mixture over the brisket and return to the upper rack in the oven. Broil until glaze becomes bubbly and starts to brown.

    4. Remove everything from the oven, place on a serving dish and bring to the table!

    Beverage Accompaniments
    It wouldn't be St. Patty's Day without a bottle of Guinness. This year I had no luck finding any Harp's Lager anywhere so we couldn't make the traditional Black & Tan's, instead we settled for some Irish Car Bombs. If you've never tried them (and even if you don't like Guinness), I would recommend giving them a try. They are delicious! Here's a recipe:


    3/4 pint Guinness
    1/2 shot Bailey's Irish Cream
    1/2 shot Jameson Irish Whiskey
    Add the Bailey's and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey's on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. This is extremely important! If you don't chug it it will start to curdle - YUCK!

    HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

    Friday, March 16, 2012

    Vegas is Calling

    A few years ago Brie'n and I were sitting at work, loathing the day, dreaming of a warmer, sunnier place. Thoughts of warm weather, sun, and fruity drinks coursed through our minds. And then we decided we should go somewhere, just the girls, and get away from it all. That place: VEGAS.

    I had been to Vegas before that trip, but going with "the girls" was a whole different experience. Brie'n and I flew out a day before the other two gals we were meeting and were thrilled to be in Sin City. We got there late, explored very little and shopped most the next day. That night we met up with two of Brie'ns friends in front of O'Shea's. It did not take long to know that the four of us would get along famously. We got free drinks (courtesy of Brie'ns "assets"), we strolled the Strip with 40's in our hands, we danced the night away...it was a blast and I will never forget it. On the trip home it was decided: this would need to be an every year thing.


    We made good on our promise the following year. We stayed in a better location (MGM Grand is THE BEST!) and enjoyed the lazy river hung over...and still drinking.

    By then the buzz had started. Brie'n and I always had such a good time, and came home with such good stories, our co-workers began to ask us, "When are you going next.....and can I come?" And so we planned it. We collected a bigger group, organized the rooms and flights and it was set. Labor Day weekend 2010! There were a lot of us, and it was crazy, and again we couldn't wait to go back.



    Then this went and happened:


    Two of us original four decided that babies were more important than our annual Vegas trip.... just kidding :) In any case, Vegas missed the "Seattle Girls" in 2011.

    Now that it is 2012 I feel like I'm expecting a phone call any day. "Hello Vegas, yeah, we need some more alcohols and we need some more beers."

    So let's set the date Brie'n. I need something to count down to :)

    Thursday, March 15, 2012

    THE Lemon Cupcakes

    A few years ago I was in search of the perfect lemon cupcake. I could have spent hours messing with a homemade concoction but why, when a modified box cake is just as good, if not better!?! I bought boxes and boxes of every different brand of lemon cake mix and every time I made them I tweaked the recipe just a little bit differently. All of them tasted good (you can't really go wrong with a boxed cake mix), but I have finally perfected the recipe. I used to think that I had to keep all of my tips and tricks to myself, but I've decided it would be criminal to keep these to myself - they're just too good!

    The first and most prominent ingredient is the cake mix. It's from Pillsbury and is their Moist Supreme Cake Mix in Lemon. In our area it seems to be difficult to find but when I run into it I buy every box they have.


    Now for the tweaking:

    The back of the box says that all you need is 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of oil and 3 eggs. The ingredients you'll need to make it my way are:

    1/2 c. water
    1/2 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice (approx 3 lemons)
    1/3 c. oil
    3 eggs
    2 tbsp fresh lemon zest

    Then, follow the directions on the box! Here they are in case you need them:

    1. Set oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with baking cups. (My favorite are these ones from Reynold's.)

    These Reynolds® Baked for You® StayBrite® Baking Cups are THE BEST because they don't get the soggy, oily, see-through look a lot of the baking cup liners get.
    2. Blend cake mix, water, lemon juice, oil, eggs and lemon zest in a large bowl until moistened. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. (I set the timer and mix for exactly two minutes.)

    3. Bake 18-22 minutes. Let fully cool before frosting.

    FROSTING
    Again I have experimented many times with this frosting to get it just right. Here are the ingredients you need:

    3 - 3 1/2 c. powdered sugar
    1/2 c. butter, softened (DO NOT MELT)
    1/3 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice
    1 tbsp. milk
    1 tbsp. lemon zest

    With a mixer, beat together the powdered sugar, butter and lemon juice. Once well combined, add milk and lemon zest. If it seems to thick continue to add lemon juice a tablespoon at a time until the perfect consistency. If you want them to look yellow you could add some food coloring but I prefer to leave it natural.

    Here is what they look like when you're finished:

     I like to add a little slice of candied lemon to make them cuter but it definitely isn't necessary.
    There is something about lemon that is so fresh and delicious. I am constantly asked to bring these to social functions and they really are easy to make.

    Enjoy!