I am completely plagiarizing, but this was one of the most delicious things I have ever made - and by made, I mean team cooked with Shayla. :) This was taken from the site howsweeteats.com
Roasted Red Pepper Penne
serves 4
2 large red peppers
3 cloves of garlic
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
4-5 basil leaves, torn
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
4-5 tablespoons olive oil (I used a garlic-infused from Fustinis)
2 cups of dry whole wheat penne
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 thin sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt & pepper for seasoning chicken
To roast peppers: remove core and seeds from peppers and slice into pieces. Lay on a baking sheet and preheat the broiler in your oven. Place under the broiler skin-side up until skins are completely charred and black – this took about 10 minutes for me but will depend on your oven. Just check every 2 minutes or so. Immediately remove peppers from oven and using kitchen tongs, quickly place them in a ziplock bag then seal it. Set aside for 20-30 minutes.
While peppers are “steaming” in the bag, pat the chicken breasts completely dry with a pepper towel, then season them with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown chicken on both sides until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. {I made the chicken the same as this recipe.} Set chicken aside to cool, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet with onions and a sprinkle of salt. Saute over medium-low heat until onions soften and caramelized. Cut chicken into pieces.
Boil water and prepare pasta according to directions. Remove peppers from the bag and peel the skin off to discard. It’s okay if a little bit of char remains as it adds to the flavor. Add peppers, garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, salt and pepper to a food processor. Blend until pureed, then stream in 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil so mixture comes together.
In a large bowl, combine penne with chicken and onions. Add red pepper sauce and toss thoroughly to coat as it is very thick. Serve with additional parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
EmShay
On Friday I got to spend the whole day with my best friend - Shayla. I am convinced that we must have been friends in the preexistence or something and knew that we would need each other here on earth. That may sound stupid or crazy to you, but I don't know what I would have done if I had never known her.
We had never met before our freshman year of college - she grew up in Idaho and I in Utah. We were paired together as roommates in Valley View Tower at Utah State, an all girl dorm style part of campus. Our first bonding moment was unforgettable. I, being a music major, was doing aural homewrk and was humming downward intervals, and then she added one. It sounded familiar, and we realized we had inadvertently hummed something from Phantom of the Opera, which we both happened to really like.
We've been almost inseparable ever since.
Going through life we have both had our share of trials and other things to go through. I have never doubted for a moment that she would be there for me if I needed her. I can tell her things I never tell anyone else. She is the best friend anyone could ever ask for and I am grateful for her every day.
Love you, sis.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
...on alternative sources of revenue...
A song from one of my favorite musicals comes to mind...
And the money kept rolling in from every side
Eva's pretty hands reached out and they reached wide
Now you may feel it should have been a voluntary cause
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling in, you don't ask how
Think of all the people guaranteed a good time now
Eva's called the hungry to her, open up the doors
Never been a fund like the Foundation Eva Peron
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' on in, rollin' on in
Rollin' on in, rollin' on in
On in
Would you like to try a college education?
Own your landlord's house, take the family on vacation?
Eva and her blessed fund can make your dreams come true
Here's all you have to do my friends
Write your name and your dream on a card or a pad or a ticket
Throw it high in the air and should our lady pick it
She will change your way of life for a week or even two
Name me anyone who cares as much as Eva Peron
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out
And the money kept rolling out in all directions
To the poor, to the weak, to the destitute of all complexions
Now cynics claim a little of the cash has gone astray
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out
Mostly I like that song because I have fond memories of our high school marching band marching to it in 7/8 time, and playing the gong and bass drum at the same time... But I also think of it as I see money rolling in and then rolling out again.
Working part time at two places is kind of lame. For now, I feel like I should stay at both places, but I also know in the back of my mind that in order to truly make ends meet I need one or two more alternative sources of income. Some I thought of were:
Playing music for hire - playing in a paying ensemble, playing for weddings, whatever I can get.
Mystery Shopping - I am listed as one, I just need to be better about doing it.
Applying for a promotion at Penney's.
Teaching more private lessons.
That's what I have so far. If everything weren't so darn expensive, it wouldn't be a big deal. ;) Maybe I'll get a couple more ideas when I'm down at UMEA in a few weeks. Sometimes it helps to get others' perspectives.
Amen.
And the money kept rolling in from every side
Eva's pretty hands reached out and they reached wide
Now you may feel it should have been a voluntary cause
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling in, you don't ask how
Think of all the people guaranteed a good time now
Eva's called the hungry to her, open up the doors
Never been a fund like the Foundation Eva Peron
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' on in, rollin' on in
Rollin' on in, rollin' on in
On in
Would you like to try a college education?
Own your landlord's house, take the family on vacation?
Eva and her blessed fund can make your dreams come true
Here's all you have to do my friends
Write your name and your dream on a card or a pad or a ticket
Throw it high in the air and should our lady pick it
She will change your way of life for a week or even two
Name me anyone who cares as much as Eva Peron
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out
And the money kept rolling out in all directions
To the poor, to the weak, to the destitute of all complexions
Now cynics claim a little of the cash has gone astray
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out
Mostly I like that song because I have fond memories of our high school marching band marching to it in 7/8 time, and playing the gong and bass drum at the same time... But I also think of it as I see money rolling in and then rolling out again.
Working part time at two places is kind of lame. For now, I feel like I should stay at both places, but I also know in the back of my mind that in order to truly make ends meet I need one or two more alternative sources of income. Some I thought of were:
Playing music for hire - playing in a paying ensemble, playing for weddings, whatever I can get.
Mystery Shopping - I am listed as one, I just need to be better about doing it.
Applying for a promotion at Penney's.
Teaching more private lessons.
That's what I have so far. If everything weren't so darn expensive, it wouldn't be a big deal. ;) Maybe I'll get a couple more ideas when I'm down at UMEA in a few weeks. Sometimes it helps to get others' perspectives.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
...thoughts and deas keep running through my head...
As some of you know, I am currently teaching band at a charter school (K-9 campus) in Draper. There have been some interesting adjustments to make, but overall it has been a huge growing and learning experience.
Recently, there was another incident in which someone wanted to store yet another thing in the band room that did not belong there. I threw a small tantrum, and it ended up being moved. As I have thought back on the matter and talked with some colleagues, I have come to the realization that there really is not enough space in this building to accommodate all of its occupants.
I began thinking of building additions to the existing building. I was informed that there is not enough land left around the perimeter for this to happen. I tried thinking that if we built on top of the building, that it could work. My coworker mentioned the idea of building an entirely new building. Her point was that the location and existing building are great, but not enough for the current numbers, and that a second building (more specifically a junior high/high school building) would be a more practical solution.
As I was pondering this, a different coworker brought up the idea that I should even think of applying elsewhere, getting a salary rather than part time hourly wage, so that I could pay off my student loans faster and become more financially independent. Though I would hate to leave here, she does have a bit of a point.
Anyway...that's what is on my mind right now. Well, all that I have time to write. I have rehearsal soon. What are your thoughts?
Recently, there was another incident in which someone wanted to store yet another thing in the band room that did not belong there. I threw a small tantrum, and it ended up being moved. As I have thought back on the matter and talked with some colleagues, I have come to the realization that there really is not enough space in this building to accommodate all of its occupants.
I began thinking of building additions to the existing building. I was informed that there is not enough land left around the perimeter for this to happen. I tried thinking that if we built on top of the building, that it could work. My coworker mentioned the idea of building an entirely new building. Her point was that the location and existing building are great, but not enough for the current numbers, and that a second building (more specifically a junior high/high school building) would be a more practical solution.
As I was pondering this, a different coworker brought up the idea that I should even think of applying elsewhere, getting a salary rather than part time hourly wage, so that I could pay off my student loans faster and become more financially independent. Though I would hate to leave here, she does have a bit of a point.
Anyway...that's what is on my mind right now. Well, all that I have time to write. I have rehearsal soon. What are your thoughts?
Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread and Fettucini Alfredo? Yes.
I keep forgetting to take pictures!!
So, I didn't keep as detailed of a record this time, but I'll tell you what I did.
I got a magical bread cookbook for my birthday this past October, and have been waiting for an opportunity to try some of these recipes out. :) Sunday, Kyle's birthday, was such an opportunity. The actual recipe in the book called for onions instead of garlic, but this could not be done because of an allergy...so we did garlic instead, and added a little more cheese. :)
For the Alfredo stuff, I combined butter, a lot of heavy whipping cream, a little bit of half and half, crushed garlic, fresh parsley and cilantro, a TON of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and a tiny dash of nutmeg. We put that on top of a nest of fettucini noodles, Italian spiced grilled chicken, and peas, and topped it all with bacon. Yep. It was pretty delicious.
You are all allowed to be jealous now.
So, I didn't keep as detailed of a record this time, but I'll tell you what I did.
I got a magical bread cookbook for my birthday this past October, and have been waiting for an opportunity to try some of these recipes out. :) Sunday, Kyle's birthday, was such an opportunity. The actual recipe in the book called for onions instead of garlic, but this could not be done because of an allergy...so we did garlic instead, and added a little more cheese. :)
For the Alfredo stuff, I combined butter, a lot of heavy whipping cream, a little bit of half and half, crushed garlic, fresh parsley and cilantro, a TON of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and a tiny dash of nutmeg. We put that on top of a nest of fettucini noodles, Italian spiced grilled chicken, and peas, and topped it all with bacon. Yep. It was pretty delicious.
You are all allowed to be jealous now.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
...chili con carne...con bacon...
My mom and I tried a culinary experiment today - while apart. It was interesting, to say te least, but it ended up tasting delicious. I didn't take a picture this time, but plan to do so in the future. :) Try it at home, if you dare :)
1 cup red kidney beans, dry
1 cup black beans, dry
1 cup white beans, dry
1 cup pinto beans, dry
Garlic powder, to smell
Cayenne pepper powder, to smell
Dried oregano, to smell
Chili powder, to smell
1 tablespoon jalapeno, dried
Celery seed, to smell
Cumin powder, to smell
White pepper, to smell
1 quart tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 1/2 pounds hamburger
A few strips of bacon, cut into tiny pieces
12 green onions, chopped
1/2 habanero pepper
1 anaheim pepper
1 tomatillo
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, copped
I was away for much of the assembly, but you can figure it out :) Enjoy!
1 cup red kidney beans, dry
1 cup black beans, dry
1 cup white beans, dry
1 cup pinto beans, dry
Garlic powder, to smell
Cayenne pepper powder, to smell
Dried oregano, to smell
Chili powder, to smell
1 tablespoon jalapeno, dried
Celery seed, to smell
Cumin powder, to smell
White pepper, to smell
1 quart tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 1/2 pounds hamburger
A few strips of bacon, cut into tiny pieces
12 green onions, chopped
1/2 habanero pepper
1 anaheim pepper
1 tomatillo
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, copped
I was away for much of the assembly, but you can figure it out :) Enjoy!
Friday, January 13, 2012
New Year, New Blog
Wow, looks like it's been, like, a year since I posted anything here... Oops :)
I want to be better about using this. So this year I'll be trying to keep it updated. I guess we could start with a review of 2011, but I feel like that is kind of cliche. I'll work on that through the week and get back to you - but I just wanted to let you all know I'm still alive :)
Emily
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